Business interruption cases and the role financial experts can play
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, business owners have increasingly turned to business interruption insurance.
Business interruption and other legal claims arising out of COVID-19 crisis
Just as the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 brought businesses and economic activity to a sudden halt, an ABA panel discussed the grave effects on businesses and the legal doctrines available to business owners to mitigate the economic injury stemming from business interruption and unforeseeable circumstances.
Binghamton Precast & Supply Corp. v Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
In dispute over business interruption insurance coverage, appellate court says plaintiff showed actual loss of business income within meaning of controlling policy; court rejects defendant’s argument that plaintiff had to show lost sales, saying this is not a reasonable interpretation of policy.
Court Affirms Plaintiff’s Showing of Loss of Income Pursuant to Business Interruption Policy
In dispute over business interruption insurance coverage, appellate court says plaintiff showed actual loss of business income within meaning of controlling policy; court rejects defendant’s argument that plaintiff had to show lost sales, saying this is not a reasonable interpretation of policy.
Legal avenues for businesses coping with COVID-19 disruption and damages
In Franchising in the Time of COVID-19, an ABA panel recently discussed the scope of the disruption the pandemic has caused for franchisees and franchisors as well as legal doctrines on which franchisees/franchisors might rely to deal with the monetary damages to their businesses.
Business Interruption Claim Raises Triable Issue as to Viability of New Business, Court Finds
In business interruption case, court denies insurer’s summary judgment motion, finding plaintiff’s breach of contract suit raises many issues of material fact, including whether plaintiff’s fledgling business was ever viable and, but for insurer’s refusal to pay claim, could have resumed operations.
Optical Works & Logistics, LLC v. Sentinel Ins. Co.
In business interruption case, court denies insurer’s summary judgment motion, finding plaintiff’s breach of contract suit raises many issues of material fact, including whether plaintiff’s fledgling business was ever viable and, but for insurer’s refusal to pay claim, could have resumed operations.
Defendants’ Force Majeure Defense Related to Hurricane Devastation Does Not Excuse Breach of Contract
In rent payment dispute, court rejects defendant restaurant’s force majeure claim that devastating hurricane was act of God that interfered with restaurant’s use of property and excused performance where lease did not contain force majeure provision and rent payments stopped before storm.
Bayou Place Limited Partnership v. Alleppo’s Grill, Inc.
In rent payment dispute, court rejects defendant restaurant’s force majeure claim that devastating hurricane was act of God that interfered with restaurant’s use of property and excused performance where lease did not contain force majeure provision and rent payments stopped before storm.
‘Undue’ Scrutiny of Expert’s Data Triggers Erroneous Exclusion
Seventh Circuit overturns district court’s decision to exclude plaintiff expert’s business loss calculation, finding the lower court “exercised its role as gatekeeper under Daubert with too much vigor” when it “unduly” scrutinized the quality of the exper ...
Manpower, Inc. v. Insurance Co. of Pennsylvania (III)
Seventh Circuit overturns district court’s decision to exclude plaintiff expert’s business loss calculation, finding the lower court “exercised its role as gatekeeper under Daubert with too much vigor” when it “unduly” scrutinized the quality of the exper ...
Expert’s ‘Judgment’ in Selecting Growth Rate Needs Proof of Guiding Principles
Court declines to reconsider Daubert ruling, finding the expert failed to support his selection of the growth rate in lost profits calculations with reliable, guiding principles.
Manpower, Inc. v. Insurance Co. of Pennsylvania (II)
Court declines to reconsider Daubert ruling, finding the expert failed to support his selection of the growth rate in lost profits calculations with reliable, guiding principles.
Expert’s Analysis of Business Interruption Loss Breaks Over Selection of Growth Rate
Expert’s analysis of business-interruption losses breaks down over selection of a revenue growth rate from a short (five-month) period prior to the business injury.
Manpower, Inc. v. Insurance Co. of Pennsylvania (I)
Expert’s analysis of business-interruption losses breaks down over selection of a revenue growth rater from a short (five-month) period prior to the business injury.
United Fire and Casualty Company v. Historic Preservation Trust
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s award of business interruption losses in this vexatious refusal to pay case.