Business Insurance articles from February 2008

Business Insurance archives from February 2008

Gaining traction; Sour economy is not hindering the slow, steady growth of benefits captives.(Cover Focus: Alternative Risk Focus)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher The recent downturn in the U.S. economy is not expected to have a significant effect on the willingness of large employers to consider reinsuring employee benefits through their captives, industry experts say. ...

Sustaining success and job security.(Last Word)(environmental aspects of insurance industry)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Peter Breitstone "I say the Earth belongs to each generation. No generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence'' -Thomas Jefferson-Sept. 6, 1789 Sustainability is a global concept...

Wrestling with the R word.(First Word)(economic aspects of recessions)(Viewpoint essay)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos Probably because I spend so much time working with them, wrestling them and generally trying to coax them to do my journalistic bidding, I have a certain interest in words. I enjoy discussion of word choice or...

IRISK applies ERM for mid-market, small companies.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... WEST CHESTER, Pa.-A new independent risk management consulting firm, IRISK Solutions, plans to apply an enterprise risk management approach to serving small to middle-market companies with gross annual premiums of $50,000 to $1 million. ...

On the move.(Joseph M. McSweeny appointed at Marsh Inc.)(Robert Brown appointed at Aon Corp.)(John A. Beckman appointed at CNA Financial Corp.)
February 1, 2008... New York-based Marsh Inc. has made several appointments as part of a global reorganization. Joseph M. McSweeny, former chairman of Willis Risk Solutions, was named president of Marsh's U.S./Canada division. Mr. McSweeny had been on the faculty...

BIMA endorses ICCIE educational designation.(Industry News)(Bermuda Insurance Management Association.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... HAMILTON, Bermuda-The Bermuda Insurance Management Assn. has endorsed the Associate in Captive Insurance designation offered by the International Center for Captive Insurance Education. The ACI program is the only professional designation...

Edwards Angell, Kendall Freeman team to work both sides of Atlantic.(Industry News)(Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP merges with Kendall Freeman )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... NEW YORK-U.S. law firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge has merged with the Kendall Freeman firm of London. The firm will operate as Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge L.L.P. in the U.S. and Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge U.K. L.L.P. in London. ...

USA Risk Group taps into Barbados with majority stake in MIMS International.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... MONTPELIER, Vt.-Independent alternative risk market service provider USA Risk Group has expanded into Barbados, purchasing a majority ownership in MIMS International (Barbados) Ltd. Martin Hole, principal officer of MIMS, will remain as...

Confie Seguros aimed at Hispanic buyers.(Industry News)(partnerships between Genstar Capital L.L.C. and Cypress Corp.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO-A private equity firm and a California broker have partnered to form a platform to consolidate insurance brokerages focusing primarily on Hispanic buyers. San Francisco-based investment firm Genstar Capital L.L.C. has...

MEMIC exec named chair of ACORD board.(Industry News)(Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Co. )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... PEARL RIVER, N.Y.-John Leonard, president and chief executive officer of the MEMIC Group, has been named the 2008 chairman of the ACORD board. It is the second time Mr. Leonard has chaired the board of the Pearl River, N.Y.-based Assn. for...

Beazley aims to connect specialty lines to brand.(Industry News)(Beazley Group PLC)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... LONDON-Beazley Group P.L.C. is embarking on a rebranding effort that the London-based company said it hopes will emphasize the creativity of its various business areas while linking those teams to the broader Beazley brand. The current...

History repeating itself with soft market cycle; PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE JOINT INDUSTRY FORUM.(Feature: Gatherings)(ACE Ltd.)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos NEW YORK-The current softening phase of the insurance pricing cycle will pressure insurers' financial performance this year, according to some industry executives, and, despite some suggestions to the contrary, is not...

IN focus.(mangement of captive insurance companies)
February 1, 2008... For many captive insurance and other alternative risk transfer arrangements, fronting insurance is an essential ingredient to make the program work. Sometimes, however, ART program parent companies find it difficult to find the necessary...

Risk laboratory; Florida's experiment with collateral waivers could pay rewards; or backfire.(Feature: Trends)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher Florida may become the first U.S. state to effectively waive collateral requirements for the most financially secure non-U.S. reinsurers. Backers of the idea say it would increase reinsurance capacity in the...

