A Crack in the Shield? Malpractice Coverage at Risk

Kleinberger, Daniel

Abstract

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A Crack in the Shield? Malpractice Coverage at Risk

Daniel S. Kleinberger

William Mitchell College of Law

William Mitchell Legal Studies Research Paper No. 49
Bench and Bar of Minnesota, Vol. 63, p. 26, 2006

Abstract:
A recent, unreported opinion of the Minnesota Court of Appeals has opened up a major hole in the liability shield of professional firms. Continental Casualty Co. v Duckson-Carlson, LLC, misapplies the doctrine of equitable estoppel, misinterprets the Minnesota Professional Firms Act, ignores the fundamental distinction between an entity and its owners, and sub silentio turns the law of third party beneficiaries on its head. From a practical perspective, the decision should trouble every lawyer, doctor, accountant, and other "319B" professional in the state and, moreover, has serious implications for individuals covered by D&O insurance.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 7

Keywords: liability insurance, malpractice, attorney lawyer, professional firm, third party beneficiary, separate legal person

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Date posted: October 8, 2006

Suggested Citation

Kleinberger, Daniel S., A Crack in the Shield? Malpractice Coverage at Risk. William Mitchell Legal Studies Research Paper No. 49; Bench and Bar of Minnesota, Vol. 63, p. 26, 2006. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=935410

Contact Information

Daniel S. Kleinberger (Contact Author)

William Mitchell College of Law ( email )

875 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105-3076
United States