Burns White Launches Correctional Healthcare & Liability Practice Group

September 24, 2025 by matray

Burns White announced today the formation of its Correctional Healthcare & Liability Practice Group, a team dedicated to defending correctional facilities and healthcare providers against the unique legal challenges at the intersection of healthcare, constitutional law and liability.

Correctional facilities across the country face constant exposure to litigation, regulatory scrutiny and operational risks. Co-chairs William J. D'Annunzio and Matthew H. Frey will lead the practice group at Burns White. This group of attorneys will help public and private institutions reduce liability, protect their interests and provide constitutionally sound care while navigating a highly complex legal landscape.

“Our attorneys have extensive experience defending facilities and practitioners in high-stakes litigation,” said Stuart T. O’Neal, Burns White chief executive officer. “We understand the sensitive and demanding nature of correctional healthcare and are committed to protecting those who serve within this environment.”

D’Annunzio is Of Counsel at Burns White, focusing his practice on Healthcare and Long-Term Care law, defending doctors, hospitals, and long-term care health facilities in medical malpractice and liability matters. He has represented clients in the areas of insurance defense, product liability, negligence, wrongful death and survival actions, commercial litigation, consumer law, and compliance.

Fry is a Member in the firm’s Philadelphia office, focusing his practice in the areas of Civil Rights, Healthcare, Correctional Healthcare and Long-Term care law. He defends correctional facilities, doctors, hospitals, and long-term care health facilities in medical malpractice, civil rights, and liability matters.

AM Best Reaffirms A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating for Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona

September 11, 2025 by matray

Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) announced today that AM Best has affirmed the company's Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a+ (Excellent). The outlook for both ratings is stable. MICA Risk Retention Group Inc. also received a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a+ (Excellent), both with a stable outlook.

“AM Best’s affirmation of MICA’s A (Excellent) rating is a testament to our unwavering commitment to operational effectiveness and the trust we have built with our member-policyholders,” said Edward G. Marley, president and CEO of MICA. “MICA has remained exclusively dedicated to medical professional liability protection for nearly five decades as a physician-founded, member-owned company grounded in financial strength and stability. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026, this recognition underscores our enduring promise to protect, support, and defend the practice of medicine for generations of physicians.”

The Best’s Credit Report recognizes MICA's strong financial position and a consistent record of policyholder dividends, along with operating results that exceed industry benchmarks. The rating also acknowledges MICA's position as Arizona's leading medical malpractice insurer and the second largest physician writer in Utah, with strong policyholder retention.

AM Best Reaffirms A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating for Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona

September 11, 2025 by matray

Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) announced that AM Best has affirmed the company's Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a+ (Excellent). The outlook for both ratings is stable. MICA Risk Retention Group Inc. also received a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a+ (Excellent), both with a stable outlook.

“AM Best’s affirmation of MICA’s A (Excellent) rating is a testament to our unwavering commitment to operational effectiveness and the trust we have built with our member-policyholders,” said Edward G. Marley, president and CEO of MICA. “MICA has remained exclusively dedicated to medical professional liability protection for nearly five decades as a physician-founded, member-owned company grounded in financial strength and stability. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026, this recognition underscores our enduring promise to protect, support, and defend the practice of medicine for generations of physicians.” The Best’s Credit Report recognizes MICA's strong financial position and a consistent record of policyholder dividends, along with operating results that exceed industry benchmarks. The rating also acknowledges MICA's position as Arizona's leading medical malpractice insurer and the second largest physician writer in Utah, with strong policyholder retention.

Conventus Names Industry Veteran Brian Kriger Incoming President

August 19, 2025 by matray

Conventus Inter-Insurance Exchange has hired Brian Kriger as its next president, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He will succeed current president Amy Berezein following a planned transition period to ensure continuity of service for Conventus’ physician members, brokers and partners.

Kriger brings more than two decades of medical professional liability experience. He most recently served as vice president of underwriting at EmPRO Insurance, where he led the insurer’s Northeast expansion and established its New Jersey office. Before that, he spent 17 years at MDAdvantage in roles spanning underwriting, operations, policyholder services and rate/form management.

“Brian’s deep technical expertise, broker relationships and operational discipline are exactly what we need to support our physician members in an evolving healthcare landscape,” Berezein said. “It has been my privilege to serve Conventus and our members, and I am confident Brian shares our commitment to service, integrity and long-term relationships.”

According to Conventus, Kriger is known for disciplined risk selection, data-driven pricing and collaborative broker engagement — strengths that will help Conventus build on its market position.

