Recently, Owners of the Royal Dane Mall in the U.S. Virgin Islands brought suit against their insurer, Lloyds of London, stemming from an Independence Day fire two years ago that caused considerable damage to the historic marketplace.
Continue Reading Royal Pain for Royal Dane Mall
Like the 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands allows policyholders to recover through multiple avenues, in the event of an insurance company’s refusal to pay a valid claim. Similarly, the USVI also allows a policyholder to bring a bad faith claim in addition to a breach of contract claim.
Continue Reading Insurance Bad Faith in the Virgin Islands: How To Properly Plead Insurance Claims Misconduct in The Virgin Islands
(Note: This guest blog is by Ilira Ndreu, a Summer Law Clerk in our Tampa office)
In the past few years, the U.S. Virgin Islands have experienced multiples catastrophic hurricanes. These storms have prompted various questions concerning the Virgin Islands, including time limitations that should be considered by policyholders.
Continue Reading Service of Process Laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation has a dual responsibility of regulating the insurance industry and protecting consumer interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As of January 30, 2018, the most recent data on insurance claims provided by the Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation (“Division”) indicated the following:1
Continue Reading How to File A Complaint With The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Insurance About Your Delaying, Denying and Bad Treating Insurance Company
It has been five months since Hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked widespread havoc on the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Category 5 hurricanes damaged buildings of all shapes and types – residences, businesses, places of worship, warehouses and commercial buildings. Those with insurance coverage filed claims, presumably expecting prompt and fair responses from their insurance companies. Have these policyholders received a timely response?
Continue Reading Additional Review Required of All Virgin Island Hurricane-Related Claims Where Property Determined to be Underinsured
The Virgin Islands are beautiful. The Virgin Islands insurance scenario is pretty ugly right now. One question that has been posed to us several times since Hurricane Irma and Maria struck is whether venue clauses requiring suit to be filed somewhere other than the Virgin Islands are valid.
Continue Reading Venue and Forum Selection Clauses in the Virgin Islands
Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria now have through January 8, 2018, to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).1 Registration is required if survivors intend to apply for federal disaster benefits, such as low-interest Small Business Administration disaster loans and/or FEMA grants for rental assistance, home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related needs.
Continue Reading FEMA Registration Deadline Extended Until January 8, 2018, for US Virgin Islands
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the two-catastrophic category five hurricanes that struck the U.S.V.I. in the space of twelve days, many residents are still in survival mode as they deal with the lingering psychological and physical damage. As the resilient Virgin Islanders continue to rebuild, the next ordeal for those affected will entail dealing with their insurance company regarding the damage to their homes and businesses. Many, including myself, can still vividly recall the failures of prior insurers following Hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Marilyn (1995) and the rippling economic effect that followed. Depending on the extent of damages, insureds may want to consider hiring a licensed and experienced public insurance adjuster to represent their interests.1
Continue Reading Insurance Bad Faith in the Virgin Islands
As I noted in my previous blog, Business Interruption Will Play Big Role in Rebuilding the U.S. Virgin Islands After Irma, the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands is staggering. To make matters worse, the powerful northeast eyewall of Hurricane Maria is now bearing down on the islands with what are expected to be Category 4 strength winds. The government is urging non-essential personnel to get out while there is still time. With safe structures being almost non-existent, we pray those in St. Thomas and St. John will heed these warnings.
Continue Reading Time Limitations in Virgin Islands Insurance Claims After Hurricane Irma
The U.S. Virgin Islands holds a special place in my family’s heart. Nothing makes my wife Ashley and I happier than a sail full of trade winds carrying us to the next secluded cove or rowdy beach bar. While most of the national media focused on Hurricane Irma’s trek toward Florida, it is now clear that St. Thomas and St. John took the brunt of the storm while still a Category 5.
Continue Reading Business Interruption Will Play Big Role in Rebuilding the U.S. Virgin Islands After Irma