Soft power; Reinsurance market conditions give captives strategic options.(Cover Focus: Alternative Risk Focus)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Rodd Zolkos While soft market conditions might prompt owners of some alternative risk transfer entities to turn back to the traditional market for coverage, for many, a long-term risk financing strategy remains the chief...

Three questions.(Industry News)(opinions of Leonard Crouse about trends in captive insurance industry )(Interview)
February 1, 2008... Leonard Crouse, Vermont's top captive insurance regulator for the past 18 years, announced last month that he'll be retiring from his position as Vermont's deputy commissioner of captive insurance June 1. During Mr. Crouse's tenure in Vermont,...

AIR finds pattern in hurricanes' genesis, landfall.(Industry News)(Air Worldwide Corp.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... BOSTON-New research by risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide Corp. shows that where a hurricane begins can significantly affect the likelihood of it making landfall in North America. According to Boston-based AIR, the study shows that using only...

Change, while painful, brightens road to future.(Tech Focus)(trading of insurance industry done electronically)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Alex Letts New Year, New Hope. In October 2006, it was suggested that 15% of that season's London treaty reinsurance would be traded electronically at renewals. My prediction was proved hopelessly optimistic as fewer than 1,000...

AI Risk launches LexExpress cover for small fleets.(Industry News)(AI Risk Specialists Insurance Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... NEW YORK-AI Risk Specialists Insurance Inc., a brokerage subsidiary of New York-based American International Group Inc., has introduced LexExpress, excess auto liability insurance coverage developed to address the needs of small to midsize...

The quote.(Industry News)
February 1, 2008... "I don't think that the threat of a recession will decrease the need for captives.' -NANCY GRAY, executive director-North America Aon Insurance Managers CAPTION(S): Nancy Gray

Lloyd's-like insurance exchange gets fresh scrutiny in N.Y.(Cover Focus: Alternative Risk Focus)(New York Insurance Exchange)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher NEW YORK-New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo says the time is right to consider reviving the New York Insurance Exchange, a reinsurance marketplace that had early success but later shut down and took 18...

Learn from past mistakes to find success in the future.(Cover Focus: Alternative Risk Focus)(New York Insurance Exchange)
February 1, 2008... Byline: Meg Fletcher Exploring why the New York Insurance Exchange failed to meet its potential during the 1980s may provide some insight into how such an exchange should operate in a proposed revival, sources say. The NYIE opened in...

Sierra purchase raises monopoly worries.(News)(UnitedHealth Group Inc. acquires Sierra Health Services Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Gloria Gonzalez UnitedHealth Group Inc. has yet to receive federal approval for its proposed $2.6 billion acquisition of Sierra Health Services Inc., leading observers to believe that federal regulators have concerns about the...

Big employers retool retiree medical; Health account-based plans seen as way to stabilize costs over long term.(News)
February 4, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-Some of the nation's largest employers are taking new approaches to providing health care coverage to retired workers that avoid the extremes of benefit-rich plans that over the long run are unaffordable or...

Trading saga began with bet on insurer.(End Page)(Jerome Kerviel a rogue trader )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Even a rogue remembers his first time. Jerome Kerviel, the so-called rogue trader who lost $7.2 billion for France's Societe Generale, recalls his first big bet, and it involved a German insurer. The trade that started him on the path...

In brief.(News)(Family and Medical Leave Act for the military personnel)(Eliot Spitzer signed a new legislation workers compensation rates)(Cephalon Inc. has received tentative approval )
February 4, 2008... Bush signs measure to expand FMLA President Bush has signed legislation that expands the Family and Medical Leave Act for family members of those in the military. The law gives employees who are close relatives of a military service member...

A four-corners strategy; Questions & answers.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)(Warren Harper of Marsh Ltd.)(Interview)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Michael Bradford When it comes to managing risks of major sporting events, the Olympic Games are among the most challenging competitions to safeguard. Warren Harper had that responsibility as risk manager for the 1996 Olympics in...

