State of Existing Allocation Law, With a Focus on Asbestos, Environmental, and Other Long-Tail Claims

June 25, 2015 9:55am

Tancred Schiavoni

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Frank Winston Jr.
Partner
Steptoe & Johnson LLP

Laura A. Foggan
Partner
Wiley Rein LLP

Jeffrey O. Davis
Partner
Quarles & Brady LLP

Sharon T. Doherty
Senior Coverage Counsel, NAC Claims Legal Group
Zurich North America

  • All sums
    • Impact of newer “those sums” language on allocation issues, including in states where allocation has been addressed under prior policy language
    • How credits for prior settlements are handled in allocation
  • Pro rata
    • Start and end dates for proper application of pro rata allocation
  • Others (e.g. New Jersey’s approach in Carter Wallace)
  • Texas’ approach
  • Differences amongst the approaches to allocation used for asbestos, environmental, and other long-tail claims
    • Unique issues that arise
    • Best practices for overcoming unique challenges
  • “Other insurance” clauses vs. public policy
  • Independent counsel (Cumis)
    • Rights to and limitations on Cumis counsel
    • Examples of when the right is triggered