Public sector
News analysis - mesothelioma: getting the right guidance
In light of a recent Supreme Court judgment, which failed to produce the sought after clarity, Brian Goodwin argues that defendants should continue to strive for authoritative guidance on mesothelioma cases.
Political focus - big society: what's the big idea?
The voluntary sector is one set for growth, as the government pushes its Big Society theme. Edward Murray looks at what impact this is having on insurance and how the sector is provided for.
Councils face prospect of speculative asbestos claims
A local authority has failed in its bid to secure clarity over what constitutes a 'material increase' in risk where a mesothelioma claimant's exposure to asbestos is relatively low, arguably leaving councils vulnerable to higher numbers of speculative…
Legal update - winter damage claims
Severe cold snaps during the past two winters have propelled potholes to centre stage, provoking liability claims. Caroline Elson explains the arguments and outcomes of recent cases.
Penny Black’s insurance week
Penny was fortunate to be sunning herself in southern Spain earlier this week. With only a mild case of sunburn to attend to, she was shocked to hear one of her insurer pals had experienced a rather more unfortunate injury on his holiday.
Law report: Damages allocated in sexual abuse claim
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Zurich: mutual court ruling erodes commercial market
Zurich has argued that a Supreme Court ruling over London councils' rights to obtain insurance cover via a self-funded mutual has undermined the value of a "vibrant and competitive commercial insurance market".
Legal expenses - ATE ruling: Playing at being an insurer
Has the recent judgment in Sibthorpe and Morris v London Borough of Southwark put another nail in the coffin of after-the-event insurance? Paul Asplin looks at the result of the case.
Post history - five years ago: Local authority risk moves on
Looking through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
Public sector cuts: Risk management savings - a false economy?
The squeeze on public sector spending is about to get tighter. Jakki May examines the ways in which its employees, brokers and underwriters need to get the best out of insurance, without compromising quality.
Law report: Extent of highway duty needs parliamentary qualification
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Natural catastrophes: A model example of assessing earthquake exposure
Earthquake costs are rising steadily. Jane Bernstein examines insurers' current use of modelling, recent event responses and solution sustainability.
Subsidence - Tree preservation orders: Addressing the root cause
Legislation for tree preservation orders will be changing in the coming year. Keiron Hart examines what these changes mean in practical terms, and whether some opportunities have been lost.
Legal update - Transatlantic triggers: The same but different
Mark Burton and Don Ramsey examine whether the UK can glean potential solutions from the US as the courts continue to wrestle with the thorny issue of what triggers a disease-related EL policy.
Data protection & breaches: Breaches of security
The Information Commissioner recently issued huge fines for data protection breaches. Edward Murray reports on additional costs that could well flow from new notification laws.
Law report: Protective gloves were not of a high enough standard
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Risk update - Health foods & supplements: A healthy risk
Forecasts suggest the global food supplement market could be worth $90bn by 2013. Shaun Randell examines the opportunities and risks insuring this market can bring.
Law report: Court of Appeal upholds school placement decision
This law report was contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Government urged to take flood action
A group of MPs have told the government that more must be done to protect properties that are under threat from flooding.
Health insurance - review of the year: Care crisis or opportunity?
The past 12 months have been tough for health insurance, with a record contraction in policy numbers. Amy Ellis examines recent market developments and asks whether 2011 will be brighter.
Local authorities cut back cover as spending review bites
Local authorities are already cutting their insurance spend as a result of the coalition government austerity measures, insurers have warned.
Law report: Slip ruling crucial as UK austerity drive kicks in
This law report was contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Legal update - effective surveillance: Surveillance strategies
Surveillance techniques are on the increase as a tool to prevent to fraud. Mark Wilcox reports on a recent case that highlights the need for such activities to be carried out by skilled professionals.
Cumbria “better prepared” following £276m floods
Communities and businesses in Cumbria have taken steps to better prepare for floods following the events of last year, research from the Environment Agency has revealed.