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In this thought-provoking episode of The Art of Adjusting® Podcast, hosts Bill Auten of Auten Claims Management and Chantal Roberts of CMR Consulting dive into a challenging and highly relevant topic: the intersection of insurance coverage and liability in sex trafficking lawsuits.

The discussion begins with an overview of what constitutes human trafficking, drawing from definitions provided by the Department of Homeland Security and insights from IRMI (Insurance Risk Management Institute). Bill and Chantal then analyze recent legal cases involving hotels, businesses, and tech platforms accused of facilitating trafficking—knowingly or unknowingly.

Key topics include:

• Negligence vs. Intentional Acts – How liability is determined under insurance policies.
• The Role of Business Owners – What responsibility do hotels, landlords, and other entities have in preventing trafficking?
• The Intentional Harm Exclusion – Breaking down whether insurance should cover businesses complicit in these crimes.
• Moral and Ethical Dilemmas – Can (or should) insurers be required to defend such claims?
• Legal Precedents and Policy Language – What courts are saying about coverage obligations.

Bill and Chantal also tackle broader industry issues, including the duty to defend vs. the duty to indemnify, policy exclusions, and how insurers should respond when policyholders are accused of unethical or illegal behavior.

This episode is essential listening for insurance adjusters, claims managers, risk professionals, and legal experts navigating complex liability issues in today’s world.

This audio has been edited and engineered by Nicholas Kearns, 585-545-9976, njkearns11@gmail.com

For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

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