Entries by Kyle Langan

When is wind most nerve-wracking?

“Anytime you have the winds coming with no rain, it’s very nerve-wracking.” – Cal Fire Capt. Matt McKenzie (referencing Paradise, CA) Tri Phan, CPCU, ARM, Kyle Langan 2025 Traits of wildfires, urban conflagrations Uncertainty When will the next wildfire in California happen? Gains from stressors A spark, a bolt of lightning, a gust of wind, […]

Airborne embers

Tri Phan How wildfires, urban conflagrations spread and impact property Ways that fires spread and cause damage to property: Direct flames: Actual flame coming into direct contact with a building/combustible material. (Smith, 2009) *Airborne embers: Flaming airborne embers can travel more than a mile from an active wildfire. More than half of wildland interface home […]

Learning from structure fires

This West Warwick, Rhode Island tragedy was one of the deadliest nightclub fires of all time. For concert venue hosts, this was an example of what not to do. Reaction What to do? Overreact — so as to innovate fire safety measures Install a properly functioning sprinkler system. The level of safety provided is not […]

Cyber Insurance Options

2/4/25 Kyle Langan Cyber insurance purchasers should look for  insurers offering to “pay on behalf of the insured.” This preferred contract language can present a challenge to find but it is available. Example: We shall pay on behalf of the Insured, all Claim Expenses and Damages resulting from a Claim first made against any Insured […]

Stressors in desiccated regions

Stressors in desiccated regions Kyle Langan, 2025 Dry winds If you’ve ever lived in a place prone to wildfires, the sounds of strong wind absent rain may keep you up at night. Scenario: Record-breaking snow water contents in the winter… Those living in California probably experienced or at least heard about the epic skiing conditions […]

Improving auto risk mitigation on dangerous roads

Kyle Langan, 2025 Auto risk mitigation: Will Philadelphia innovate? The city’s incomplete Litter Index survey for 6 years in a row does not seem like innovation (credit to a story I read, by Meir Rinde). Dangerous conditions for pedestrians Broad St at Cherry St in Philadelphia looked dangerous the last time I saw. Center city Philadelphia […]

Recall Mitigation for Iatrogenic Exposure

Intervention Brings Product Liability, Recall Risk for Manufacturers Kyle Langan, 2024 Manufacturers intervene to provide a quantity of supply for a product’s market. However, the process can lead to unforeseen consequences — sometimes it is only unforeseen for the consumer, like the case of Semaglutide. [1] This intervention by manufacturers can cause bodily injury worse […]

Insurance Index: Product Liability

Product Liability Index 2024 What is Product Liability? Product liability refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers and merchants face due to bodily injury or property damage caused by their products. [1] Strategy For manufacturers, addressing product liability requires a strategic approach. The strategies must carefully manage operational risks, including product liability and recalls, to […]

DOL Impact on Workers Compensation Insurance

Ever discovered a misclassification at the time of a work comp audit? If workers get misclassified as independent contractors, consequences will occur when they are determined as uninsured employees. Employers may face complexity in their compliance efforts. [1] When addressing work comp exposures, the criteria need to have full accuracy before the loss arises; it cannot […]