Gain an understanding of the frequent concerns and inquiries regarding CGL coverage.
In an era of increased risk where natural and man-made disasters and accidents are commonplace and frequently involve liability associated with environmental loss, injury involving the use of social media and big data, and the growing costs associated with defending and resolving lawsuits, it is imperative for risk managers, attorneys, and business leaders to be acutely aware of scope of and common issues arising under commercial general liability (CGL) policies.
CGL insurance commonly provides a defense from a lawsuit where there is potential coverage and provides indemnity for any covered claim, settlement, or judgment. This topic will provide you with insight into the key coverages available and concerns that arise in the CGL insurance arena and provide guidance regarding common issues and questions under a CGL policy. This topic will open with a discussion of how CGL insurance operates, including a review of the major types of liability covered under a CGL policy, access to CGL coverage as an additional insured, and understanding a basic CGL coverage tower. We will then discuss the most significant recurring issues and questions related to CGL coverage, focusing on the duty to defend, common policy exclusions, concerns when pursuing coverage for long-tail asbestos and environmental claims, and allocation and exhaustion issues. We will conclude with a discussion of the recurring issues and questions to consider in connection with how insurers handle CGL claims.
Agenda
Types of Commercial General Liability (CGL) Coverage
- Nature of Coverage
- Coverage A: Bodily Injury and Property Damage
- Coverage B: Personal and Advertising Injury
- Additional Insured Coverage
The CGL Coverage Tower - Distinguishing Between Primary, Umbrella and Excess Coverage
- Primary Policies
- Umbrella Policies
- Excess Policies
CGL Duty to Defend
- Defining the Duty to Defend
- Determining the Existence of the Duty to Defend: The Eight Corners Rule
- Conflicts of Interest and Right to Independent Counsel
- Insurer Counsel Guidelines
Recurring CGL Issues
- Common Exclusions
- Long-Tail Asbestos Coverage
- Environmental Coverage
- Allocation
- Exhaustion
CGL Claims Handling Issues
- Notice Issues
- Duty to Cooperate
- Responding to a Reservation of Rights
- Bad Faith
Speakers
Kevin B. Dreher,
Reed Smith LLP- Partner in the Insurance Recovery Group in Reed Smith LLP’s Chicago office
- Practice focuses on commercial litigation with an emphasis on representing policyholders in complex litigation and insurance disputes
- Insurance coverage practice is nationwide and has involved litigation in jurisdictions throughout the United States
- Significant experience representing and counseling Fortune 500 companies in a variety of complex commercial litigation and insurance matters
- Handled disputes in negotiation and litigation with all major U.S. insurers, and London and Bermuda market insurers
- Writes and speaks frequently on insurance coverage and other topics and recognized as a Rising Star in Litigation
- J.D. degree, University of Illinois College; M.A. degree, Loyola University in Chicago; B.A. degree, University of Michigan
- Can be contacted at 312-207-2778 or kdreher@reedsmith.com
Bradley H. Dlatt,
Perkins Coie LLP- Associate in the insurance recovery and commercial litigation practices in Perkins Coie LLP’s Chicago office
- Practice focuses on advising businesses on insurance issues, resolving insurance coverage disputes, and handling other commercial disputes, including assisting with mediation, arbitration, and litigation in a variety of industries
- Can be contacted at 312-324-8499 or bdlatt@perkinscoie.com
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for attorneys and legal staff, claims managers, risk managers. Other insurance professionals and other legal professionals may also benefit from attending.
