Releases
Partner speaks at prestigious European conference
On February 8, 2008, David E. Wood presented a paper at a conference on challenges presented by insolvent and financially troubled companies, given by the Center for International Legal Studies in Salzburg, Austria. Mr. Wood's paper was entitled "Risk And Insurance Management Strategies For European Companies With United States Operations: Hedging Against A Downturn In The American Economy" and was well-received by an audience of German, English, Irish, Romanian, French, Italian and American attorneys.
Information: Contact David Wood at dew@wood-bender.com.
Partner to present overview of insurance law to attorneys
On Jan. 23, David P. Bender, Jr. presented a seminar on "Insurance Basics" as part of Minimum Continuing Legal Education - an ongoing learning program required of all attorneys practicing in California. This session in Ventura, Calif., familiarized participants with commonly used insurance terms and offered strategies for securing coverage for denied claims as well as how to advise clients/policyholders on the levels of coverage they need to address their exposures. Attendees received 1.5 hours of MCLE credit.
Information: Contact David Bender at dpb@wood-bender.com.
Seminar highlights Firm's expertise on cumis counsel
Partner David E. Wood and Senior Counsel David A. Shaneyfelt were co-presenters at a Minimum Continuing Legal Education seminar on "The Right to Cumis Counsel in Construction Defect Claims" in October of last year. The two explained how policyholders can be at risk when insurers balance competing interests. The session also covered conditions that may require insurance companies to pay for a second, independent attorney to defend policyholders against a claim, and how to identify the conflicts of interest that arise (both generally, and within the construction industry) that trigger an appointment of independent counsel. The presenters also dealt with how disputes can be avoided in relation to that appointment.
Wood & Bender frequently provides commentary on key issues related to insurance policy enforcement. Recent releases are listed below:
Hurtado Goes Global on Legal Matters
Caroline Hurtado was chosen out of more than 90 nominations (the most competitive in seven years) to be one of the 2007 40 business and professional leaders in the tri-county region.
A lifetime Ventura County resident, Caroline Hurtado of Camarillo is an attorney with the firm of Wood & Bender.
Before beginning her legal career, Hurtado worked as operations manager for an international distribution corporation. Her involvement in handling complex business matters with pre-eminent corporations such as Alstom Transport, Alcatel, and Mitsubishi gives her the insight and experience necessary to provide counsel in intricate legal matters. She has handled programs for freight consolidation and handling in countries such as England, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Wood-Bender Represents Santa Paula School District In Suit Against Its Own Insurance Pool
Ventura, California - Wood & Bender, LLP, has filed a claim on behalf of the Santa Paula Elementary School District in a case that bears watching by public entities throughout California.
In the suit filed this week in Ventura County Superior Court, the Santa Paula school district alleges the Ventura County Schools Self-Funding Authority and the authority's administrator Gregory B. Bragg & Associates Inc., failed to honor its obligation to pay settlement costs and legal fees in a lawsuit brought against the school district by a contractor hired to upgrade four campuses.
Santa Paula Elementary School District
Versus
Ventura County Schools Self-Funding Authority
The Santa Paula Elementary School District is a member of the VCSSFA, a California joint powers of authority formed for the purpose of creating a liability risk pool, along with other school districts in Ventura County, to cover third-party claims against member school districts.
In 2004, Santa Paula presented a claim to the VCSSFA arising out of a lawsuit in which Santa Paula was named as a defendant. The VCSSFA appointed defense counsel to represent Santa Paula, but in April, 2007, on the eve of trial in that action, and with counsel recommending settlement, the VCSSFA and its third-party claims administrator, Gregory B. Bragg & Associates, Inc., abandoned defense and indemnity obligations to Santa Paula, claiming that the VCSSFA had no obligation to pay Santa Paula's defense costs above $350,000, nor any obligation to pay any settlement or judgment in the pending case.
Wood & Bender, LLP Successful in Court of Appeals On Behalf of a California City
Ventura, California, May 31, 2006–Wood & Bender, LLP, a local law firm with a national legal practice representing corporate policy holders against their insurance carriers recently prevailed in a case on behalf of a California City in the California Court of Appeals.
Spitzer Suit Against Marsh to Open Lawsuit Floodgates and Reopen McCarren-Ferguson Act Debate
SAN FRANCISCO - October 18, 2004 - New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's lawsuit will open a floodgate of policyholder lawsuits and reopen the discussion about the 1945 McCarren-Ferguson Act, which exempts insurance carriers from federal antitrust laws and puts the industry under state regulatory control.
Spitzer Suit Against Major Insurers "Tip of the Iceberg" Notes Insurance Enforcement Attorneys Wood & Bender
SAN FRANCISCO - October 14, 2004 - New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced today his office has sued the nation's leading insurance brokerage firm and that two insurance company executives have pleaded guilty to criminal charges.
World Trade Center Insurance Case Yields Several 'Lessons Learned' Wood & Bender Partners Note
CAMARILLO, Calif., May 5, 2004 -- "The first phase of the World Trade Center case reveals several 'lessons learned' for corporations, nonprofits and public entities..."
Insurance Industry Creates a 'Hard Market' Harmful to American Business during a Tentative Economic Recovery
CAMARILLO, Calif., January 5, 2004 -- A fragile economic recovery worldwide, ongoing war jitters and apprehension among U.S. consumers to spend. Add to the woes of U.S. business...
Martha Stewart's Omnimedia Board May Face Litigation, Directors May Lose D&O Coverage, Insurance Law Expert Notes
CAMARILLO, Calif., March 9, 2004 -- "While loyalty to company founder Martha Stewart may be laudable, Omnimedia's board has added to the company's woes through its actions..."