Two common topics of discussion in condominium and townhome associations are: (1) who is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the building components; and (2) who is responsible for paying for repairs. Unless the association’s declaration...
Why Matching Coverage Matters in Minnesota
The purpose of a property insurance policy is usually to restore the property to its “pre-loss” condition. In the event that your home or business sustains damage, the insurance company should pay to repair the damaged material with new materials. “Matching” refers to...
“You Can’t Make Me!” Vaccination Considerations for HOA Boards and Common Interest Communities
COVID-19 vaccines are now readily available to any Minnesotan who wishes to be inoculated. In fact, Minnesota is one of the most highly-vaccinated states, with approximately 45% of the state population fully vaccinated at the beginning of May 2021. With the widespread...
SJJ Forces a Colorado Insurance Company to Participate in Appraisal
In the case of Pallarito vs. American Family, Smith Jadin Johnson attorneys Christopher Drake, Jared McLuskey, and Zac Morgan successfully compelled American Family Insurance to participate in appraisal on their client’s terms. The policyholder’s property was...
SJJ Attorneys Anthony Remick and Tim Johnson Secure Minnesota Policyholders Right to Appraisal
An insurance company’s refusal to appraise a disputed loss “was done in bad faith” according to a Minnesota Judge. In the recent Anoka County case of Klimmek v. North Star Insurance, a policyholder demanded appraisal (a dispute resolution mechanism available in every...
Who’s Going to Pay for This? Common Expenses and Limited Assessments in Minnesota HOAs
Two common topics of discussion in condominium and townhome associations are: (1) who is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the building components; and (2) who is responsible for paying for repairs. Unless the association’s declaration...
Colorado: Covid-19 Safety Measures in Common Areas for Common Interest Communities
Community associations, like all other entities in the United States, have had to learn to navigate a new landscape of COVID-19 restrictions in the past year. Associations have had to adapt to the ever-changing situation on the fly, filling in the gaps left by...
Preparing Minneapolis: Does Your Property Have Riot Coverage?
Many insurance policies contain exclusions for damages associated with “civil unrest,” “riot or civil commotion,” “vandalism or malicious mischief,” or other terms meant to exclude the type of damages many Minneapolis property owners experienced as a result of rioting...
Another SJJ Victory at the Minnesota Court of Appeals
Glaros Hanson v. Midwest Inv. Servs., LLC, 2020 WL 5647239 (Minn. Ct. App. 2021) Smith Jadin Johnson attorneys Charles Austinson and Tim Johnson recently won a case at the Court of Appeals disqualifying an attorney from representing a company against one of its...
Court Orders Insurance Company to Identify Why it Denied a Claim
Discovery disputes in litigation are usually the result of unresolved misunderstandings between the parties over the nature of the issues in dispute. Most often, discovery disputes are and should be resolved without court intervention. Occasionally, there are...
Additional Minnesota Statutes Concerning Homeowners Associations
Many Boards and property managers are familiar with the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act, Minn. Stat. § 515B (“MCIOA”). MCIOA is the main statute that governs and regulates most, but not all, common-interest-communities (“CICs”) in Minnesota. While MCIOA is...
Why MCIOA? The Advantages of Opting into the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act
The Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act, Minn. Stat. § 515B et seq. (“MCIOA”, pronounced “em-kai-wah”) was passed by the Minnesota legislature in 1994 in order to provide a more uniform administration of common interest communities. Subject to a few exceptions,...
Is There a Hidden Deadline in Your Homeowners Policy?
In prior posts, we have commented on the standard two-year time limit for suit found in many Minnesota homeowners policies that effectively serves to shorten the time in which you may make a claim for insurance proceeds. The two-year time limit for suit is generally...
SJJ Secures Another Victory for Policyholders
SJJ attorneys already established a policyholder’s ability to recover interest on an underpaid insurance claim when the policyholder is forced to resolve it through the appraisal process in 2017 before the Minnesota Supreme Court. Since then, some insurance companies have tried to alter their policies in an attempt to prevent policyholders from receiving interest on these underpaid claims.
Probate Part III – When Probate Should Be Avoided
In part three of Smith Jadin Johnsons series on probate, this post discusses the scenarios when drafting a revocable trust as a client’s main estate planning device, and subsequently avoiding probate, makes the most sense. Depending on the type of estate, revocable trusts can be the preferred method of asset distribution for estates that are complex and for estates that require control over assets and/or privacy.
