Articles by Tom Hals

Court Upholds Blockbuster $267M Legal Fee Award in Dell Lawsuit

Five law firms should receive $267 million in legal fees for obtaining a $1 billion settlement for shareholders of Dell Technologies, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday, rejecting arguments that the payment was a windfall. The fee is one …

Fitch Ratings: U.S. Auto Insurer Strong Performance Recovery to Continue Through 2025

More favorable mid-year 2024 results of U.S. personal auto insurers are likely to continue through the end of 2024 and into 2025 due to material price increases and a moderation of claims severity trends “vastly” improving the segment’s profit footing, …

Moody’s Estimates U.S. Private Market Insured Losses for Debby Won’t Exceed $1.5B

Moody’s RMS Event Response estimates U.S. private market insured losses from Hurricane Debby won’t exceed $1.5 billion, which represents insured losses associated with wind, storm surge, and precipitation-induced flooding. Moody’s also estimates losses to the National Flood Insurance Program from …

J&J Near Disclosing Support for Talc Settlement, Sources Say

Johnson & Johnson is preparing to unveil widespread support in coming days for a $6.48 billion offer to settle tens of thousands of legal actions alleging its Baby Powder and other talc products caused cancer, two people familiar with the …

Tropical Storm Ernesto Drenches Puerto Rico on Path North

About 375,000 homes and businesses were in the dark in Puerto Rico after Tropical Storm Ernesto brushed past early Wednesday, pounding the island with torrential rain and winds. The storm is likely to become a hurricane in the coming hours …

Ford, Mazda Advise Against Driving Certain Models Over Takata Airbag Concerns

Ford Motor and Mazda issued advisories to drivers of certain vehicles still affected by faulty Takata airbags and inflators that can cause potentially severe or fatal injuries. The National Highway Safety Administration has previously warned that air bag inflators could …

Texas Attorney General Probes CenterPoint on Beryl Response

The Texas attorney general is investigating CenterPoint Energy Inc. citing potential violation of the state’s law in the utility’s response during Hurricane Beryl, when millions in the Houston area were left without power — some for days in the sweltering …

South Korea Urges Automakers to Disclose EV Battery Brands After Fires

South Korea will urge automakers operating in the country to identify batteries used in their electric vehicles, the government said on Tuesday, as authorities seek to calm public safety concerns after a series of fires involving EVs. The government said …

From the Plaintiffs’ View: Unintended Consequences of Commercial Auto Law on Georgia Insurance

For decades, Georgia’s insurance industry has sought to eliminate the long-standing provision allowing trucking-accident plaintiffs to sue insurance companies directly. This was the single most important issue the industry wanted to see addressed by lawmakers. Now, with the passage of …

FEMA Approves $61M For Iowans Affected by Spring Flooding and Severe Storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved more than $61 million for Iowa residents who experienced damage from this spring’s flooding, severe storms and tornadoes. FEMA said has provided $56 million in Individual Assistance money to help survivors with home repairs, …