Corporate Counsel Section Meeting
“Have You Ever Been Stowerized? The Duty to Settle in Texas”
Texas lawyers generally understand that a liability insurer may have a duty to settle claims asserted against its policyholder, and that breaching that duty can cause the insurer to be liable for damages in excess of its policy limits. That duty arises when the insurer is presented a proper “Stowers” demand. What does that mean? What triggers the duty to settle?
This free presentation, presented by two experienced trial lawyers, will trace the development of the Stowers doctrine from the colorful 1929 lawsuit against the Stowers Furniture Company to the present. They will identify the essential elements of a Stowers demand, the factors an insurer should consider in responding to a settlement demand, and the scope of the insurer’s discretion in dealing with situations involving multiple claimants or multiple insureds. They will also discuss the impact of legislative enactments defining “bad faith” practices in connection with settlements. Finally, they will explore scenarios in which the policyholder controls its own defense and settlement decisions. A working knowledge of the Stowers doctrine is essential to anyone involved in lawsuits against Texas policyholders. This webinar will provide valuable information and practical insights for lawyers representing plaintiffs, defendants, policyholders, or insurers.
· Speakers: Lyndon F. Bittle and Corbet F. Bryant of Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal, L.L.P., in Dallas
· Qualifies for 1 hour MCLE credit.
Location: Abuelo's in East Plano, 3420 N. Central, north of Parker Rd.
Cost: $15 including tax and tip for fajita buffet, tea and water
For additional details, please contact Anne Shuttee, anne.shuttee@shutteelaw.com or Martha James, mjames@holtjameslaw.com (Co-Chairs).