Dial Back, Minnesota: Effects on Homeowners Associations
On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that he was dialing back Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan for the COVID-19 pandemic. The updated plan is a reaction to a continued rise in all relevant metrics, including number of cases, rate of positive tests, and use of hospital capacity.
Probate Part II – When Probate Is Preferred
In part two of Smith Jadin Johnson’s series on probate, this post discusses the scenarios when drafting a will as a client’s main estate planning device, and subsequently probating the will, makes the most sense.
Probate Part 1: Is It a Four Letter Word?
For many people, when they hear the word “probate” it conjures up something to be avoided like the plague. Most of that stems from misunderstanding the process and procedure. This is the first of a three part series in which Smith Jadin Johnson explains when probate is appropriate for clients and when it should be avoided.
Minnesota Appraisals
Smith Jadin Johnson, PLLC recently won a decision in the Federal District of Minnesota compelling a reluctant insurer to participate in an appraisal of a disputed insurance claim. After the insured demanded an appraisal, the insurer commenced litigation seeking to avoid coverage for the claimed loss and refused to participate in appraisal.
Colorado House Bill 1290: Eroding the Failure to Cooperate Defense
2020 has been a bit of a roller coaster, to say the least. Governor Polis and the Colorado legislature have certainly had their hands full dealing with the pandemic, but nonetheless, they found time to protect policyholders in Colorado by preventing Insurance Carriers from engaging in revisionist history and asserting the failure to cooperate provision as a basis to avoid paying benefits owed under an insurance policy.
HOA Signage Rules During Election Season
As election day rapidly approaches, it is important for homeowner and community associations (HOAs) throughout Minnesota to fully understand their rights and obligations relating to campaigning and campaign materials. While limitations on exterior signs, flags, and...
Colorado Senate Bill 211 Signed into Effect
On June 29, 2020, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 20-211 into effect. Considering the devastation of COVID-19, Senate Bill 20-211 places a temporary prohibition on extraordinary collectionsactions. This includes “an action in the nature of an attachment,...
Tips for Property Owners Beginning Large Construction Projects
When entering into a construction contract it is important that a property owner take measures to protect themselves from possible issues that may arise. The most common disputes between property owners and contractors stem from miscommunication. It may have to do...
Why Business Owners Need Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreements
At Smith Jadin Johnson, we represent a wide variety of businesses. In doing so, our firm often discovers that clients have key employees that are aware of the business’s confidential information and yet no protections are in place for preserving that information. This...
SJJ Assists in Major Bad Faith Victory for Policyholders at Minnesota Supreme Court
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently reconsidered the application of Minnesota’s “bad faith” insurance statute. At issue was whether an insurance company has denied a claim in bad faith if it has any conceivable basis to deny the claim at all, or whether a denial...
The Difference Between Directors & Officers in your HOA
It is a common misunderstanding that at a homeowner association, Directors are the same as Officers. While often these rolls are filled by the same people, this is not always the case and the differences and distinctions can be important. The Association’s Board of...
Managing Difficult Interactions at Homeowners Associations by Karly Kauf
2020 has been an extremely difficult year for nearly everyone across the world. Working together and supporting each other can go a long way towards creating a thriving community. HOA Boards of Directors can have a genuine impact on the community members and can set...
All Minnesota General Contractors Must Create a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
The Department of Labor and Industry Requires All Minnesota General Contractors Create a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Following Governor Walz’s executive orders, all General Contractors in Minnesota (and any business engaged in the construction trades), must develop and...
Proposed Colorado Senate Bill 211 and its Impact on Homeowners Associations
The Colorado legislature is back to work following the COVID-19 shutdown and proposing legislation to cease “extraordinary collection actions” through November 1, 2020. Senators Winter and Gonzales along with representative Herod introduced Senate Bill 211 just 15...
Collections During Covid-19
As we slowly creep into June, it sometimes feels like we have been taking it “day-by-day” forever. That there is no “business as usual.” Many are left with lingering questions about the state of financial affairs for their business and what the next 60, 30, or even...
