Progressive Insurance's Tarnished Image
August 21, 2012 | John T. BuchmanI was just checking the latest news when I came across the following article from CNN Money: Progressive settles with accident victim’s family after tale went viral Progressive Insurance finally paid the victim of a family under its “under-insured” motorist coverage after forcing the victim’s family to go to trial. A young woman was killed when another driver ran a red light. The victim’s brother was offended when his sister’s insurance company, Progressive, actively participated in the negligent driver’s legal defense. The article points out how poorly Progressive handled the case and the resulting public relations nightmare that followed after the victim’s brother posted on the internet an account of what the family had to go through to get Progressive to pay. Unfortunately, this is too common an occurrence, especially before Minnesota recently enacted a “good faith” statute to encourage insurance companies to properly evaluate and pay uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Too often insurance companies force such claimants to try their cases because they believe they do not face any greater exposure than their policy limits. Minnesota’s new “good faith” statute provides, in some circumstances, the opportunity for such injured parties to recover additional amounts from insurance companies that resort to such tactics. While insurance companies spend millions of dollars representing to…
Read MoreBack To School With the Right Supplies
August 9, 2012 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen Family Law attorney Beverly Dodge coordinated an annual Back to School supply event this August. This year, the firm will donate supplies to Hamilton Elementary in Coon Rapids. “Donating school supplies is a way each of us can help give back directly within our community, ” said Bev, “The kids receiving these supplies might not otherwise have some of the basic necessities for back to school, let alone “extras” that our own children take for granted. This contrast creates problems for their success in school.” Items being donated by staff and attorneys included all the basics such as crayons and markers, folders, notebooks, backpacks and more. The firm also made a monetary donation with which Bev purchased even more supplies. The firm plans to bring the donations to Hamilton Elementary the week before school begins. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at info@bgs.com.
Read MoreBGS Paralegal Terry Pahl Receives Legion of Merit
August 1, 2012 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Family Law Paralegal Sergeant Major Terry Pahl (Ret) was recently awarded one of the highest ranking ribbons/honors in the United States Army. SGM Pahl is the recipient of the Legion of Merit. This award is the 7th highest honor in the United States Army, above a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Soldier’s Medal. This honor recognizes his “exceptionally meritorious service in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating a 40-year career as the Command Paralegal Noncommissioned Officer, 214th Legal Operation Detachment, United States Reserve Legal Command.” He served his country with distinction and excellence and upon retirement is recognized for the performance of duty that represents exemplary service in the finest traditions of the Army. SGM Pahl retired from the United States Army Reserves on March 1, 2012. He continues work as a paralegal in the civilian field as Family Law Paralegal for the firm. He has more than 26 years of experience as a paralegal in the areas of Civil Litigation, Workers Compensation, Child Support and Family law. Barna, Guzy & Steffen wishes to congratulate SGM Terry Pahl on this outstanding achievement as he is recognized for his distinguished service to our country. We are honored to continue working alongside a true military hero. Established in 1938, Barna, Guzy & Steffen provides a variety…
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