Workers' Compensation Update: February 2010 

This edition of our workers' compensation newsletter explores a recent decision on protective gear; how Medicare and OSHA activities can impact workers' compensation; and a change in thinking from the American Medical Association (AMA).

Cyber Liability Insurance Policies: Affordable Protection for Priceless Coverage 

As businesses rely increasingly on technology and digital information, volumes of data help employees work more efficiently, reach more customers, and engage in new activities. However, when digital constructs are used to threaten, destroy, or misuse data, the resultant property loss and destruction—as well as consequent damage—can be devastating. The insurance industry has responded with a variety of products to address these exposures, discussed in this issue.

Workers' Compensation Update: December 2009 

As we continue to provide information and solutions to help resolve workers' compensation issues and concerns, our newsletter this month focuses on the amended Americans with Disabilities Act. The amended act overturned several landmark Supreme Court decisions that narrowly interpreted the definition of disability and, as a result, employers are already experiencing a drastic change in the way they can defend ADA lawsuits. In this newsletter, we take a look at three recent ADA cases and the new U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines.

Workers' Compensation Update: November 2009 

According to a recent A.M. Best Co. report, the workers’ compensation market will continue to see deterioration through the end of 2009 and into 2010. Though frequency continues to decline, rising medical and prescription costs, increased medical severity, and continued job losses exert significant pressure on workers’ compensation costs, which continue to rise. At the same time, nearly 800 workers’ compensation bills have been introduced to state legislatures. At Integro, we believe the best defense in this market is to empower our clients with knowledge and tools that will help protect against any workers’ compensation risk. This update is the first in a series of updates designed to provide information and solutions to help resolve tough workers’ compensation issues and concerns.

A New Class of Securities Defendants? 

New legislation may clarify and codify scheme liability in a bill titled "The Liability for Aiding and Abetting Securities Violations Act of 2009." Should the bill pass, it would materially change securities liability exposure and have ramifications for executive liability insurance. We discuss the import of this event in our white paper, “A New Class of Securities Defendants? Extending 10b-5 Liability to Secondary Actors."

Shifting Sands 

Over 25,000 EEOC charges last year included claims of age discrimination. A recent pro-employer Supreme Court decision, which refuses to extend legal burden-shifting framework to discrimination cases, is therefore welcome news. The case and its import are discussed in this white paper.

Delaware Legislature Eases Directors Concerns 

The Delaware Legislature recently amended the law to clarify director advancement rights. While good news for directors, it does not eradicate the need for vigilance. Careful examination of corporate by-laws and prudent D&O review remain essential components of an effective risk management strategy.