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Experts’ fees settlement?
Dispute between London market brokers and underwriters as to which should be responsible for paying experts’ fees could be settled. This is through a joint venture between Lloyd’s Policy Signing Office (LPSO) and the London Processing..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Experts’ fees settlement?
Dispute between London market brokers and underwriters as to which should be responsible for paying experts’ fees could be settled. This is through a joint venture between Lloyd’s Policy Signing Office (LPSO) and the London Processing..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Names refused right of appeal
The dissident Lloyd’s Names, led by Sir William Jaffray, have been refused the right of appeal against Mr Justice Cresswell’s decision that Lloyd’s had not recruited them fraudulently. Although the theoretical possibility of an..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Names refused right of appeal
The dissident Lloyd’s Names, led by Sir William Jaffray, have been refused the right of appeal against Mr Justice Cresswell’s decision that Lloyd’s had not recruited them fraudulently. Although the theoretical possibility of an..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Rate increases
More detail of trends during 2000 (see earlier report last month) come from Willis’s Global Aviation Bulletin
. While the trend for hull increases to outstrip liability is confirmed, November hikes of 36.5% liability and 48.5% hull well exceed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Rate increases
More detail of trends during 2000 (see earlier report last month) come from Willis’s Global Aviation Bulletin
. While the trend for hull increases to outstrip liability is confirmed, November hikes of 36.5% liability and 48.5% hull well exceed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Flurries in nonfood recall market
The nonfood recall market is a small worldwide market, estimated at a capacity of less than US$50mn, half of which is in Lloyd’s and the rest in the US, mainly through AIG. Ace in Bermuda withdrew early in 2000.
However, the Firestone/Ford..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Flurries in nonfood recall market
The nonfood recall market is a small worldwide market, estimated at a capacity of less than US$50mn, half of which is in Lloyd’s and the rest in the US, mainly through AIG. Ace in Bermuda withdrew early in 2000.
However, the Firestone/Ford..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Awards and settlements
Top award for unfair dismissal
of computer software expert, £50,000. Although he immediately found another job, the award was on account of lost share options of around £90,000.This is believed to be the first maximum award since the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Awards and settlements
Top award for unfair dismissal
of computer software expert, £50,000. Although he immediately found another job, the award was on account of lost share options of around £90,000.This is believed to be the first maximum award since the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
UK liability market 1999
UK liability insurers say there was a 42% improvement in underwriting results in 1999, following an almost doubling of loss in 1998 arising both from higher claims and expense ratios.
But the year still showed an actual underwriting loss of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
UK liability market 1999
UK liability insurers say there was a 42% improvement in underwriting results in 1999, following an almost doubling of loss in 1998 arising both from higher claims and expense ratios.
But the year still showed an actual underwriting loss of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Events
5th Conference on Behalf of the Professional Indemnity Forum: Evolving Professions, Emerging Exposures
27–29 March • Queen’s College, Cambridge • As always, the conference will analyse recent developments, with a detailed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Events
5th Conference on Behalf of the Professional Indemnity Forum: Evolving Professions, Emerging Exposures
27–29 March • Queen’s College, Cambridge • As always, the conference will analyse recent developments, with a detailed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Human Rights Act’s impact on insurers
Already covered in LRI
in the runup to implementation, we note two recent and interesting commentaries, from somewhat differing standpoints. Colin Ettinger of Irwin Mitchell writes in the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers;..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Human Rights Act’s impact on insurers
Already covered in LRI
in the runup to implementation, we note two recent and interesting commentaries, from somewhat differing standpoints. Colin Ettinger of Irwin Mitchell writes in the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers;..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Planning decisions and human rights
In the first instance of UK law being declared incompatible with the Human Rights Act, the high court, in considering four test cases, has held that the right of the Environment Secretary to ‘call in’ planning applications breached the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Planning decisions and human rights
In the first instance of UK law being declared incompatible with the Human Rights Act, the high court, in considering four test cases, has held that the right of the Environment Secretary to ‘call in’ planning applications breached the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
New code for general insurance
On 1 January 2001 a new code for claims handling in general insurance came into force. Launched by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the code sets minimum standards for claims settlement and management, including deadlines for responding to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
New code for general insurance
On 1 January 2001 a new code for claims handling in general insurance came into force. Launched by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the code sets minimum standards for claims settlement and management, including deadlines for responding to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Law Society’s last chance
The Law Society faces a ‘last chance’ to retain the right to regulate solicitors, having missed three of four targets in sorting out the complaints scheme. Although succeeding in reducing the backlog of 17,000 complaints to below 6,000,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Law Society’s last chance
The Law Society faces a ‘last chance’ to retain the right to regulate solicitors, having missed three of four targets in sorting out the complaints scheme. Although succeeding in reducing the backlog of 17,000 complaints to below 6,000,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Recovery of CFA premiums
In a statement shortly before the Christmas recess, Lord Chancellor’s Department minister David Lock made it clear that successful personal injury claimants should recover their conditional fee (CFA) insurance premiums, even when proceedings..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Recovery of CFA premiums
In a statement shortly before the Christmas recess, Lord Chancellor’s Department minister David Lock made it clear that successful personal injury claimants should recover their conditional fee (CFA) insurance premiums, even when proceedings..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
NHS cover costs fall
See Chester Street in Asbestos Update.