“I am honored to join Conventus, an organization that uniquely understands and serves New Jersey physicians,” Kriger said. “Our physician-owned structure means every decision is made with members’ best interests at heart. I look forward to working closely with our team, brokers, and partners to deliver exceptional protection and service.”

NCMIC Names Scott Gojkovich Senior Vice President of Insurance

August 14, 2025 by matray

As newly appointed chief executive officer David Siebert continues to build NCMIC’s executive leadership team, the company has named Scott Gojkovich senior vice president of insurance, effective immediately.

In this role, Gojkovich will lead the strategic vision and operational performance of NCMIC’s insurance divisions. He joined the company in 2019 and most recently served as chief marketing officer.

“Scott’s deep knowledge of our business, his dedication to our policyholders, and his proven ability to lead complex initiatives make him the ideal person to take on this critical role,” Siebert said. “His leadership will serve our company well as we continue to strengthen our core offerings and evolve to meet the ever-evolving needs of our DCs and the chiropractic profession.”

“Our chiropractors are at the heart of everything we do, and I’m committed to ensuring we deliver the high level of service, support, and innovation they’ve come to expect from us over the past 80 years,” Gojkovich said. “I’m looking forward to enhancing our strategic, collaborative lens for the future of the insurance company.”

Medical Liability Monitor August 2025 issue highlights

August 4, 2025 by matray

Below are some headlines and article synopses from the August 2025 issue of Medical Liability Monitor. To read the articles in their entirety, please subscribe today.

Fewer Than Half of U.S. Physicians in Private Practice
The share of U.S. physicians working in private practice continues to decline, dropping from 60.1% in 2012 to just 42.2% in 2024, according to the AMA’s latest Physician Practice Benchmark Survey. This trend reflects the growing influence of hospitals and corporate entities over the U.S. healthcare delivery system and presents an ongoing challenge for the medical professional liability insurance industry, which depends on independent physicians as its primary customer base …

Georgia Supreme Court Reopens Debate on Damage Caps in Medical Malpractice Claims Involving Wrongful Death
The Supreme Court of Georgia recently overturned a Georgia Court of Appeals ruling that disregarded the state’s $350,000 cap on noneconomic damages in a medical malpractice wrongful death case involving a $7.2 million jury award ...

U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Whether State Medical Malpractice Filing Requirement Applies in Federal Court
The United States Supreme Court will consider whether federal courts sitting in diversity jurisdiction should apply Delaware’s “affidavit of merit” statute — essentially requiring a report from a healthcare provider certifying a medical malpractice claim has merit before the case can proceed. The Supreme Court’s ruling will likely have a widespread impact because a majority of states have adopted similar statutes to combat frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits ...

Blurring Lines: How Consumer Protection Laws Are Reshaping Medical Professional Liability Risks
Hospitals and health systems are well-versed in traditional medical malpractice cases, but as healthcare is increasingly viewed as a business, providers must understand both the potential and the limitations of claims brought under consumer protection laws. These laws can be attractive avenues for individuals who believe they have been wronged by the healthcare system. Unlike medical malpractice claims, which require expert testimony and may be subject to damages caps, consumer protection statutes often allow for treble damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. They may also provide injunctive relief, do not require proof of causation or actual damages, and can support class action lawsuits ...

Coverys Sells Italian MGA, Retains European Partnership
Coverys has signed an agreement to sell its Italian managing general agent, AEC Agenzia di Assicurazione e Riassicurazione SpA, to Edge Group, an Italian insurance broking platform backed by London-based private equity firm AnaCap Financial Partners ...

Michigan Supreme Court Declines Federal Court Request to Review Constitutionality of MadMal Damage Cap
The Michigan Supreme Court last month declined to review the constitutionality of the state’s medical malpractice award caps, turning down a certified question from a federal district court. The state’s high court cited its controlling precedence in Phillips v. Mirac as justification for the non-answer ...

Subscribe today to get this issue (as well as the 2024 and 2025 Annual Rate Survey at no additional cost).

AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Professionals Advocate Risk Retention Group, Inc.

August 1, 2025 by matray

AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) to Professionals Advocate Risk Retention Group, Inc. (ProAd RRG) (Hunt Valley, MD), a new subsidiary of Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland (Med Mutual). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect ProAd RRG’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Concurrently, these rating assignments follow the successful execution of a quota share reinsurance agreement with Med Mutual and the assignment of an “r” reinsurance affiliation code. Med Mutual’s ratings have been extended to ProAd RRG due to the significant level of reinsurance support provided to ProAd RRG by Med Mutual.

ProAd RRG allows for greater underwriting flexibility in other territories. The company plans to write medical professional liability coverage. ProAd RRG was established on January 1, 2025, and was capitalized by Med Mutual’s subsidiary, Professionals Advocate Insurance Company, through a surplus note.