Duperreault to lead MMC; Former ACE chief seen as good choice to get firm back on track.(News)(Brian Duperreault joins Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.of ACE Ltd)
February 4, 2008... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS NEW YORK-The hiring of industry veteran Brian Duperreault as the new president and chief executive officer of Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. will help restore morale and growth at the struggling firm, observers say. ...

Gallagher to sell reinsurance brokerage unit; Competitive market spurs effort to shed noncore operation.(News)(Arthur J. Gallagher and Co.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS ITASCA, Ill.-In an attempt to improve its earnings during the soft market and focus more on its core brokerage business, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s announced last week that it will sell its global reinsurance...

On the web.(American International Group Inc. and Gen R cases )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... GEN RE/AIG TRIAL: Complete Gen Re/AIG trial coverage online The criminal fraud trial of five former executives of Gen Re and American International Group began Jan. 7 in federal court in Hartford, Conn. The case centers on a finite...

Internet outage may spark claims; Various policies could offer coverage for disruptions to Asian businesses.(International News)
February 4, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN Business interruption implications of last week's disruption of the Internet throughout the Middle East and Asia depend on the speed of service restoration and the details of individual insurance policies responding...

ADA reform measure would widen definition of 'disability'; Opponents of bill say change would weaken protections.(News)(Americans With Disabilities Act)(ADA Restoration Act)
February 4, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-An effort to strengthen the Americans With Disabilities Act could actually dilute its effectiveness, according to some observers. That's because the ADA Restoration Act, which is co-sponsored by more...

New MMC chief to bring years of experience to job.(News)(Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.'s Brian Duperreault )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Sally Roberts Before joining ACE Ltd. in 1994, Brian Duperreault spent more than 20 years at American International Group Inc. and held numerous positions. He eventually rose to become executive vp of AIG Foreign General Insurance...

Judge has no taste for Jell-O injury suit.(End Page)(Avram Wisnia files case on New York University's food services)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... A former New York University student found that he had zero "wiggle room'' last week when a judge dismissed his $1 million Jell-O wrestling lawsuit. Avram Wisnia sued NYU in 2005 and sought $1 million for the broken hip he suffered while...

Managing risks taken to the extreme; Sports tourism companies often forgo coverage, even when available.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)
February 4, 2008... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA Because those signing up for extreme sports vacations have a lot more to lose than their luggage, tourism and adventure companies that offer such trips rely on a mixed bag of risk management strategies to shield...

UP CLOSE Frederic Goldstein.(Comings & Goings)(U.S. Preventive Medicine Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... NEW JOB TITLE: President and chief operating officer of U.S. Preventive Medicine Inc. in Dallas. START DATE: Jan. 1 BEFORE THE PROMOTION: President and CEO of U.S. Care Management Inc., a USPM subsidiary. VITAL STATISTICS:...

Comings & goings.(Cees van der Slikke of Willis Group Holdings Ltd.)(Timothy L. Berns of Cottingham & Butler )(Edgewood Partners Insurance Center has named Jim Halbleib)
February 4, 2008... BROKERS: Willis Group Holdings Ltd. has named Cees van der Slikke executive vp and managing partner of the Calgary, Alberta, office for the company's energy business in Canada. Before his promotion, he was national business leader of...

Subprime loans crisis casts a long shadow.(Commentary)(Viewpoint essay)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day, a day devoted to the spectacle of me being forcibly dragged from the comfort of my cozy home, also seems a suitable occasion to write about the subject of the subprime mortgage debacle. What's...

Beware consequences of broadening ADA.(Opinions)(Americans With Disabilities Act's)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... IT'S EASY to understand why more than half of the House members have signed on to cosponsor the ADA Restoration Act. According to its backers, the measure is necessary to restore the scope of the Americans With Disabilities Act's...

Humana phone line for adults, not seniors.(End Page)(Humana Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Medicare and phone sex have nothing to do with one another, yet their paths still seem to cross every now and again. For Louisville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the entanglement can't end soon enough. The health insurer recently sent out a...

Health clubs weigh liability risks as interest in fitness grows; Waivers help, but have been rejected in some California courts.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)
February 4, 2008... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA As individuals strive to lead healthier lifestyles, health clubs and fitness centers have sprouted nationwide. But with growth, new risks are created, and the clubs are businesses already wrought with liability...