An end to the ‘internal market’ in the National Health Service, and resultant pooling of property and liability risks, lead to an expected reduction in overall premiums of around £30mn a year...
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
NHS cover costs fall
See Chester Street in Asbestos Update.
An end to the ‘internal market’ in the National Health Service, and resultant pooling of property and liability risks, lead to an expected reduction in overall premiums of around £30mn a year...
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Y2K ruling
The first major decision arising from Y2K claims was made on 20 December in the New York state supreme court in favour of American Guarantee & Liability Insurance (AGL).
Xerox Corp’s claim was ruled invalid because the firm had carried..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Y2K ruling
The first major decision arising from Y2K claims was made on 20 December in the New York state supreme court in favour of American Guarantee & Liability Insurance (AGL).
Xerox Corp’s claim was ruled invalid because the firm had carried..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Pressure on employers to disclose data
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is considering legal action under the new data protection code to force employers to allow individual members of staff to see any information held on them. According to the TUC, this is to end ‘one of the big..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Pressure on employers to disclose data
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is considering legal action under the new data protection code to force employers to allow individual members of staff to see any information held on them. According to the TUC, this is to end ‘one of the big..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Appeal against NRMA award
Damages of A$32mn from legal advisers to insurer NRMA have been overturned on appeal.This reverses a New South Wales supreme court order against barrister Dyson Heydon QC and law firms Allen Allen & Hemsley and Abbott Tout related to their..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Appeal against NRMA award
Damages of A$32mn from legal advisers to insurer NRMA have been overturned on appeal.This reverses a New South Wales supreme court order against barrister Dyson Heydon QC and law firms Allen Allen & Hemsley and Abbott Tout related to their..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Equitable inquiry
As the Treasury ‘ruled out’ compensation to Equitable Life policyholders, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) started a self-investigation into its own response to the insurer’s difficulties.
Due to report to the Treasury some..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Equitable inquiry
As the Treasury ‘ruled out’ compensation to Equitable Life policyholders, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) started a self-investigation into its own response to the insurer’s difficulties.
Due to report to the Treasury some..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Criminal customs
A less-than-welcome decision for businesses, under the Human Rights Act, could move cases of tax evasion from civil to criminal offences. In an appeal by two small businessmen, Han and Yau, against a £67,000 fine, accountancy firm..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Criminal customs
A less-than-welcome decision for businesses, under the Human Rights Act, could move cases of tax evasion from civil to criminal offences. In an appeal by two small businessmen, Han and Yau, against a £67,000 fine, accountancy firm..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Depleted uranium
The death of six young Italian soldiers who served as peacekeepers in Bosnia or Kosovo from leukaemia – with 30 others under observation – has sparked a strong and swiftly spreading reaction from the Italian government.
Other suspect..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Depleted uranium
The death of six young Italian soldiers who served as peacekeepers in Bosnia or Kosovo from leukaemia – with 30 others under observation – has sparked a strong and swiftly spreading reaction from the Italian government.
