Vince Beilman, a Florida lawyer who has represented some of the world’s largest insurance carriers and Fortune 500 companies, is to give a talk on countering inflated rates charged by contractors after disasters like hurricanes.

A lunch-and-learn on this issue, known as Assignment of Benefits (AOB), has been organised by the Bermuda Insurance Institute.

Malcolm Butterfield, the chief executive officer of the BII, said: “With an AOB, homeowners and other policyholders assign rights under an insurance policy to contractors or some other party, who then deal with the insurers.

“In some instances, those third parties may submit inflated invoices to those insurers, with litigation often ensuing when the claim is denied.

“The result is increased insurance costs for the policyholder. This talk gives an overview of AOB and the efforts currently under way to curb the issue, including regulatory initiatives, and will be of particular interest to claims and underwriting professionals.”

Mr Beilman is recognised for his results in complex insurance, construction, professional liability, general liability, environmental, medical malpractice, business and toxic tort litigation.

Mr Beilman has also been selected a Florida ‘Super Lawyer’ for the past three years and is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr Beilman is a partner with Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP in Florida.

The event, titled “Assignment of Benefits in Florida — Updates, Trends and Potential Solutions”, will take place on Friday, September 21, in Brian O’Hara House at Axa XL’s offices on Bermudiana Road from 12 noon to 2.30pm.

For more information, contact the BII at 295-1596 or e-mail info@bii.bm, or to register visit www.bii.bm