Articles by Ezra Amacher

Ryan Specialty Q4 Net Income Up 28% on E&S Expansion

Ryan Specialty reported fourth quarter 2023 net income of $58.5 million and net income of $194.5 million for the full year. The Chicago-based specialty insurance firm grew Q4 net income by about 28% from the prior year, while full year …

State Farm Sues Norfolk Southern Over Ohio Train Derailment Damages

State Farm Insurance brought forth a subrogation lawsuit last week against Norfolk Southern over damages to a pair of East Palestine, Ohio homes allegedly caused by the railroad company’s February 2023 train derailment. State Farm filed a complaint in Columbiana …

Houston Attorney Eric B. Dick Sanctioned Over $100K in ‘Frivolous’ Lawsuit

For the second time in three months, Houston plaintiffs’ attorney Eric B. Dick has been ordered to reimburse an insurer more than $100,000 for filing a “frivolous, groundless” lawsuit made “solely for the purpose of harassment.” Galveston County District Court …

Texas Supreme Court Rules to Cut Out Attorney’s Fees in First-Party Appraisals

The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that when an insurance company pays an appraisal award plus any statutory interest in a weather-related first-party property case, there is no liability for attorney’s fees. The court responded to a certified question from …

Court Orders Texas Adjuster to Cease Using Lloyd’s Trademarked Names

A Texas public adjuster committed willful infringement when he formed a corporation and a limited liability company with the names “Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London, Inc.” and “Certain Underwriters of Lloyds London,” a U.S. district court ruled on Feb. 7. …

Southwest Wins Appeal in Cyber Excess Coverage Dispute With Liberty

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in mid-January that Southwest Airlines can continue to seek reimbursement under its Liberty Mutual cyber risk policy for costs incurred during a 2016 massive computer failure. The appeals court panel disagreed with …

Houston ‘Hire A Dick’ Attorney Faces Another Six Figure Sanctions Order

For the second time in three months, Houston plaintiffs’ attorney Eric B. Dick has been ordered to reimburse an insurer more than $100,000 for filing a “frivolous, groundless” lawsuit made “solely for the purpose of harassment.” Galveston County District Court …

Southwest Wins Appeal in Cyber Excess Coverage Dispute With Liberty

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that Southwest Airlines can continue to seek reimbursement under its Liberty Mutual cyber risk policy for costs incurred during a 2016 massive computer failure. An appeals court panel disagreed with …

Louisiana Property Initiatives Are Meeting Expectations, Ex-Commissioner Says

Outgoing Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said that two initiatives to address the state’s property insurance market are meeting expectations. Companies participating in the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program have collectively written more than 50,000 policies as of Nov. 30. Approximately …

Indiana Bill Would Allow Employees to Select Physician in Workers’ Comp Cases

An Indiana lawmaker has proposed a bill that would allow employees to choose their attending physician in workers’ compensation cases. Rep. Charles Moseley, a Democrat, introduced House Bill 1246 this week, which would permit an injured worker to choose a …