Other suspect..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Concorde tyres at question, despite runway debris confirmation
In an interim report, the French Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BEA) says it is ‘more and more probable’ that a piece of metal from the Continental Airlines DC10 that had taken off a few minutes earlier was the cause of the tyre blow..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Concorde tyres at question, despite runway debris confirmation
In an interim report, the French Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BEA) says it is ‘more and more probable’ that a piece of metal from the Continental Airlines DC10 that had taken off a few minutes earlier was the cause of the tyre blow..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Little Rock payments
American Airlines, accepting that negligence contributed to an 11-death crash in 1999, is to pay compensatory damages to their families. Over 50 other lawsuits from survivors have been settled, including federal jury ordered payment of US$17.5mn to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Little Rock payments
American Airlines, accepting that negligence contributed to an 11-death crash in 1999, is to pay compensatory damages to their families. Over 50 other lawsuits from survivors have been settled, including federal jury ordered payment of US$17.5mn to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
DU: not only in weapons
While we watch the daily disclosures and hardening polarisation of position on depleted uranium (DU) used in shells both in the Gulf War and the Balkans – sparked by the identification of a number of Italian servicemen dying of leukaemia..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
DU: not only in weapons
While we watch the daily disclosures and hardening polarisation of position on depleted uranium (DU) used in shells both in the Gulf War and the Balkans – sparked by the identification of a number of Italian servicemen dying of leukaemia..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
‘Advanced corrosion’
‘Advanced corrosion’ is the finding of the latest Erika
report, from French marine accident investigation bureau BMER, describing the vessel as a ‘patchwork of metal sheets of different thickness and varied quality’ and far..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
‘Advanced corrosion’
‘Advanced corrosion’ is the finding of the latest Erika
report, from French marine accident investigation bureau BMER, describing the vessel as a ‘patchwork of metal sheets of different thickness and varied quality’ and far..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Pollution limitations challenged
A pollution compensation battle is growing between Skuld P&I (and Nomadic Shipping) and the Norwegian authorities following the loss of the Green Aalesund
and resultant pollution.
While Skuld is sticking to its right to limit Nomadic’s..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Pollution limitations challenged
A pollution compensation battle is growing between Skuld P&I (and Nomadic Shipping) and the Norwegian authorities following the loss of the Green Aalesund
and resultant pollution.
While Skuld is sticking to its right to limit Nomadic’s..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Black boxes for passenger ships
New regulations from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) require that all passenger ships built from July 2002 onwards carry voyage data recorders (VDRs) similar to the ‘black boxes’ carried by aircraft.
Vessels constructed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Black boxes for passenger ships
New regulations from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) require that all passenger ships built from July 2002 onwards carry voyage data recorders (VDRs) similar to the ‘black boxes’ carried by aircraft.
Vessels constructed..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
US pollution settlements
Over the last few weeks a number of costly pollution claims have been settled in the US. Cinergy Corp has agreed a US$1.4bn settlement, the largest under the Clean Air Act, without accepting liability for pollution from coal-burning power plants. Of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
US pollution settlements
Over the last few weeks a number of costly pollution claims have been settled in the US. Cinergy Corp has agreed a US$1.4bn settlement, the largest under the Clean Air Act, without accepting liability for pollution from coal-burning power plants. Of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Deep trouble: the hidden threat of groundwater pollution
A report from the science-based Worldwatch Institute highlights the greater dangers (though less spectacular than oil spills) from groundwater pollution.
Following the first global survey, it concludes that pesticides, nitrogen fertilisers,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Deep trouble: the hidden threat of groundwater pollution
A report from the science-based Worldwatch Institute highlights the greater dangers (though less spectacular than oil spills) from groundwater pollution.