UnitedHealth hit with $3.5M fine in California; PacifiCare cited in claims, provider violations.(News)(PacifiCare of California)
February 4, 2008... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ SAN FRANCISCO-A record fine against a unit of UnitedHealth Group Inc. highlights service problems that the company has acknowledged have hurt its commercial membership base. While California regulators are...

California should try other reform ideas.(Opinions)(political aspects of health care reforms)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... ENACTING HEALTH CARE reform at the state level to achieve universal coverage-or something close to it-is a tough business. Only two states-Massachusetts and Vermont-have accomplished that in recent years, while many others have failed. ...

Canadian high court to hear appeal of pension expenses case.(International News)(Ontario. Court of Appeal)
February 4, 2008... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ OTTAWA-The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear an appeal of a key pension decision that was favorable to plan sponsors. The Supreme Court last week said it would hear an appeal of the Kerry (Canada) Inc....

Lloyd's sees slight dip in capacity for 2008.(International News)(Lloyd's of London)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: SARAH VEYSEY LONDON-Lloyd's of London had underwriting capacity of 15.95 billion pounds ($31.61 billion) on Jan. 1, the market announced last week. That capacity, which will be underwritten by 75 syndicates managed by 46...

Firm considers options after stock fraud award; Rare securities verdict puts Apollo on hook for massive damages.(News)(cases of Apollo Group Inc.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS PHOENIX-The final judgment that a federal judge issued last week on the huge securities fraud damages that a jury awarded investors in a major for-profit higher education organization gives the company until next week...

Judge details rules for damages payments.(News)(cases of Apollo Group Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Dave Lenckus PHOENIX-The final ruling in the securities fraud class action suit against Apollo Group Inc. contains provisions that could increase damages that some investors recover and decrease damages for other investors. A...

Medical research on diet, stress is sweet news for junk food fans.(End Page)(Report)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... New research suggests that while junk food might bulk people up, it also may help calm them down in times of turmoil. Baby lab rats separated from their mothers experienced less stress and agitation when they were given food high in fat and...

NBGH supports mandate for individuals.(News)(National Business Group on Health)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Joanne Wojcik WASHINGTON-The National Business Group on Health, a consortium of around 300 of the nation's largest employers, has come out in support of legislation that would require individuals to buy health insurance coverage...

Appeals court upholds arbitration agreement; Consultant's pact with client ruled retroactive.(News)(cases of Watson Wyatt Worldwide with SBC Holdings Inc.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS CINCINNATI-Watson Wyatt World-wide may compel a client to arbitrate its multimillion-dollar professional services claim against the consultant, even though the consultant's error occurred before the two companies...

AIG settles more broker pay probes; Insurer pays $12.5 million to end investigations in 10 jurisdictions.(News)(American International Group Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS NEW YORK-American International Group Inc. has agreed to pay $12.5 million to 10 jurisdictions to settle allegations associated with industrywide investigations into producer compensation and insurance placement...

Credibility of witness attacked by defense; Existence of alleged AIG side deal questioned.(News)(cases of General Re Corp. with American International Group Inc.)
February 4, 2008... Byline: DOUGLAS McLEOD HARTFORD, Conn.-Defense attorneys' cross-examination of a key government witness in the General Re Corp. finite reinsurance trial last week revealed common themes but also differences-some subtle and some stark-in...

Cost concerns doom Calif. health reforms; Senate panel fails to pass 'play or pay' measure.(News)
February 4, 2008... Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK SACRAMENTO, Calif.-A play-or-pay health reform measure in California proved to be the wrong bill in the wrong place at the wrong time, observers say. The California reform bill, which died last week in the state...

Off-field risks top concern for Olympics; Organizers of London games tackle numerous exposures in preparation for 2012.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)
February 4, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRADFORD Organizers of large sporting events are well-equipped to deal with the traditional property/casualty exposures they face before and during the competition, but they are on less solid footing when it comes to risks...

