Catastrophic events (CAT) include hurricanes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tornados, and wildfires (See Figures 1-4 below). “CAT season” is the phrase experts commonly use to describe the...more
On January 17, 1994, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Northridge, California, resulting in thousands of casualties and approximately $60 billion in damages and economic loss. Hospitals within the impacted area suffered...more
Consider the things you rely on during a normal day that support your routines and well-being—lifelines such as electricity, water, gas, roadways, public transportation, bridges, and others commonly thought of as essentials...more
About 90% of the world’s earthquakes take place in the Ring of Fire, an area surrounding the Pacific Ocean laced with volcanoes. Though the name might conjure images of earthquakes spouting fire through cracks in the ground...more
First party insurance claims involving multiple perils present unique challenges when assessing whether an insurance policy provides coverage. For example, suppose an insurance policy covers damage resulting from fire, but...more
Followers of the CAT-Law Navigator know that our blog posts often address recent earthquakes around the world. As catastrophes go, a massive earthquake is about as bad as it gets so it’s a natural topic for us. And if...more
In what may be part of a wave of litigation blaming increased seismicity on oil and gas development activities, 12 residents of Oklahoma City and its suburbs filed suit against oil and gas drillers and operators of wastewater...more
What should we make of the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s order sending a suit alleging injuries from an earthquake back to the trial court for further action? Did the court unleash the lions, tigers and bears of the litigation...more
The recent Napa earthquake caused significant damage to buildings in the historic downtown areas of the cities of Napa and Vallejo, and brought to the fore the limited extent to which California law requires seismic safety...more
As the Napa Valley community begins the process of repairing damage and healing from injuries and losses related to the earthquake that struck on August 24, 2014, we extend our heartfelt wishes to those affected by the...more
In the aftermath of this weekend’s earthquake, we at Farella Braun + Martel would like to offer our insights. If you have a business that was affected by the earthquake, now is the time to look at your insurance policies,...more
Los Angeles residents didn’t need to go to McDonald’s for their “Shamrock Shake” on St. Patrick’s Day 2014. At 6:25 a.m., a 4.4-magnitude earthquake shook L.A. County out of bed. Monday’s shake serves as a reminder to be...more