Following the first global survey, it concludes that pesticides, nitrogen fertilisers,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Risk of radon in water
Following an 18-month study commissioned by the Department of the Environment of homes and businesses in west Devon, radon risk to those using water from wells has been identified. One in seven of these were found to exceed the advised maximum,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Risk of radon in water
Following an 18-month study commissioned by the Department of the Environment of homes and businesses in west Devon, radon risk to those using water from wells has been identified. One in seven of these were found to exceed the advised maximum,..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Methane investigation
Following evidence from specialist mine gas extractors Octagon Energy and Alkane Energy suggesting that the investigations of the Watt Committee on Energy (1994) have ‘grossly underestimated’ the impact of methane emissions on local..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Methane investigation
Following evidence from specialist mine gas extractors Octagon Energy and Alkane Energy suggesting that the investigations of the Watt Committee on Energy (1994) have ‘grossly underestimated’ the impact of methane emissions on local..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Driven to eat chocolate
Over a quarter (26%) of workers have been driven to the extreme of eating chocolate by the stressful conditions of their employment, according to a survey by USA Today
.Other symptoms include yelling at coworkers, tears and calling in sick. Some 23%..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Driven to eat chocolate
Over a quarter (26%) of workers have been driven to the extreme of eating chocolate by the stressful conditions of their employment, according to a survey by USA Today
.Other symptoms include yelling at coworkers, tears and calling in sick. Some 23%..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Gender pay gap
Research from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) shows employers are still failing to deal with the 18% pay gap between men and women.
While 90% of employers said they believed their pay systems were bias-free, only one-third had undertaken..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Gender pay gap
Research from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) shows employers are still failing to deal with the 18% pay gap between men and women.
While 90% of employers said they believed their pay systems were bias-free, only one-third had undertaken..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Stress and powerlessness link to RSI
Recent research headed by Prof Gary MacFarlane of the University of Manchester (recently published in the British Medical Journal
), focusing on more than 1,200 people suffering some pain from repetitive strain (RSI) each month, indicates a stronger..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Stress and powerlessness link to RSI
Recent research headed by Prof Gary MacFarlane of the University of Manchester (recently published in the British Medical Journal
), focusing on more than 1,200 people suffering some pain from repetitive strain (RSI) each month, indicates a stronger..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Fair and lawful
‘Fair and lawful’ is the requirement on recruitment and promotion under the draft code issued by the Data Protection Commission. At present employers can be sued where recruitment practices breach the sex, race or disability..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Fair and lawful
‘Fair and lawful’ is the requirement on recruitment and promotion under the draft code issued by the Data Protection Commission. At present employers can be sued where recruitment practices breach the sex, race or disability..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Air crew pregnancy
Flight attendants grounded as a health precaution when they became pregnant allege that United Airlines failed to find them alternative work, thus forcing them to take unpaid sick leave. Initial tribunal consideration focuses on whether UK or US..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Air crew pregnancy
Flight attendants grounded as a health precaution when they became pregnant allege that United Airlines failed to find them alternative work, thus forcing them to take unpaid sick leave. Initial tribunal consideration focuses on whether UK or US..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Unions win £320mn for members
The TUC’s annual review of union legal activity reports that unions took on 51,950 personal injury claims, of which 50,378 were settled for a total of £320mn last year. Most of these relate to injury and illness although unions are..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Unions win £320mn for members
The TUC’s annual review of union legal activity reports that unions took on 51,950 personal injury claims, of which 50,378 were settled for a total of £320mn last year. Most of these relate to injury and illness although unions are..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Uninsured board of control
The anomaly between direct employers, required to carry employers’ liability cover, and bodies in an analogous position – promoters, voluntary regulators – is highlighted by the case of boxer Michael Watson.
He was injured during a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Uninsured board of control
The anomaly between direct employers, required to carry employers’ liability cover, and bodies in an analogous position – promoters, voluntary regulators – is highlighted by the case of boxer Michael Watson.