Virtual Practice During the Pandemic
Many states continue to be governed by some version of a “stay-at-home order” that prohibits normal social and work gatherings, including courthouses. This has led to nearly every event imaginable taking place virtually over video conferences platforms like Zoom. ...
Turning the Dial: Updated Recommendations and Requirements for HOAs during COVID-19
It’s that time of year when common interest communities across Minnesota are starting to open pools and other outdoor amenities. On Friday, June 5, Governor Tim Walz announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious...
Covid-19 & Insurance Appraisals
Summertime means insurance appraisals are in full swing in Minnesota. Like many things, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused additional and unexpected issues as individuals wrestle with social distancing and other safety issues.
MCIOA Amendment Brings Ease to Common Interest Communities
On Saturday May 16, 2020, Governor Walz signed into law a much-needed update to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (“MCIOA”) making governing document updates and amendments easier. Importantly, these updates apply to all common-interest-communities in Minnesota, even those that are otherwise are not subject to MCIOA.
Covid-19 & Estate Planning
We’re going to beat this virus. We will get back to normal. In the meantime, however, everyone should take the appropriate and prudent steps to ensure their estate plans are in order.
COVID-19 and the Need for Electronic Meetings
COVID-19 and the related stay-at-home orders have brought to light challenges to common interest community associations. One issue that has come up often is how HOAs should conduct board meetings and member meetings in a way that protects the safety and welfare of its...
COVID-19 Preparedness Plans in Minnesota for General Contractors
Under the Governor’s Order on April 23, 2020, some businesses can re-open their offices so long as they follow certain guidelines set by the State to create a safe workplace. Specifically, office workers who are essential to the business can return to work if they...
THE CARES ACT: HELPING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
The Federal Government has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to help small businesses cope with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes both low-interest forgivable payroll protection...
SJJ ATTORNEY BRAD HAMMOND BRINGS HOME A TRIAL WIN
In a very aggressive move, Auto-Owners Insurance sued its own policyholder in an attempt to avoid making payment on an appraisal award. When the claim began, Auto-Owners found wind damage to the policyholders’ commercial buildings in Wisconsin. Then it hired an...
Business Owners – COVID-19 Update!
The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and will change business as we know it for the foreseeable future. It will almost certainly throw the global economy into a recession as people start adapting to social isolation and containment...
During this Uncertain Time of COVID-19
Dear Clients and Friends, During this uncertain time of COVID-19, the health and well-being of our team members, clients, and their families is of the utmost importance to us. As details of this outbreak continue to develop, we want to make you aware of the measures...
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...
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...
Common Homeowner Association Mistakes to Avoid
There is more to a homeowner association than meets the eye. There's a lot going on behind the scenes, with these associations dealing with regular challenges and potential pitfalls that can cost them money and anger residents. Knowledge of the most common homeowner...
Fire threats are leading to a loss of insurance coverage
In California, 167,000 homeowners were unable to get their insurance policies renewed in 2018, which was an increase of 6% throughout the state. Furthermore, there was a 10% increase in the number of policies that were not renewed in areas likely to be impacted by...
What May Homeowners Associations Regulate?
Running a successful homeowners' association is a difficult task. Each resident within a community has their preferences for how they decorate and maintain their home, and there always seems to be one or two owners who simply do not want to operate inside the HOA...
What’s the Right Insurance Policy for my Homeowners Association
Insurance is generally the largest budgeted expense for most homeowners associations (HOAs). But not every insurance policy is the same. So how do HOAs know whether the insurance policy they've purchased meets their needs? These are just some of the things HOAs need...
Home ownership grows for community associations
In the United States, community associations represent the fastest-growing form of home ownership. These organizations include townhome associations, condominium associations and cooperatives. According to a 2010 estimate from the Community Associations Institute,...
WHY DOES MY INSURANCE ESTIMATE HAVE AN ACV AND RCV NUMBER?
After you've made a claim, the insurance company's adjuster will inspect your home for damage and prepare an estimate. When you receive the insurance company's estimate, you see that it lists two amounts for "RCV" and "ACV." How much money do you have to make repairs?...
What insurance policies generally do and do not cover
When natural disasters strike, they may cause various forms of damage to homes and apartments. Items inside of a home or apartment may also be damaged or lost in the aftermath of a storm. A standard homeowners or renters insurance policy in the U.S. will likely cover...