Large sports events find coverage for increased terrorism threats; Established market offers organizers insurance options for risk.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)
February 4, 2008... Byline: MICHAEL BRADFORD Experience is one thing London has in its favor when it comes to terrorism insurance and security for the 2012 Olympic Games, which it is hosting. A city that suffered attacks by the Irish Republican Army for...

Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com.(Opinions)
February 4, 2008... Is a federal backstop for natural catastrophe risks needed? 75%: No 25%: Yes Next week's poll: Will FMLA expansion for family members of employees called up for military service complicate administration? BI Online Poll tool...

SECTOR SNAPSHOT: Sports & leisure.(Sector Briefing: Sports & Leisure)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Sports & Leisure includes a wide variety of companies and service providers in a growing sector of the global economy. Information provided by Advisen Ltd. offers insights into the insurance purchasing practices of various organizations,...

Judge in dispute serves up some poetic justice.(End Page)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... A state appellate court waxed poetic in overturning a jury's $2.35 million defamation award sparked by a carpenters union's limerick about a nonunion Antioch, Ill.-based homebuilder. The case began in May 2006, when John Maki, owner of J....

Nearly one-quarter of employers offer voluntary life cover; Programs paid by employees usually supplement a basic life insurance program paid by their employer.(Benefits Management)
February 11, 2008... Byline: LOUISE KERTESZ Although growth in the voluntary life insurance market has remained essentially flat for several years, many employers continue to offer the programs as a way to enhance their benefit plans without the extra cost. ...

Disability buyer, provider strategies shifting as employer budgets tighten; Insurers experiment with new designs to encourage employees to enroll.(Benefits Management)
February 11, 2008... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS Employers are reshaping their voluntary short- and long-term disability offerings with the hope of providing an attractive package while using their limited funds to address rising health insurance costs,...

Benefits menu boosted by mix of voluntary options.(Benefits Management)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD More U.S. employers are offering voluntary benefits to their employees for two main reasons: the growing cost of health care, which has led employers to shift costs to voluntary benefits, and the desire to attract...

California court complicates lawsuit settlements.(Perspective)
February 11, 2008... Byline: John E. Heintz A recent decision by a California Court of Appeal has made it a whole lot harder for policyholders to settle lawsuits when insurers have denied coverage. In Aerojet-General Corp. vs. Commercial Union Insurance...

Industry awaits federal review of regulation; Treasury set to reveal reform proposals for financial services.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN NEW YORK-Insurance industry observers are divided over what practical impact the Treasury Department's upcoming broad blueprint for financial services regulation reform is likely to have. A high-ranking Treasury...

'My life. My card.' My slogan! says plaintiff.(End Page)
February 11, 2008... A consultant who claims he coined American Express Co.'s "My life. My card.'' advertising tagline cannot claim it is his slogan, his trademark, a federal appeals court says. New York-based American Express does not have to stop using the...

California misguided in RRG regulation bid.(Opinions)(risk retention groups)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Many years ago, naively it appears, we thought the issue of how risk retention groups were to be regulated was settled. Simply put, after meeting the licensing requirements of one state, risk retention groups could provide coverage to...

Climate change broadens scope of risk; Property, investment, liability concerns rise as warming continues.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD INDIAN WELLS, Calif.-Climate change and the risk it creates can alter risk management practices by broadening their scope, observers say. It should also lead to the coordination of risk management on an...

RRG fights attempt to limit coverage options; Battle over state's move to bar group from writing medical stop-loss may have broad impact.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL SACRAMENTO, Calif.-In a case with far-reaching consequences for the risk retention group market, a small Montana-domiciled RRG that provides medical stop-loss coverage to auto dealers is challenging the California...

Damage extensive from swarm of Southern tornadoes; Initial estimates put insured losses above $40 million.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS JACKSON, Tenn.-Insurers were determining the extent of damage caused by dozens of deadly tornadoes that slammed half a dozen states last week, but even initial assessments put insured losses beyond $40 million....

Plan would require reporting health costs on employee W-2s.(News)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-Employers would be required to report the cost of health insurance coverage they provide to employees on annual W-2 wage and income statements under a recommendation by the Bush administration. Such...

