The issue of spoliation of evidence is becoming increasingly problematic for insurance companies. The Louisiana Supreme Court recently considered the question of whether an insurer can be held liable for negligent spoliation of evidence when it failed to preserve a … Source: Claims Journal

Volkswagen almost inevitably will have to compensate owners of diesel cars equipped with emissions-rigging software. Some legal experts say the automaker could be forced to buy back the cars altogether. Many of the more than 200 lawsuits filed in the … Source: Claims Journal

Medical payments per workers’ compensation claim in Illinois rose 4.1 percent in 2013, after decreasing 20 percent between 2010 and 2012 as a result of a 30 percent reduction in fee schedule rates, according to a recent study by the … Source: Claims Journal

The number of Oklahomans dying from unintentional prescription drug overdoses has dropped to its lowest level in eight years. Preliminary data from the state Health Department show 510 people died from unintentional prescription drug overdoses in 2014 compared to 538 … Source: Claims Journal

Firefighters around the world have sworn to protect and save lives, but this week the Montgomery Fire Department, will also be trying to protect its title from the best firefighters in the world who are descending on Montgomery, Alabama. The … Source: Claims Journal

To contain a surge in drug-related deaths in the U.S., state and local governments are pouring money into programs to make an overdose antidote more widely available even as prices rise — creating a growth opportunity for manufacturers. Naloxone, approved … Source: Claims Journal

What began in 2003 as a $40,000 repair to a yacht will cost Jones Boat Yard in Miami and the boat owner’s insurance company almost 12 times that amount. Twelve years after the loss, following a two-week jury trial, James … Source: Claims Journal

It’s common knowledge that driving with blood alcohol content higher than .08 violates the law. But with marijuana, things are a lot more hazy. As Vermont and other states consider following the lead of Colorado and Washington state in legalizing … Source: Claims Journal

Volkswagen AG will embark on one of the biggest recalls in European automotive history, affecting 8.5 million diesel vehicles, after German authorities threw out the carmaker’s proposal for voluntary repairs. The Federal Motor Transport Authority, or KBA, demanded a recall … Source: Claims Journal

The world’s largest reinsurers are anticipating even bigger price declines when policies are renewed in 2016 than envisaged a month ago as a flurry of takeovers in the industry fails to absorb some of the excess capital. Reinsurers and brokers … Source: Claims Journal