Beware of Insurance Bad Faith

In exchange for policyholders paying insurance premiums, insurance companies have a legal duty to provide coverage, uphold the terms of the policy and pay valid claims. When a claim is made, the insurance company will evaluate the claim and determine coverage.  If coverage is denied for an invalid reason or the payment offer is not…

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Case Spotlight: Murray et al., v. BEJ Minerals, LLC

As a real estate attorney, it is common to see reservations of mineral rights in legal descriptions. Never did I wonder whether dinosaur bones were minerals that could be so reserved. That question, however, has come up and made its way to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for a decision. The case involves a…

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Mortgage Forbearances Are Not Without Risk

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act put protections in place for consumers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Since the pandemic has caused a widespread economic downturn, many people are facing layoffs or reduced hours and pay. This led to two protections for homeowners with federally backed mortgages. Lenders…

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