Tips for making storm damage insurance claims
The U.S. has been hit by an unusual number of severe thunderstorms this summer. For example, on Aug. 11, a hailstorm tore through Billings, Montana, shattering windows and punching holes in roofs. This sort of damage can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to...
Help with Insurance Claims and Maintenance after a Storm
It was a beautiful, sunny day, but you noticed that clouds were starting to form. Just a few hours later, the sky was dark and the winds were picking up. Hail fell, heavy winds tore through the neighborhood and your properties were left damaged. Fortunately, they were...
LEGAL SUPPORT FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Realtors and other real estate professionals play an important role in assisting buyers and sellers in transactions involving homeowners associations ("HOAs"). is here to help professionals ensure that their clients have all of the...
Texas is top state for hail damage insurance claims
Texas leads the nation in hail damage insurance claims, according to an analysis released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The analysis looked at claims data from Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2018. According to the analysis, there were almost 2.9...
Association Insurance Deductibles
Insurance claims can create financial burdens for homeowner association who have to pay often-substantial deductibles under their master insurance policies. While every insurance policy is different, many HOA insurance policies now have separate deductibles for wind...
Colorado Matching Law
What happens when your property's exterior is partially damaged by a covered event, but the original roofing or siding materials are no longer manufactured? Mismatched repairs can have a huge impact on the value of your home, but is your insurance company obligated to...
Colorado hailstorms cause insurance costs to spike
Colorado homeowners may be concerned about their insurance premiums, especially as hailstorms are causing even more damage throughout the state. In 2018, Colorado suffered the greatest hail losses across the country. This devastation exceeded Texas, which is the state...
Top 5 Ways to Avoid Risk as a General Contractor
Working as a general contractor can be quite rewarding. You get to be your own boss, set your own hours, pick the projects you want and work with your hands. However, you are also at risk of finding yourself accused of making mistakes or doing a bad job by a client...
Preparing for disaster
Natural disasters in the United States result in billions of dollars in property damage. However, not many people take the necessary precautions. Almost 90% of insurance agents think that less than half of their clients have a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan...
Minnesota District Court Grants Insureds Permission to Amend Complaint for Bad Faith Denial of First-Party Benefits
One of the most common questions our clients ask us is whether there is any way to make an insurance company pay for the legal fees and costs they have incurred in order to secure the coverage they're entitled to. Because claims are based upon the insurance policy,...
Hail Storm Hits South Metro
A vicious storm tore through the south metro early this morning July 18, 2019, with high winds and large hail (1"-2+") in some parts of Burnsville, Prior Lake and Savage. After a storm rolls through, cleanup and repairs begin, and many don't know where to start....
Big Changes to the Colorado Appraisal Process
One of the most cost-effective tools for resolving disputed claims with insurance companies is the insurance "appraisal" process. Appraisal is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in most Colorado insurance policies. It is designed to resolve claims outside of...
Hail damage losses have increased since 2008
Adjusted for inflation, losses caused by hail damage totaled $19 billion in 2008. In a typical year previously, losses caused by hail damage would have been $8 billion to $12 billion. The trend of increased damage continued for the next decade, but no one is sure what...
Why are hail damage claims getting more expensive?
If you live in an area where severe thunderstorms and hail are common, you likely have experienced or feared hail damage to your property at some point. Even if you have an insurance claim, it's natural to be wary of these things because of the potential they have to...
Hail: When a Storm Comes, Know When Damage Could Happen
When you live in an area where storms are common, you know that there is a risk of hail. Hail can be very damaging, going as far as to damage your roof, rip through your siding and destroy the exterior of your home. Even smaller hail can cause damage if there is...
Large and Dangerous Tornado Sweeps through East Central Kansas and Kansas City Metro
On May 29, 2019, a vicious storm tore through Kansas City and east-central Kansas. The storm spawned tornadoes that downed trees and power lines, damaged homes, and injured at least a dozen people. It marked the twelfth straight day that at least eight tornadoes were...
Proving that insurance companies have acted in bad faith
Insurance companies tend to have a distinct advantage in their relationships with policyholders. Therefore, they are generally expected to act in good faith when dealing with a customer. There are many ways that states define bad faith on the part of an insurance...