CFC Appoints Kyle Laudadio Healthcare Practice Leader for U.S. Market

July 30, 2025 by matray

Specialist insurance provider CFC announced the appointment of Kyle Laudadio as healthcare practice leader for the U.S. market. An established underwriting leader with more than 15 years’ experience delivering medical professional liability and risk management solutions.

Laudadio will lead CFC’s expansion of strategic broker relationships onshore in the U.S.

“This appointment marks an exciting milestone for our healthcare and life sciences division,” said Ellie Saunders, CFC head of healthcare and life sciences. “We take immense pride in the strength of our products, expertise and service. We’re delighted to welcome Kyle to CFC. With his wealth of experience, we’re confident he’ll play a key role in driving the continued growth of our international presence.”

Laudadio joins CFC from the Great American Insurance Group where he held the role of divisional vice president. There, he launched a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions for telehealth covering medical professional liability, general liability and regulatory coverage. Prior to that, Laudadio worked as an underwriter at Beazley USA for nearly six years.

“I’m excited to join CFC and help lead the expansion of our US healthcare business,” Laudadio said. “Taking this portfolio onshore is a major step forward, one that brings us closer to our brokers and clients in order to serve them even better. From our allied product to eHealth, we’re building market-leading solutions for a rapidly evolving space, all while delivering best-in-class service. It’s a privilege to be part of the team.”

Curi Advisory Expands Healthcare Consulting Offering with Addition of New Managing Director

July 23, 2025 by matray

Curi Advisory, the dedicated consulting arm of Curi, today announced the addition of Alex Kirk as managing director, expanding its healthcare consulting expertise and offerings. According to the company, the hire further strengthens the firm's ability to drive value for healthcare organizations and partner with them to navigate today's complex operating environment with action-oriented leadership.

Kirk has more than a decade of healthcare experience, having worked with provider groups, health systems, health plans and other key stakeholders across the continuum of healthcare. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions operational performance improvement, MSO services, financial planning and analysis, and enterprise transformation.

"Alex is a proven leader with a strong track record of driving value creation on behalf of healthcare organizations," said Brad Diericx, Curi Advisory's CEO. "His arrival comes at a time when our clients are facing heightened pressure to deliver quality care while managing costs and driving strategic change. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team and eager to continue our growth as a firm."

Prior to joining Curi Advisory, Kirk served as a director with Alvarez & Marsal. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, an MHS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Members of MedPro Group

July 21, 2025 by matray

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa+” (Superior) of the members of MedPro Group (MedPro). These Credit Ratings (ratings) apply to The Medical Protective Company (Fort Wayne, IN) and its affiliates: Princeton Insurance Company (Princeton, NJ); PLICO, Inc. (Oklahoma City, OK); Wellfleet Insurance Company (Fort Wayne, IN); and Wellfleet New York Insurance Company (New York, NY); as well as MedPro’s two reinsured affiliates, MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group and AttPro RRG Reciprocal Risk Retention Group (both domiciled in the District of Columbia). The outlook of these ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect MedPro’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings acknowledge MedPro’s risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), as well as the group’s long-term profitable operating performance and its leading market position, which it maintains in the medical professional liability (MPL) sector, proving the group’s ability to underwrite profitably through market cycles. Additionally, the ratings consider the organization’s substantial distribution capabilities, prudent claims-handling philosophy and culture of holistic risk management. MedPro consistently outperforms peers by most metrics, illustrated by substantial historical returns on equity, low operating ratios and solid net underwriting income. Furthermore, the ratings benefit from the explicit and implicit financial support provided by its affiliate, National Indemnity Company, and MedPro’s ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. [NYSE: BRK A and BRK B], which includes reinsurance programs, investment opportunities and capital support.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the inherent challenges associated with the medical professional liability line of business, particularly as it relates to price competition, changing market dynamics, potential changes in legislation (i.e., tort reform), increasing loss cost trends and regulatory risk. At the same time, AM Best recognizes the organization’s strong management team, diversified premium base and jurisdictional diversity, which have contributed to MedPro outperforming its peers over the longer term and maintaining a significant market position.

MedPro has historically had a large allocation to common stocks, exposing it to significant volatility during periods when the equity markets experience sharp declines. The group has demonstrated its ability to absorb this volatility historically and maintain the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, due to its low underwriting leverage, driven by its affiliated reinsurance agreement with National Indemnity Company and MedPro’s substantial capital position, as well as the investment managers’ historical trend of success in turbulent markets. At year-end 2024, MedPro moved a significant portion of its invested assets into short-term investments and cash, as well as reduced its common stock exposure.