Definition of "Long-tail liability"

One where an injury or other harm takes time to become known and a claim may be separated from the circumstances that caused it by as many as 25 years or more. Some examples: exposure to asbestos, which sometimes results in a lung disease called asbestos; exposure to coal dust, which might cause black lung disease; or use of certain drugs that may cause cancer or birth defects. These long-tail liabilities became very expensive for many corporations in the 1970s and 1980s, also causing problems for insurers because it was unclear when the situation that gave rise to the claim happened and who should pay the claim. One theory, the MANIFESTATION/INJURY THEORY, states that the insurer is responsible whenever the disease is diagnosed. The other view, the OCCURRENCE/INJURY THEORY, states that the insurer must pay only when the person is injured.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Average earned monthly income (AEMI) for the tax year in which the insured wage earner has income interrupted or terminated because of illness, sickness, or accident. This AEMI is important ...

Latin phrase meaning "overpowering force"; an unavoidable accident or calamity; an accident for which no one is responsible; an act of god. ...

Feature of life and health insurance policies that stipulates that the policy represents the whole agreement between the insurance company and the insured, and that there are no other ...

Life insurance: Bonds most state regulations permit life insurance company investments in debentures, mortgage bonds, and blue chip corporate bonds. Stocks(a) preferred stock investment ...

Negligent acts or omissions that result in actual or imagined bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party, who brings suit against a business firm and its representatives ...

Denial of coverage for various perils (such as war, flood); hazards (storing dynamite in the home, thereby increasing the chance of loss); property (such as pets); and locations. These are ...

Retirement plan under which contributions are fixed in advance by formula, and benefits vary. These plans are often used by organizations that must know what the cost of employee benefits ...

Circumstance resulting when government expenditures exceed government income. To finance this difference, the United States Treasury will auction Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. In order ...

Period of time of insurance coverage. If a loss occurs during this time, insurance benefits are paid. If a loss occurs after this time period has expired, no insurance benefits are paid. ...

Popular Insurance Questions