Bank to seek recovery from insurer; Fremont General accused of draining workers comp claims account.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS SAN FRANCISCO-The California-based parent of an insolvent workers compensation insurer may have interfered in the insurance unit's contract with a New York bank by withdrawing $14 million in funds that the bank had to...

Coverage cost reporting proposal not useful.(Opinions)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... WHEN ANALYZING a Bush administration proposal to require employers to report the cost of health insurance coverage they provide to employees on W-2 wage and income statements, there is the theory and then there is the reality. The theory,...

Too many benefit choices may confuse employees.(Benefits Management)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD One dilemma facing employers in designing a voluntary benefits program is whether offering too many choices leaves employees feeling overwhelmed. Judy Hime, Jackson, Tenn.-based benefit manager for West Tennessee...

Education essential to get more employees to sign up.(Benefits Management)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Byline: Judy Greenwald To increase participation in voluntary benefit programs, some employers are spending more time educating their employees, observers say. Lance Osborne, vp, field force development, for the American Family Life...

Should voluntary benefits enrollment be separate? Employers advised to balance desire for simplicity with need to adequately inform employees.(Benefits Management)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD To avoid confusing and overwhelming employees with choices, some consultants recommend holding separate enrollment periods for employer-paid benefits and voluntary benefits, although there has been little movement in...

Bank risk conference draws 400.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: Judy Greenwald INDIAN WELLS, Calif.-About 400 participants attended the American Bankers Assn.'s Insurance Risk Management Conference and Meetings for the financial services industry in Indian Wells, Calif. last month. The...

Court rules for worker fired after bias charge; Timing of dismissal sufficient to warrant retaliation claim.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: JUDY GREENWALD CINCINNATI-A worker who was fired immediately after his employer discovered he had filed an age discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can claim retaliation without having to...

Labor Department seeks military FMLA rule input.(News)(Family and Medical Leave Act )
February 11, 2008... Byline: JERRY GEISEL WASHINGTON-The Labor Department is seeking employer input before finalizing regulations on a new law that expands the Family and Medical Leave Act for employees whose family members are in the military. That...

Epcot exhibit to feature storm, stress.(End Page)(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Leave it to the insurance industry to cross catastrophe risk education with Disney-style entertainment. Bermuda-based RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and its U.S. unit, WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., announced that they will launch an...

Insurance lobby spreads campaign donations.(News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-Insurance interests donated nearly $4.7 million to U.S. presidential candidates last year, according to the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics. Using data released Feb. 1 by the Federal...

Products & services.(contracts between Travelers Corp. and MSDSonline)(service enhancement of Liberty Mutual Group Inc.)(service introduction of Risk Management Solutions Inc.)
February 11, 2008... Travelers provides access to MSDSonline services ST. PAUL, Minn.-Travelers Cos. Inc. has partnered with MSDSonline, a provider of on-demand material safety data sheet management services, to offer Travelers' policyholders online access to...

Finite risk trial draws to a close; Closing arguments to begin as testimony ends.(News)(cases of General Re Corp. with American International Group Inc.)
February 11, 2008... Byline: DOUGLAS McLEOD HARTFORD, Conn.-After five weeks of often grueling testimony, the atmosphere in a Hartford, Conn., federal courtroom relaxed palpably last Wednesday as Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Glover rested the prosecution's...

Canada's workers compensation rates flatten or decline slightly; Employers say despite reductions in Quebec, pricing is still too high.(International News)
February 11, 2008... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ Employers in Canadian provinces will pay steady to lower premiums for workers compensation insurance this year, although concerns persist about Quebec's program despite a second consecutive rate reduction. ...

Simple legislation or simply a waste of time?(Commentary)(laws imposed on state-licensed restaurants to serve obese people)
February 11, 2008... Byline: Dave Lenckus The beauty of some brilliant ideas is their simplicity. You can see it in a bill that a Mississippi legislator has just introduced. The core concept of the measure is something that risk and benefit managers can...

Flight comes between Sienna and her Pepes.(End Page)(Pepe Jeans London files case against private jet service )(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Pepe Jeans says it took a costly hit when a private jet service was unable to get "the face'' of the apparel company to a photo shoot. The Barcelona, Spain-based company last week reportedly filed a lawsuit against a private jet service...