He was injured during a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Maternity and parental leave
The first successful case brought under the maternity and parental leave regulations of the Employment Rights Act, which allow a reasonable amount of time off to care for dependants, was heard at the Manchester employment tribunal. Under this..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Maternity and parental leave
The first successful case brought under the maternity and parental leave regulations of the Employment Rights Act, which allow a reasonable amount of time off to care for dependants, was heard at the Manchester employment tribunal. Under this..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
‘Multinational accountability for injury overseas’
This commentary on Lubbe & Others v Cape plc
by one of the key players in the action, Richard Meeran of Leigh Day & Co, appears in the December issue of the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Association of Personal..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
‘Multinational accountability for injury overseas’
This commentary on Lubbe & Others v Cape plc
by one of the key players in the action, Richard Meeran of Leigh Day & Co, appears in the December issue of the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Association of Personal..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Liquidators called in to Chester Street
Chester Street Insurance, formerly Iron Trades Holdings prior to its sale to QBE International Insurance early in 2000, was already exploring a scheme of arrangement for the runoff of the employers’ liability business it wrote, until 1990, as..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Liquidators called in to Chester Street
Chester Street Insurance, formerly Iron Trades Holdings prior to its sale to QBE International Insurance early in 2000, was already exploring a scheme of arrangement for the runoff of the employers’ liability business it wrote, until 1990, as..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Tobacco update
Continuing smokers seek cost of medical tests
in a ‘medical monitoring’ class action of around a quarter of a million. Hearing was due to commence mid-January in West Virginia. Apparently healthy smokers seek around US$500mn to pay for..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Tobacco update
Continuing smokers seek cost of medical tests
in a ‘medical monitoring’ class action of around a quarter of a million. Hearing was due to commence mid-January in West Virginia. Apparently healthy smokers seek around US$500mn to pay for..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
AHP takes new US$4.75bn fen-phen charge
American Home Products plans to take an additional charge, not exceeding US$4.75bn, to cover its remaining liability to former users of its ‘fen-phen’ diet drugs. Much of this will fall into the fourth quarter of this year. This is in..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
AHP takes new US$4.75bn fen-phen charge
American Home Products plans to take an additional charge, not exceeding US$4.75bn, to cover its remaining liability to former users of its ‘fen-phen’ diet drugs. Much of this will fall into the fourth quarter of this year. This is in..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Zero tolerance costs US$50mn
New York’s tough approach to crime in the late 1990s under Mayor Giuliani, with zero tolerance leading to strip searches of even such minor offenders as fare dodgers, has led to a spate of claims. Settlement has been achieved through a US$50mn..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Zero tolerance costs US$50mn
New York’s tough approach to crime in the late 1990s under Mayor Giuliani, with zero tolerance leading to strip searches of even such minor offenders as fare dodgers, has led to a spate of claims. Settlement has been achieved through a US$50mn..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Lawyer whistleblower exonerated
The State Bar of California has exonerated whistleblower Cindy Ossias of violating lawyers’ ethics when she provided information to the Assembly Insurance Committee about secret settlements former insurance commissioner Chuck Quackenbush had..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Lawyer whistleblower exonerated
The State Bar of California has exonerated whistleblower Cindy Ossias of violating lawyers’ ethics when she provided information to the Assembly Insurance Committee about secret settlements former insurance commissioner Chuck Quackenbush had..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Case update
Liability for electricity failure
The supplier of electricity’s restriction of liability in negligence for economic loss to customers applied only where the loss resulted from variation or interruption of supply. The exclusion did not apply..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Case update
Liability for electricity failure
The supplier of electricity’s restriction of liability in negligence for economic loss to customers applied only where the loss resulted from variation or interruption of supply. The exclusion did not apply..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Wrongful birth
Interesting commentary on recent developments and judicial approach to damages appear in the December issue of the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. It is written by Lorna Bidston of the complex claims unit of Lyons Davidson..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Wrongful birth
Interesting commentary on recent developments and judicial approach to damages appear in the December issue of the newsletter of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. It is written by Lorna Bidston of the complex claims unit of Lyons Davidson..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Gulf War syndrome research
A report to the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America from doctors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas builds on their 1999 findings on the effects of chemical exposure on brain cells. They have..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Gulf War syndrome research
A report to the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America from doctors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas builds on their 1999 findings on the effects of chemical exposure on brain cells. They have..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
More evidence of air crew leukaemia link
Danish scientists working for the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen have found additional evidence of the link between exposure of air crews and other frequent flyers to cosmic radiation and the onset of leukaemia. This supports earlier..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
More evidence of air crew leukaemia link
Danish scientists working for the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen have found additional evidence of the link between exposure of air crews and other frequent flyers to cosmic radiation and the onset of leukaemia. This supports earlier..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Cellphone studies
Two more studies on the effects of mobile phones on users find no cancer link to the use of cellphones.
