District Court of Colorado Revisits Legal Process for Challenging Appraisal Awards
Recently, the district court of Colorado revisited the legal process for challenging an appraisal award. Specifically, the Anita Court clarified whether a causation determination in appraisal is permissive, citing the ...
RECENT ARTICLES
SJJ Prevails again at the Minnesota Supreme Court!
In Oliver v. State Farm Fire and Cas. Ins. Co., a case recently decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court, SJJ attorneys Alex Jadin and Tim Johnson brought home another big win for insurance policyholders. In the Oliver case, an insurance company (State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company) sought to avoid its obligation to pay interest rightfully owed to a…
We are proud to announce that Finn Jacobsen has been named a partner!
We are proud to announce that Finn Jacobsen has been named a partner! Finn’s practice focuses on homeowners association (HOA) law and demonstrates both extraordinary ability and dedication on a daily basis. Congratulations, Finn!
Should HOAS require background checks for renters?
Background checks have long been used as a way for owners wishing to lease their units to determine who may rent their property. However, this practice has recently come under fire, as rejecting tenants on the basis of their criminal history may violate state and federal discrimination laws. With that in mind, how should homeowners associations handle background checks for…
Buy/Sell Agreement – A Necessity for Every Privately Held Business with Multiple Owners
A properly drafted buy/sell agreement for privately held businesses with multiple owners avoids the risk of costly litigation that can occur when a co-owner departs from the business. The following scenario is an example of the financial risk in not having a buy/sell agreement in place: A business owner (“Buyer”) needs representation in the buyout of her business partner (“Seller”).…
Court of appeals upholds material matching exclusion in Minnesota policy
In an opinion issued today by the Minnesota Court of Appeals, it upheld an insurance company’s exclusion against repairing a policyholder’s hail-damaged property with reasonably matching materials in Pleasure Creek vs. American Family. The Court relied heavily on the recent decision from the Federal 8th Circuit in Noonan v. American Family that upheld a similar exclusion. In relevant part, the…
Fire-damaged homeowners face insurance troubles
People whose homes are damaged by fire may face a challenging time dealing with their insurance companies. The results of major wildfires, such as the Camp Fire, have changed the way that many insurers do business. Homeowners devastated by fires have faced massive losses, from their homes themselves to the landscapes that once surrounded them. After a claim, however, or…