The Subrogation Strategist

In New Jersey Mfrs. Ins. Co. v. Lallygone LLC, No. A-2607-22, 2024 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 120, the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey (Appellate Division) considered whether New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company (the carrier) could bring a subrogation action after its insured, Efmorfopo Panagiotou (the insured), litigated and tried claims related to the same underlying incident with the same defendant, Lallygone LLC (the defendant). The Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s finding that the prior lawsuit extinguished the carrier’s claims.

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On February 21-22, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recalls related to products that present fire hazards:

1. EVAS 20 lb. Propane Exchange Tanks Recalled by Worthington Enterprises Due to Fire Hazard. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he recalled propane ...

The newest episode of the Subro Sessions podcast is out now. This episode is entitled, “Stop Suing Yourself: A Brief Discussion on the Anti-Subrogation Rule” and is hosted by Gus Sara, Partner, and Katherine Dempsey, Associate. Gus and Katherine share their expertise on the Anti-Subrogation Rule by discussing its history, purpose and how it applies in various states across the country.

Listen to all of our episodes here. Continue Reading

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On February 15, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recall related to a product that presents a fire hazard:

Ocean State Job Lot Recalls “Growing Table-Mini Greenhouse and Raised Garden Bed” Due to Fire Hazard

According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he ... Continue Reading

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On February 8, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recalls related to products that present fire hazards:

1. GPU Angled Adapters Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by CableMod. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he adapters’ male connector ...

If a fire or flood destroys a high-net-worth client’s fine art collection, an insurer who pays out a claim related to the loss has an incentive to pursue subrogation. This article explores some of the issues an insurer should “canvas” before pursuing subrogation for these types of claims.

Damage to fine art can occur in a number of ways. For instance, fine art may be damaged in a natural disaster - such as a flood or a wildfire. Artwork may also be accidentally damaged because of a transportation-related incident physically damaging the art. In addition, artwork may suffer fire or smoke damage from a fire within a building. Another possibility is that the artwork suffers damage because of renovations either to the insured’s home or a neighboring property. For example, a renovation contractor may damage artwork due to vibrations or leaking water. A construction worker, moreover, may turn with a tool in his hand, or trip and fall, damaging the artwork.Continue Reading

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On February 1, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recalls related to products that present fire hazards:

1. BISSELL Recalls Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners Due to Fire Hazard. According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he vacuum’s battery pack can ...

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On January 25, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recall related to a product that presents a fire hazard:

Pacific Cycle Recalls E-Bikes Due to Fire Hazard

According to the CPSC’s website, “[t]he wiring harness that manages the charging of the lithium-ion ... Continue Reading

In subrogation cases where the insured’s damages were caused by a defective product, the fact that the product at issue is or was subject to a recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may help to establish that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession and control. On January 18, 2024, the CPSC announced the following recall related to a product that presents a fire hazard:

Bokser Home Recalls Mattress Pads Due to Fire Hazard and Violation of Federal Mattress Pad Flammability Regulation.

According to the CPSC’s website ... Continue Reading

Matt Ferrie, Partner, is returning to host the newest episode of Subro Sessions. This episode is the first part of a series entitled “Investigating Residential Electrical Fires.” Joining Matt is Bert Davis, Principal for Romauldi, Davidson & Associates and BDA Engineering. Matt and Bert address common misconceptions and factors to consider when investigating property damage subrogation cases in residential electrical fires.

Check out all of our Subro Sessions podcast episodes.Continue Reading