The study carried out for the National Cancer Institute is due for publication in the New England Journal of Medicine
. The other, sponsored..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Cellphone studies
Two more studies on the effects of mobile phones on users find no cancer link to the use of cellphones.
The study carried out for the National Cancer Institute is due for publication in the New England Journal of Medicine
. The other, sponsored..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Risk to haemophiliacs
Naturally suspicions after the HIV and hepatitis C infection of hundreds of people in the 1980s, people receiving treatment for haemophilia suspect they are now at risk of vCJD infection. Although a number of health authorities have switched to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Risk to haemophiliacs
Naturally suspicions after the HIV and hepatitis C infection of hundreds of people in the 1980s, people receiving treatment for haemophilia suspect they are now at risk of vCJD infection. Although a number of health authorities have switched to..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Sterilisation equipment
The NHS is to receive £200mn funding for the modernisation of sterilising equipment. This is along with the introduction of disposable surgical instruments for tonsillectomies and possibly for other procedures in the near future. (See BSE, CJD..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Sterilisation equipment
The NHS is to receive £200mn funding for the modernisation of sterilising equipment. This is along with the introduction of disposable surgical instruments for tonsillectomies and possibly for other procedures in the near future. (See BSE, CJD..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
More body parts retained
Following an audit of hospitals in England, it appears around 40,000 human organs have been retained, many without knowledge or permission. For many years the practice, particularly in respect of young children, had been ‘commonplace’ in..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
More body parts retained
Following an audit of hospitals in England, it appears around 40,000 human organs have been retained, many without knowledge or permission. For many years the practice, particularly in respect of young children, had been ‘commonplace’ in..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
MMR
Around 500 parents, alleging adverse effects on their children from the administration of the triple measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, including autism and/or inflammatory bowel problems, are seeking compensation from the Department of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
MMR
Around 500 parents, alleging adverse effects on their children from the administration of the triple measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, including autism and/or inflammatory bowel problems, are seeking compensation from the Department of..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Hospital sanitation: MRSA endemic
A number of reports suggest a hospital is the last place one would wish to be when ill. The National Audit Office (NAO) estimates 5,000 deaths a year occur from infections contracted while in hospital, with a further 100,000 patients suffering..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Hospital sanitation: MRSA endemic
A number of reports suggest a hospital is the last place one would wish to be when ill. The National Audit Office (NAO) estimates 5,000 deaths a year occur from infections contracted while in hospital, with a further 100,000 patients suffering..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
BSE, CJD and OPs
25 confirmed deaths from vCJD
during 2000, plus seven others still living or awaiting postmortem, bring the UK total of confirmed deaths since 1995 to 88. Statistics from the Department of Health show more than twice the number of deaths as in the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
BSE, CJD and OPs
25 confirmed deaths from vCJD
during 2000, plus seven others still living or awaiting postmortem, bring the UK total of confirmed deaths since 1995 to 88. Statistics from the Department of Health show more than twice the number of deaths as in the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Product liability in China
Responding to the extent of defective and counterfeit products (US$240mn seized in 1999) and the need to come into line with international standards, amendments to legislation covering product liability were introduced in September 2000.
Rosie Ng, a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Product liability in China
Responding to the extent of defective and counterfeit products (US$240mn seized in 1999) and the need to come into line with international standards, amendments to legislation covering product liability were introduced in September 2000.
