Declarations

Auto No Fault

“This bill would benefit a small group of citizens and a large group of attorneys, while driving up the costs for many.”

Rep. Fulton Sheen, a Republican from Plainwell commenting on a bill that would change who is able to sue and collect damages under Michigan’s automobile insurance laws. The legislation, HB 4301, passed the Democratic-controlled House on this week by a 58-51 vote. The legislation now goes to the Senate. Under current law, when people are injured in auto accidents, their medical bills and up to three years of lost wages are covered through their personal injury protection insurance, which Michigan drivers are required to have. State law also allows non-economic damages, or pain and suffering, but only when the victim is killed, seriously impaired or seriously disfigured. Under the measure passed, an injured person could sue for lost wages and noneconomic damages under broader terms than now defined in state law, making it easier for people injured in auto accidents to sue. Democratic Rep. Paul Condino of Southfield, says the legislation fixes what he considers a travesty of justice based on the 2004 Supreme Court decision.

Uninsured proposal
Among the challenges that hospitals face each day are caring for uninsured patients who appear in the emergency room — who have not had primary care, who have not had annual check-ups — and are often sicker and suffer more.”

Illinois Hospital Association (IHA) President Kenneth C. Robbins describes why the Illinois Hospital Association endorses “Illinois Covered,” a proposal Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich’s has pitched lawmakers to provide access to affordable health care coverage for the state’s 1.4 million uninsured adults. Enhancing access to health care has always been our major goal, Robbins said. “We applaud the Governor for taking this groundbreaking step …”

Loss data
“The survey shows that risk managers clearly understand the value of data and, increasingly, are focusing on its associated losses.”

Gareth Tungatt, senior underwriter specializing in IT and Cyber Risk at ACE, comments on growing concerns by the insurance industry regarding electronic data loss. A survey of 181 senior executives and risk professionals revealed that loss of data was the most important consideration in terms of operational risk, with over 40 percent saying their organization focused more on loss of data than other issues — including systems failure, human error and even natural disasters. Seventy-one percent of those questioned said that they have increased the time and resources they dedicate to focusing on their business continuity programs.