Timely Notice

Goldberg Segalla’s Christina Holdsworth and Michael Appelbaum join the podcast to talk about social media due diligence before and during trial. Through the lens of his recent trial victory in supreme court, Mike shares his process of researching social media, considerations for presenting social media information to the courtroom, and tactics for moving that information into evidence.

Jason Sutula, principal fire protection engineer at Jensen Hughes, and Bob Hafner, partner in Goldberg Segalla’s Product Liability practice, discuss fire investigations involving lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries. The pair detail what causes these products to fail, as well as innovative developments to mitigate the propensity and effects of failure. Additionally, Jason and Bob delve into the evidence collection process, tips for mitigating exposure to liability following a fire, and how a quick response can be dispositive for insurance industry professionals and product liability practitioners. 

Goldberg Segalla’s Kristin Klein Wheaton and Reshma Khanna join Timely Notice to talk about conducting effective workplace investigations. They discuss what workplace investigations are, what should be investigated, and who should be involved. They also dig into why employers should conduct workplace investigations and how an investigation can serve as a risk management tool in avoiding and minimizing litigation.

Jessica Butkera, a Toxic Tort defense partner in Goldberg Segalla's Baltimore office, joins the show to discuss vaping-related illnesses, or what’s behind the recent label, “Toxic Time Bombs.” Jessica explores why multiple deaths and scores of illnesses have been attributed to using e-cigarettes to vape and why this may only be the beginning given the staggering number of teens and young people vaping. Jessica evaluates if what we’re seeing is the first stages of an epidemic, the epidemiology behind vaping-related illnesses, and why causation between vaping and lung illnesses remains a mystery. Jessica concludes with a discussion of lawsuits alleging vaping-related illnesses, what the insurance industry should know about these vaping injury claims, and whether vaping may be the next big tobacco.

Jared Greisman, co-chair of Goldberg Segalla’s Property Loss Subgroup, returns to the show to discuss first party property insurance claims and the severity of the 2019 hurricane season. Jared spotlights Hurricane Dorian and its recent devastation. He compares Dorian’s effects to other recent major storms. Jared concludes with advice on strategic resource allocation ahead of a major storm, as well as insights into Florida’s assignment of benefits reform law.

Chris Proudlove, of Global Aerospace, discusses the burgeoning industry of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. He addresses the applicable FAA regulations and why they are stymying greater adoption of drones. Chris opines on the types of property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury exposures presented by drones. Chris then explores the various implementation of drones across diverse industries, including the insurance industry, in addition to rules and guidelines operators should consider before flying a drone. Chris closes with his thoughts on key coverage issues that arise in claims involving drones. 

Simon Oddy, of Baker Tilly, joins the show to talk product and food recalls. Simon addresses the reasons for the increase in recall frequency, common mistakes and misconceptions held by manufacturers about the recall process, and the innovative responses by the insurance industry to the drastic increase in recalls.

Goldberg Segalla’s Todd Kremin returns to Timely Notice to update listeners on the implications of cryptocurrency use and the state of initial coin offering disputes.

Demetrius Rush, of Zurich North America, discusses claims involving liability policies with significant deductibles. Demetrius discusses the push and pull in the relationship between a sophisticated policyholder, who must pay a significant portion of an adverse judgment or settlement, and the carrier, who is contractually obligated to provide a defense and resolve claims. Demetrius also discusses the extracontractual challenges where carriers are not allowed to handle the claim as they would prefer.

Goldberg Segalla's Dan Lust returns to the podcast to discuss a recent major injury sustained by Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors. Dan discusses the various theories of liability Durant might allege, as well as how Durant might be able to avoid the workers’ compensation exclusive remedy provision under a theory of fraudulent concealment. Dan also provides his insight on what insurers should take away from this incident, as well as how the industry may prepare to confront athletes’ injury claims going forward.