Why this town is not liable for electric shock hazard at sports field
January 8, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAn Ontario municipality was recently found not liable for an electrical hazard created when a light pole at a sports field was struck by lightning, allowing the light to continue functioning while letting current leak into the ground near the…
What the judge said when a trial lawyer accused an insurer of “playing hardball” with his elderly client
December 31, 2019 by David GambrillAn elderly resident who lost her slip-and-fall claim against a retirement home does not have to pay the legal costs of the home’s insurance company because the insurer’s legal strategy was “at risk of allegations of playing hardball,” the Ontario…
Could CGL policy have to cover this dry cleaning pollution claim?
December 17, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA coverage dispute over pollution exclusions might bring two of Canada’s largest insurers before the Supreme Court of Canada. West Van Lions Gate Cleaners Ltd. has operated a dry cleaners in Vancouver since 1976. Until 1999 an automotive repair business…
Why you might be having a hard time finding coverage in liability lines
November 14, 2019 by Greg MeckbachLiability loss inflation may be a new topic of discussion for securities analysts who watch the property and casualty sector, but for Canada’s largest insurer, it’s nothing particularly novel. “There is inflation,” Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact Financial Corp., observed…
The big question mark on supply chain liability risk
October 23, 2019 by Greg MeckbachWhat liability risk do Canadian corporate clients face if they have supply chains in countries where workers are vulnerable to abuse or unsafe working conditions? It’s an open question right now, but brokers could get some guidance once the Supreme…
Lawsuit arising from fatal wheelchair accident at rail crossing settled
October 8, 2019 Kevin Bissett - THE CANADIAN PRESSMONCTON, N.B. _ Three years after a Moncton man in an electric wheelchair was struck and killed by a freight t-ain at a level crossing in the city, a lawsuit stemming from his death has been resolved. Steven Harel’s wheelchair…
Paid Why your clients need personal umbrella coverage
October 2, 2019 Graham Haigh, VP, Broker Distribution, Wawanesa InsuranceConvincing someone that they could have more coverage than they do now – often for less money – should be a slam dunk. Right? That’s exactly what personal umbrella policies offer. So why aren’t they more popular? Let’s break…
Trial begins for class action alleging abuse at defunct Ontario boarding school
September 17, 2019 Nicole Thompson - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – The late headmasters of a Christian boarding school controlled every aspect of children’s lives in order to break their spirits, a lawyer representing former students suing the defunct institution told a Toronto court on Monday. The school made…
Top court releases decision in $2-billion building collapse lawsuit against Loblaws
August 8, 2019 by Greg MeckbachA $2-billion lawsuit against Loblaws Companies Ltd., arising from the world’s deadliest accidental building collapse ever, is essentially tossed out of court. Canada’s high court announced Thursday it will not hear an appeal from Arati Rani Das, a garment factory…
Why new alcohol rules could be a risk management nightmare
July 17, 2019 by Greg MeckbachOntario now allows “happy hours” and “tailgate parties” but the fact that these are legal does not mean they are a good idea, suggests a lawyer who defends alcohol liability claims. Several new alcohol rules took effect in Ontario May…
How auto accident defendants who admitted liability were awarded $61,000 in costs
July 11, 2019 Colin Perkel - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – A woman awarded $50,000 by a jury for injuries suffered in a car crash will have to pay more than $61,000 to cover the costs of the two men she sued, even though losers in a lawsuit are…
How slip-and-fall lawsuit rules could change in Ontario
July 10, 2019 by Greg MeckbachDefending personal injury claims arising from slips and falls on ice could become easier for your Ontario clients this winter, based on a proposed change to the province’s deadline for serving notice about starting such lawsuits. In Ontario, plaintiffs wanting…