Articles by Andrew G. Simpson

Court Nixes Workers’ Compensation for ‘Light Beer’ Drinking UPS Driver

A United Parcel Service (UPS) driver who was intoxicated when he crashed his semi-trailer delivery truck has been denied workers’ compensation benefits. Delaware Superior Court Judge Kathleen Vavala last week reversed a state Industrial Accident Board (IAB) ruling that Timothy …

Blacks and Hispanics Pay More for Auto Insurance. Study Tries to Answer Why.

A new study examining potential unintentional bias in auto insurance finds that while Black and Hispanic drivers pay more than other drivers for coverage, they also have more claims and driving infractions. The study’s authors accept that higher losses and …

Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Cryptocurrency Theft, 4th Circuit Affirms

A federal appeals court has affirmed that a homeowners insurance policy does not cover the theft of cryptocurrency because the loss of a digital currency does not involve a “direct physical loss” as required by the policy. The Fourth Circuit …

Worker Injured While Drunk on the Job Wins Claim Approval

A worker injured when he fell from a ladder is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits despite the fact he was intoxicated at the time of the accident. An appellate court in New York has upheld a decision of the Workers’ …

Employer, Workers’ Comp Insurer, Survivor Join Baltimore Bridge Collapse Litigation

The road construction firm that employed six workers who were killed and another who was seriously injured in the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge, along with its workers’ compensation carrier, have filed claims against the owner and operator of the …

Hospital to Pay $65M to End Suit Over Cyberattack That Exposed Patients’ Nude Photos

Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to a $65 million settlement of a class action with patients and employees affected by a 2023 ransomware attack that exposed personal and medical information including nude photos of patients. Every settlement class member …

Red Lobster Landlord Sues Insurer to ‘Clawback’ $1.2M Fire Claim Payment

The landlord for a fire-damaged building leased to a Red Lobster restaurant is blaming the restaurant’s insurer for causing it to lose out on $1.2 million in fire insurance claims payments to repair the property. RL New Brunswick Owner LLC, …

Former NFL Player’s $43.5 Million Score in Medical Malpractice Case Upheld

A Philadelphia appeals court has upheld the $43.5 million award to former Philadelphia Eagles’ special teams player and captain Chris Maragos in his medical malpractice claim alleging that failed treatment of a knee injury ended his National Football League (NFL) …

Medical Worker Wants Home Insurance to Cover Her Against Patients’ Data Claims

A Connecticut clinical social worker believes her homeowners insurer should defend and indemnify her against claims she violated patients’ privacy by accessing and sharing their private medical information. She says the lawsuit against her triggers her homeowners coverage because the …

Cannabis Firm Fights Insurer’s Denial of Business Income Loss Claim Following Fire

A Berkshire Hathaway insurer is insisting it does not owe $1.3 million in claimed business income losses to a cannabis growing company after a building fire shuttered one of its “flowering” rooms for 68 days. National Fire and Marine Insurance …