COLLECTING DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
It is an all too familiar occurrence. You've completed work for a client and they refuse to pay. Now what? Luckily you don't have to figure out the next steps on your own. can help you collect overdue...
Insurance companies may turn against policyholders
A fire can have a devastating impact on a person's life. In its aftermath, an individual may be left without a home or business, and the fire may have destroyed many prized possessions stored within the property itself. Those who have fire insurance may be able to get...
Hail Storm Hits Southern Suburbs
Severe weather season in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is officially off and running. On June 4, 2019, a severe wind and hailstorm pummeled numerous areas throughout the state. High winds, torrential rain, and hail affected the Twin Cities metro area. Golf ball sized hail...
Wildfire insurance claims continue to rise
Many people around the country are likely aware of some of the deadly fires that claimed lives and property in California in 2017 and 2018. This has caused insurance costs to soar for some homeowners. Insurance claims related to wildfires that swept through the state...
New U.S. Court of Appeals Case Strikes Blow to Matching Claims
In 2014, SJJ won a landmark case before the Minnesota Supreme Court that required American Family Mutual Insurance Company ("American Family") to pay to repair property damage with reasonably matching building products. That case, Cedar Bluff Townhome Condominium...
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM IN MINNESOTA?
One of the primary timing limitations found in a property insurance policy is the time limit for suit. Most residential property insurance policies in Minnesota have a time limit of only two (2) years from the date of loss. The 2-year time limit is both statutory and...
Preventative Maintenance Plan “To Do” List
Click here to download the checklist (Preventative Maintenance Plan "To Do" List) 2. ___________ Follow the Preventative Maintenance Plan. Retain qualified professionals (contractor, engineer, etc.) to inspect all association-maintained improvements. Best Practice Tip...
Signs of Serious Roof Damage
Worried about roof damage after a major storm? Maybe your building got lashed with wind-driven rain for hours on end. Maybe hail tore into the shingles and then it started raining on top of everything else. Maybe it was the wind alone, ripping off shingles and causing...
Hail damage on pace to hit all-time high in 2019
According to insurance experts, 2019 is shaping up to be the worst year on record for hail damage in the United States. As of mid-April, there have already been 664 hailstorms reported, which is more than were reported in all of 2018. In addition, April, May and June...
Colorado Bad Faith Claims
Under Colorado common law, insurance companies owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing to their insureds. When an insurer acts in bad faith, it breaches this implied duty of good faith and fair dealing and a claimant can take legal action against it. To succeed, a...
The Stunning Financial Impact of Hail Between 2013 and 2017
When hail strikes in a ferocious storm, it often doesn't last long. People quickly duck inside to wait it out. When they emerge, though, they may find lasting damage that poses an incredible financial cost. Even a short storm can be absolutely devastating for local...
Specific Instances You Can File a Mechanic’s Lien
As a contractor, you probably take great pride in the work you do for your clients. Whether you enjoy bringing a project to fruition or helping others in their time of need, working in the construction field can be fulfilling in numerous ways. However, while...
Steps to take when an insurance claim gets rejected
When a home is damaged, a homeowner's first move is often to file a claim with his or her insurance company. In some cases, that claim may be denied even if an individual believes that the damage is covered by the policy. If a claim is denied, it is important to...
Iowa Court of Appeals Rules Contractor With Assignment of Benefits Improperly Acted as an Unlicensed Public Adjuster
On February 6, 2019, the Iowa Court of Appeals published its decision in 33 Carpenters Construction, Inc., v. The Cincinnati Insurance Company, No. 17-1979, a case involving a post-loss assignment of a property damage claim to the insured's contractor. The case has...
Who is responsible for storm repairs in a townhouse?
As summer rapidly approaches, we tend to think about shorts, barbeques and warm weather finally coming after a dreadful winter. However, a significant part of summer is the massive storms that happen all season long. Summer storms often afflict significant damage on...
KonMari Your HOA – Decluttering your Documents with a Records Retention and Request Policy
Being a member of the Board of Directors at your Homeowners Association can be a thankless job. With all of the issues the Board has to deal with, responding to document requests from homeowners should be an easy one. Still, one of the major complaints we hear from...
