Property owners often face liability claims following criminal acts committed on their property.  The PLRB Distance Learning Module, "Criminal Acts, Terrorism and Liability Claims," featuring Brad Purcell, J.D., a partner in Purcell & Wardhope, Chartered in Chicago, explores who has liability for such acts and the special relationships that create a duty to protect certain classes of people.  It also delves into theories of liability against typical target defendants.

 

The module pays special attention on the effect of foreseeability of the crime establishing a duty on the part of the defendant.  It also discusses the voluntary assumption of duty, as well as the knowledge of specific tendencies of the criminal.  The defenses available for target defendants are evaluated by Purcell.

 

After completing the module you will be able to:

 

-   Describe the evolution of the law of liability for criminal acts;

-   Outline the difficulties of a criminal acts trial and establish the basis for liability for criminal acts used by most courts;

-   List the recognized "special relationships" between the defendant and the criminal, and between the defendant and the plaintiff;

-   Note the importance of the defendant's ability to control the criminal, as well as the necessity and opportunity to exercise such control;

-   Describe the steps involved in determining whether the crime was foreseeable to the defendant;

-   Define the ways in which duty may be established on the part of the defendant;

-   Identify the importance of determining proximate cause;

-   And evaluate the defenses available to the defendant to challenge the duty owed.

 

Comments from adjusters who have completed this module:

"Helped me to understand that even though it appears there is not any neg. on the part of defendant, you have to look at the relationships and the duty owed."

"Excellent course and can relate to a lot of claims I do handle."

"Instructor presented the training at the right pace and included very good examples."

"Very useful to those handling commercial claims. Absolutely loved this course."

This Distance Learning Module is approved for 2 hours of CE credit in CA, FL, LA, NH, NC, OK, TX, and WY. It is also approved for CPCU and RPA. In addition, the module has been approved for CLE in FL and IL. Click here for more.