Anthony B. Crawford

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An insurance company’s generic reservation of right can lead to a Waiver of a Late Notice Defense

For insurance recovery attorneys, one of the more frustrating ways for a policyholder to lose coverage for a property loss is on the basis of late notice. Property insurance policies generally require the policyholder to give the insurance company “prompt notice” of claims and potential claims. Property policies may specify a timeframe in which the … Continue Reading

COVID-19 event cancellation insurance – good news and bad news

A concert promoter cancels a sold-out show of a world-renowned recording artist, reimbursing millions of dollars in ticket sales as a result.  If the reason for the cancellation was COVID-19, does insurance cover that? Event Cancellation Insurance Basics Event cancellation insurance generally provides coverage only when there has been a triggering event under the policy.  … Continue Reading

Lightening the load: New York Appellate Division rejects heightened pleading standard for policyholders seeking Bi-Economy Market consequential damages

In a recent unanimous decision, the Appellate Division First Department provided clarity on the pleading requirements for policyholders seeking special or consequential damages allowed under the landmark decision of Bi-Economy Market v. Harleysville Insurance Company of New York, 856 N.Y.S.2d 505 (N.Y., Feb. 19, 2008). Under Bi-Economy, policyholders may seek special or consequential damages resulting … Continue Reading

‘Sorry, But You Have Nothing in Common’: The New York Court of Appeals’ Recent Rejection of the ‘Common Interest Doctrine’ Outside the Context of Litigation

The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, recently rejected an attempt to apply the “common interest doctrine,” an exception to the general rule that communicating privileged information to a third party waives the attorney-client privilege, to situations where separately represented parties communicate attorney-client privileged information in connection with transactions or other circumstances … Continue Reading

Harmonizing Risk Transfer: Avoiding Pitfalls With Additional Insured Provisions

Insurance requirements in commercial agreements and corresponding additional insured provisions in insurance policies are important tools to manage and transfer risks. However, far too often those efforts are thwarted by inattention and, in some cases, sloppiness. As exemplified by the disastrous outcome for the contracting parties in Cincinnati Insurance Company v. Vita Food Products, Inc., No. 13 C 05181 (E.D. Ill. January 30, 2015), there are many pitfalls to successfully transfer risk and secure additional insured coverage.… Continue Reading

The End of the Snow Is Still Not the End of the Problems For the Buffalo, NY Area

The Buffalo, New York area has been devastated with record level snowfalls causing widespread damage. Now that the snow has stopped falling, warmer weather and potentially heavy rainfall may cause flooding and will likely exacerbate the losses being experienced. This will complicate insurance claims because policyholders will inevitably face pushback from insurance companies regarding the extent of damage from the snowstorms versus subsequent flooding.… Continue Reading
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