Hail damage may be covered by insurance
After a storm, damage to a home or building may not be evident right away. In May 2018, a hailstorm struck York County in Pennsylvania, and many buildings sustained damage. While the owners of these buildings may have insurance coverage, there is a deadline by which...
How Contractors Can Protect Themselves with Better Contracts
Working as a contractor in the construction industry can mean that you do a lot of work for homeowners and property managers. From repairing damages that result from storms to helping people remodel and update properties, your job helps people maintain or increase...
Insurance companies refuse payouts after hailstorms
Colorado homeowners are facing serious damages as a result of hailstorms throughout the state. However, when they file a claim with their homeowners' insurance policies for the storm damage, they are facing delays, denials and lowered estimates that could hinder their...
Ice Dams and HOAs
With the record setting snow fall of the last few months in Minnesota, many homeowner associations are starting to see ice dams. An ice dam is a chunk of ice on the edge of your roof line and is usually caused by inadequate insulation or ventilation which allows...
What to know about storm damage claims
When a storm hits in Colorado or other states, it is possible that it could cause damage to a person's home. However, there is no guarantee that an insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing that damage. In some cases, an insurance policy will damage caps or...
How to file an insurance claim
Those who have an insurance policy may feel at ease knowing that there is financial protection in case of emergency. However, the process of filing a claim after a natural disaster or other event that causes damage may be confusing to policyholders. The first step in...
Association Violation Letters Are Not Attempts to Collect A Debt
SJJ recently won an important case in the Federal District Court of Minnesota related to a homeowners' association's ability to send violation letters. The case involved a homeowner who sued their association for alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection...
What Winter Home Repairs are Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Winter in Minnesota is brutal. Snow accumulates, and when the sun shines, it melts and turns into ice. When you combine these wintry elements with freezing temperatures, it creates particularly dangerous conditions. This can cause issues in your home. You may wonder...
Smith Jadin Johnson Secures another Victory for Insureds at the Minnesota Court of Appeals
SJJ attorneys Alex Jadin, Tim Johnson, and Jeff Woltjen won a major case at the Minnesota Court of Appeals yet again securing a policyholder's right to interest on an insurance appraisal award. A fire caused significant damage to Sheila and William Oliver's home in...
Denver’s Green Building Ordinance And What It Means For You
On October 29, 2018, the City of Denver approved the Green Buildings Ordinance; it took affect November 2, 2018. The new ordinance is modeled after a Toronto law and is one of the first of its kind for US cities. Denver now requires new roofs and roof replacement to...
Mechanic’s Liens In Minnesota
handles all aspects of mechanic's liens throughout the State of Minnesota and elsewhere. Mechanic's liens in Minnesota can be technically demanding, require proper documentation, precise timing, careful attention to detail, and depending...
Hail damage costs billions nationwide each year
Anytime a large storm hits, you hear about the hail damage. But how much does that damage cost Americans each year? The Insurance Information Institute states that 2017 saw 6,045 major hail storms, which caused about $1.8 billion in crop and property damage. When...
Duty to Cooperate in Property Damage Claims
An insurance policy is a contract that is binding and enforceable on both the policyholder and the insurance company. Within the policy, both parties have certain obligation and duties. The "duty to cooperate" is one of the most important policyholder duties. From a...
Partner Chris Drake Receives Great Decision in Connection with an Insurance Bad Faith Claim
SJJ attorney Chris Drake recently received a great decision from the Colorado Federal Court in connection with an insurance bad faith claim where the insurance company was trying to move the case from State to Federal court. The case was originally filed in state...
Reserve Studies are not Preventative Maintenance Plans
In 2017, the Minnesota legislature made several changes to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act, Minn. Stat. 515B ("MCIOA"), the law governing most homeowner associations in Minnesota. One of these changes requires that associations adopt and distribute a...
SJJ Welcomes Chris Drake to our Colorado Office
would like to welcome Chris Drake to the firm. Chris is an experienced litigator with years of experience in construction, insurance, and community association law. Chris has won several significant cases representing both individuals and...
SJJ Expands to Colorado
is proud to announce that today it opened a second office location in Colorado. SJJ has served Colorado clients from its Minnesota location for the past few years, but will now have an office just a few minutes north of Denver. ...
