The Subrogation Strategist

White and Williams has one of the longest-standing Subrogation Practices in the nation. This series of the Subro Sessions podcast, entitled “Getting to Know Subro,” is hosted by Lian Skaf, Partner. In this episode, Lian interviews Chris Konzelmann, Partner and Chair of the Subrogation Department, to discuss his 35 years with the firm while volunteering as a fire captain in Moorestown, New Jersey.

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You can also listen to Subro Sessions on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Continue Reading

Chris Konzelmann, Partner, hosts the newest episode of the Subro Sessions podcast entitled: “Pursuing Claims Against Minors and Their Parents.” In this episode, Chris revisits a case and discusses the problems that may arise when subrogation efforts are targeted towards children and their parents and whether either can be held responsible for tort claims.

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Defective products harm consumers. Courts have consistently held, however, that Amazon is not liable for defective products acquired through its on-line marketplace because the company is not a “seller” and is otherwise protected by the Communications Decency Act (CDA). The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, applying Pennsylvania law, rejected both defenses in Oberdorf v. Amazon.com Inc. No.18-1041 (3rd Cir. July 3, 2019).Continue Reading

Philadelphia Contributorship Ins. Co. a/s/o David Munz v. Ryan, Inc., 2019 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 62, involves a typical fire loss subrogation claim requiring expert testimony from an origin and cause consultant and a furnace consultant. The facts are straightforward. The Munz home lost heat. Munz called furnace service contractor Ryan, Inc. to check the system and make needed repairs. One month later, a fire originating in the furnace damaged the home. Munz’s insurer paid the first party claim and filed a subrogation action against Ryan, Inc. The underlying liability theory was that the Ryan, Inc. furnace technician should not have repaired the furnace and placed it back into service.Continue Reading

Larsen v. 401 Main St. Inc., 302 Neb. 454 (2019), involved a fire originating in the basement of the Quart House Pub (Pub) in Plattsmouth, Nebraska that spread to and damaged Plattsmouth Chiropractic Center, Inc., a neighboring business. Fire investigators could not enter the building because the structure was unsafe and demolished. The chiropractic center nevertheless sued the Pub alleging that its failure to maintain and replace basement mechanical equipment caused ignition.Continue Reading