Monthly Archives: <span>May 2010</span>

Small Business Owners’ Outlook Improves But Hiring Remains Weak

Small U.S. business owners are slightly less pessimistic about their outlook, and in the face of continuing weak sales do not plan to boost capital spending or employment, a monthly survey of small businesses showed. The National Federation of Independent …

Connecticut Jury Awards $2.9M to Bicyclist for Collision

A Connecticut jury has awarded $2.9 million to a bicyclist who was injured when she hit a gate on West Hartford land owned by a regional water and sewer agency. Maribeth Blonski of Rocky Hill sued the Hartford-based Metropolitan District …

Oil Executives Face Congress Today, Blame Each Other for Spill

Big oil goes under the spotlight Tuesday when U.S. lawmakers grill top executives on a drilling rig explosion and oil spill that threatens an environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. The hearings come during a desperate race against time …

North Carolina Wind Pool Gets Extra Protection with $305M Cat Bond

North Carolina’s insurance pool for coastal properties now has an extra financial cushion in case a major hurricane strikes. Risk specialist Guy Carpenter & Co., LLC, and GC Securities, announced the completion of a $305 million, two-class note issuance from …

Mississippi City Seeks Split of Damages in Police Chase

For the fourth time in the last year, a Hinds County, Mississippi circuit judge has ruled against the city of Jackson in cases involving a police chase. The latest ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by a former Richland police …

New Jersey Targeting Growth in Captive and Reinsurance Markets

New Jersey Insurance Commissioner Tom Considine praised new, bipartisan legislation that would grow the reinsurance market and create a captive insurance market in the Garden State. The captive insurance bill was put forward in the Assembly by Democrat Gary Schaer, …

Store Shooting Case Tests Mississippi Damages Limit, Premises Liability

Attorneys for Ronnie Lymas go to the Mississippi Supreme Court on June 8 hoping to resurrect a $4.1 million jury verdict vehemently opposed by dozens of trade associations and Republican Gov. Haley Barbour. Critics say Lymas is not legally entitled …

Gelia to Chair New York Agents’ Group

Insurance agent David M. Gelia has been elected chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York (IIABNY). Gelia, executive vice-president of United Insurance Agency in Amherst, has served as chair-elect, secretary-treasurer and regional director representing the nonprofit …

Europe’s Travel Firms Count Costs of Volcanic Ash Disruptions

Europe’s travel industry is counting the cost of air traffic disruption caused by a volcanic ash cloud which forced thousands of flights to be cancelled and is braced for more stoppages this month. British travel company TUI Travel and low-cost …

Best Report Forecasts More Mutual Partnerships as Challenges Mount

A new report from A.M. Best notes that mutual insurance companies “have generally entered and emerged from the economic downturn in a strong position, but any advantage they currently have over conventional insurers could be short-lived.” Best’s research states that, …