Articles
In-depth analysis and commentary on the coverage issues that matter most to policyholders. Written by SDV Fenchurch attorneys, our articles draw on front-line experience across every major insurance type and jurisdiction.
Browse our latest articles below.
Recommendations for Property Owners After A Hurricane: Submit a Claim
If you suffered damage as a result of a hurricane, you should submit a claim under any insurance policy you have that might apply. This includes: • Flood insurance • Homeowner’s insurance • Renter’s insurance • Condo insurance • Auto insurance Some of these policies may have limitations, or even not apply, to losses associated […]
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Identifying and Accessing Coverage in Complex Construction Claims
I. Introduction First-party, third-party, builder’s risk, professional liability, commercial general liability, wrap-ups, and additional insured status are all potential sources of insurance coverage for a large construction loss. Therefore, it is critical for construction industry participants, from owners and developers to general contractors and their subcontractors, to have a functional knowledge of the different types […]
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Status Update – Unpaid Wage Law, New York Senate Bill S2766C
New York has enacted an unpaid wage law that imposes liability upon upstream contractors. Senate Bill S2766C is intended to provide recourse to construction workers whose employers fail to pay wages owed for completed work. Critically, the Bill amends New York’s existing Labor Law and General Business Law to hold upstream contractors liable for any […]
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Eleventh Circuit Confirms Late Notice Killed Coverage for Assault and Murder Claims under Georgia Law
Recently, in Mt. Hawley Ins. Co. v. East Perimeter Pointe Apts.,1 the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the denial of liability coverage for negligent security claims involving an assault and murder at an apartment complex in Georgia, finding that the insured owner of the complex and its property management firm waited too long to notify their […]
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Rather Than Limit Decision to That Particular Part of Developer’s Policy Necessary to Bar Coverage, 10th Circuit Renders Questionable Decision on Exclusion j(6)
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, applying Colorado law, recently extended Colorado’s broad application of the phrase “arising out of” in insurance interpretation, barring an insured real estate developer from receiving a defense to a suit alleging liability for construction of a defective retaining wall and associated resulting damage.1 The decision also included a questionable […]
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Breaking The Ice: A Policyholder’s Guide to Insurance Coverage for Texas Winter Storm Uri Claims
Presented by Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.’s (“SDV”)1 Natural Disaster Recovery Group2 Authored by Kelly A. Johnson3 The devastating extreme cold weather event in Texas often referred to as Winter Storm Uri, which lasted from February 14 to February 18, 2021, caused significant damages to homes and businesses in the region. Temperatures during the winter storm […]
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New York Considers Amendments to Construction Industry Wage Laws that Would Impose Significant Burden Upon Contractors
A bill that would amend the the wage and hour requirements of the New York Labor Law was recently passed by the New York State Legislature and is expected to be signed by Governor Cuomo. Bill Number S2766C (the “Bill”) is intended to protect construction workers against wage theft. However, it places a heavy burden […]
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2021 Construction Law Update chapter by Theresa A. Guertin
Recently, Theresa A. Guertin published a chapter in the 2021 Construction Law Update. This chapter provides an overview of indemnification agreements, the critical lines of insurance coverage most commonly purchased by construction industry players (builder’s risk, commercial general liability (CGL), excess/umbrella, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation), and some significant issues associated with each line of […]
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Recent Events Highlight the Importance of Corporate Entities Assessing Their Cyber Risk
The high-profile cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline Company is a poignant reminder of the new and ever-evolving risks corporate policyholders face. In addition to the risk of loss or damage from conventional causes, such as physical damage to property and equipment, companies must also contemplate their exposure to losses involving electronic transactions and electronically stored information. […]
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