Articles by Andrew G. Simpson

Simpson is a freelance writer and editor. He retired as Chief Content Officer for Wells Media Group in July, 2022 after 18 years with the company.

Marsh Sues Aon, Ex-Team Leader Over Exit of 20 Construction Surety Employees

Global insurance broker Marsh USA filed suit against competitor Aon and a former Marsh team leader for allegedly poaching key members of Marsh’s construction surety team who resigned and moved to Aon last month. A complaint filed by Marsh in …

Virginia Will Require Speed Limiting Devices on Reckless Drivers’ Cars

Virginia now has a law on the books that will require that cars of reckless drivers be equipped with technology that prohibits them from exceeding speed limits. The new law (HB2096), which will not be effective until July 2026, requires …

State Farm Wins Dismissal of Class Action Over Xactimate Software

A federal judge has dismissed a proposed class action filed on behalf of Pennsylvania homeowners who believe that State Farm undervalued their property damage claims in its use of the Xactimate software that is popular with insurers. The lead plaintiffs, …

Employee Whiffs on Workers Comp Claim for TopGolf Injury

An employee who claimed he injured his knee while swinging a club during an employer-sponsored TopGolf event has failed to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) recently upheld a deputy commissioner who found that the …

Massachusetts High Court Upholds Workers’ Comp for Utility Worker’s COVID

An insurer erred in denying workers’ compensation benefits to a utility worker who contracted COVID-19 while on the job, a job the state had deemed as “essential” during the pandemic. The insurer had denied the claim on the basis that …

Allstate Agent Can Be Sued Over Nonrenewal of ‘Grandfathered’ Flood Insurance Policy

A Connecticut agent for Allstate Insurance may be sued by an insured who faults the agent for not renewing a flood insurance policy in a timely fashion, thereby depriving the insured of the benefit of “grandfathered” lower premiums on flood …

If a Tree Falls on a House, Is the City Liable?

An insurer has succeeded in holding a Massachusetts city responsible for $40,000 in damages caused by a tree that fell from city property onto an insured’s home. Citation Insurance Co. paid the homeowner’s damages claim and then sought reimbursement through …

‘CJ’s Death Was Completely Avoidable,’ Say Parents Suing Bucknell Over Son’s Death

The parents of a freshman Bucknell University football player who died after his first day of football practice in 2024 have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school, its administrators, and athletic coaches who, they allege, could have prevented …

New Jersey Law Targets ‘Near Crime Wave’ of Retail Theft

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill into law setting tougher penalties for retail theft and calling for a dedicated effort to combat organized retail theft. The new law establishes and upgrades certain crimes related to retail theft, …

Maryland Could Have Reduced Risk of Key Bridge Collapse: NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is harshly criticizing Maryland officials for failing to conduct a risk assessment of the Francis Scott Key Bridge before it collapsed a year ago and is recommending that 30 owners of 68 bridges across …