Click through to watch Holman Webb's first Insurance webinar of the year: 2020 - A Year in Review.

Presented by national insurance group leader John Van de Poll, this 50 minute webinar discussed a wide range of interesting and important insurance matters from 2020.

Discussion topics include:

• Business Interruption Insurance in a Pandemic 
  HDI Global Specialty SE v Wonkana No. 3 Pty Ltd [2020] NSWCA 296
• Do security guards voluntarily assume the risk of an axe wielding intruder?
  Capar v SPG Investments Pty Ltd t/as Lidcombe Power Centre [2020] NSWCA 354
• Obvious Risk and Horse Riding 
  Tapp v Australian Bushmen's Campdraft & Rodeo Association Ltd [2020] NSWCA 263
• Nature and Conditions claims and Labour Hire 
  Bauer Media Pty Ltd v Khedrlarian [2020] NSWCA 288
• Credit Hire - Need and Reasonableness considered 
  Lee v Strelnicks; Souaid v Nahas; Cassim v Nguyen; Rixon v Arsalan [2020] NSWCA 115
• Disappointing Holidays 
  Moore v Scenic Tours Pty Ltd [2020] HCA 17

The business interruption test case in the NSW Court of Appeal has resulted in a decision favouring policyholders, rather than insurers.  

This test case has awakened insurers to the importance of obtaining regular legal advice in order to stay up to date with all relevant (and potentially problematic) legislative changes.

The matter of Danbol Pty Ltd v Swiss Re International Se [2020] VSC 23 was originally heard before the Victorian Supreme Court in February 2020. The matter was subsequently appealed and dismissed in November 2020.  

The decisions emphasise the importance of a clear and unequivocal acceptance of an offer before an insurance contract will be considered binding.

Congratulations to four Partners and one Special Counsel, who have each been included in recently published Doyle's Guide 2020 lists, including:

• Leading Dust Diseases Lawyers (Defendant) - Queensland;
• Leading Dust Diseases Liability Lawyers (Defendant) - South Australia; and
• Leading Compulsory Third Party Insurance Lawyers (Defendant) - New South Wales.

In addition, Holman Webb is the only firm listed in the Doyle's Guide 'First Tier' category, on the recently published Leading Dust Diseases Law Firms (Defendant) – Queensland list.  Similarly, Holman Webb is listed in the 'Leading' category for Leading Dust Diseases Law Firms (Defendant) – South Australia.

Jumping castles, otherwise known as bouncy castles or inflatable trampolines, are a firm favourite at fetes, birthday parties, beer gardens – and even in pools.  

Of course, like any form of fun, they have their hazards.

The latest development in the ever-changing world of 'Loss of use' claims has seen the NSW Court of Appeal hand down their respective decisions in Lee v Strelnicks; Souaid v Nahas; Cassim v Nguyen; Rixon v Arsalan [2020] NSWCA 115. 

Is your company ready to pivot in the event of a crisis?

In the latest episode of Legal Lockdown, Adriana Giometti speaks with Karina Rodríguez Díaz, Crisis Management Underwriting Manager, Australasia at HDI Global Specialty SE, to discuss how organisations within a wide range of industries have managed to pivot their businesses in order to adapt to changes brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

Virtual Courts – a hindrance to justice, or the way of the future?

In Episode 8 of Legal Lockdown, Adriana Giometti joins General Insurance Special Counsel Sarah Wheeler for a look at how Australia’s courts have navigated the recent lockdowns through the use of online hearings.

Holman Webb is delighted to announce ten promotions across our Sydney and Melbourne offices. 

In the latest episode of Legal Lockdown, Adriana Giometti speaks with John Van de Poll, Insurance Partner, to discuss Australia’s insurance sector following the COVID-19 Pandemic.