Rosie Ng, a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
New consumer protection ministry
Responding to the BSE situation, the German government has set up a new ministry devoted to consumer protection. Its remit includes agricultural reform, with a shift towards ecologically sound production of cattle and crops, backed by differential..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
New consumer protection ministry
Responding to the BSE situation, the German government has set up a new ministry devoted to consumer protection. Its remit includes agricultural reform, with a shift towards ecologically sound production of cattle and crops, backed by differential..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Australian reforms proposed
A raft of changes to product safety laws is in preparation in Australia.These are expected to include the incorporation of US and European safety standards into Australian law and a duty to report out-of-court settlements for defective..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Australian reforms proposed
A raft of changes to product safety laws is in preparation in Australia.These are expected to include the incorporation of US and European safety standards into Australian law and a duty to report out-of-court settlements for defective..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Tyres and transport
A US$100mn claim,
seen as a leader for many others, has been settled by Ford and Bridgestone for an undisclosed sum (‘far in excess of anything I’ve ever heard of in any automotive liability settlement,’ according to one of the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Tyres and transport
A US$100mn claim,
seen as a leader for many others, has been settled by Ford and Bridgestone for an undisclosed sum (‘far in excess of anything I’ve ever heard of in any automotive liability settlement,’ according to one of the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Farm salmon contamination
Canadian and UK studies suggest farmed salmon can contain 10 times the level of pollutants as those caught from the wild. With echoes of BSE, the source is thought to be food pellets made from concentrated wild fish.
Similar findings came from a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Farm salmon contamination
Canadian and UK studies suggest farmed salmon can contain 10 times the level of pollutants as those caught from the wild. With echoes of BSE, the source is thought to be food pellets made from concentrated wild fish.
Similar findings came from a..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Personal injury major claims handling: cost-effective case management
Post-Woolf, this is the book that all practitioners – claimant and defendant – require. Not just a commentary or handbook, it combines the qualities of both in clear style supplemented by a wealth of additional information in tabular..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Personal injury major claims handling: cost-effective case management
Post-Woolf, this is the book that all practitioners – claimant and defendant – require. Not just a commentary or handbook, it combines the qualities of both in clear style supplemented by a wealth of additional information in tabular..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Flea bites
Dozens of London Underground drivers have been bitten by fleas, and a number who have become ill from allergic reaction have already received settlements of up to £500. They are thought to have originated from household pets, with colleagues..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Flea bites
Dozens of London Underground drivers have been bitten by fleas, and a number who have become ill from allergic reaction have already received settlements of up to £500. They are thought to have originated from household pets, with colleagues..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
EasyJet seeks damages for Christmas disruption
With 187 flights forcibly grounded, including all those scheduled from main base Luton over the Christmas period, low-cost airline easyJet is considering legal action to recover damages from airport operators and suppliers.
EasyJet alleges that the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
EasyJet seeks damages for Christmas disruption
With 187 flights forcibly grounded, including all those scheduled from main base Luton over the Christmas period, low-cost airline easyJet is considering legal action to recover damages from airport operators and suppliers.
EasyJet alleges that the..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Mobile phone litigation
Yes, the class actions are surfacing in the US, but communication technology is not the only thing to spread worldwide. Actions are in preparation in California, Kentucky and Maryland, jointly naming a mobile phone handset manufacturer, a network..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Mobile phone litigation
Yes, the class actions are surfacing in the US, but communication technology is not the only thing to spread worldwide. Actions are in preparation in California, Kentucky and Maryland, jointly naming a mobile phone handset manufacturer, a network..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
Appeal against mast erection
Company director David Lale has launched a high court action against a planning decision to allow the erection of an Orange mobile phone mast near his house. It will be situated less than 15 feet away from his six and eight-year-old children’s..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
Appeal against mast erection
Company director David Lale has launched a high court action against a planning decision to allow the erection of an Orange mobile phone mast near his house. It will be situated less than 15 feet away from his six and eight-year-old children’s..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
DVT
Twenty global airlines, including British Airways (BA), face the likelihood of hundreds of claims in an Australian class action, due to be launched within two months, alleging failure to warn of the dangers of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001
DVT
Twenty global airlines, including British Airways (BA), face the likelihood of hundreds of claims in an Australian class action, due to be launched within two months, alleging failure to warn of the dangers of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
More to decisions than the facts
Illustrated every week by the millions of people who participate in the national lottery – against all reason and odds – human decisions, vital or trivial, are based on more than the ‘facts’, even when these are clear.
The..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
February 2001 - 01 February 2001
More to decisions than the facts
Illustrated every week by the millions of people who participate in the national lottery – against all reason and odds – human decisions, vital or trivial, are based on more than the ‘facts’, even when these are clear.
The..
Online Published Date:
01 February 2001
Appeared in issue:
127 - 01 February 2001