Maricopa Community Colleges  LAS212   19946-19975 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 04/26/94
LAS212 19946-19975 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Insurance and Tort Law
Emphasis on elements of tort cases. Includes various types of insurance and coverage available. Pertinent statutes regulating insurance industry. Preparation of pleadings and settlement documents. Prerequisites: LAS109 or permission of department chairperson or program director/coordinator.
Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 
MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
LAS212   19946-19975 Insurance and Tort Law
1. Classify tort actions. (I)
2. Identify the elements of a negligence cause of action. (II)
3. Identify and analyze the basis for the imposition of tort liability. (III)
4. Identify and analyze appropriate defenses for tort claims. (IV)
5. Identify and analyze the legal issues surrounding damages. (V)
6. Prepare written evaluations of the merits of insurance and personal injury claims. (VI)
7. Prepare proposed settlement documents based on the strengths of a particular insurance and personal injury claim. (VII)
8. Prepare pleadings for a typical tort claim. (VIII)
9. Draft a memorandum summarizing the legal and factual issues contained in a typical personal injury case. (IX)
10. Compare and contrast the various types of insurance and coverage currently available. (X)
11. Identify and analyze statutes regulating the insurance industry. (XI)
12. Identify and analyze the rules of professional conduct pertinent to tort and insurance law. (III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI)
Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
LAS212   19946-19975 Insurance and Tort Law
    I. Classification of torts
        A. Intentional torts
        B. Negligence
        C. Strict liability
      II. Elements of negligence cause of action
          A. Foreseeability
          B. Duty
          C. Breach of duty
          D. Proximate cause
        III. Basis for imposition of tort liability
            A. Identification of appropriate tort
            B. Determination of responsible party
            C. Special pleadings requirements
          IV. Defenses available for tort claims
              A. Contributory negligence
              B. Comparative negligence
              C. Assumption of risk
              D. Last clear chance
            V. Damages
                A. Classification of damages
                B. Evaluation of damages
                C. Special problems with joint tortfeasors
              VI. Evaluation of personal injury and insurance claims
                  A. Coverage at time of incident
                  B. Effectiveness of policy
                  C. Potential defenses
                  D. Potential damages
                VII. Settlement proposals
                    A. Evaluation of claim
                    B. Protection of client's rights
                    C. Drafting and reviewing of settlement documents
                  VIII. Preparation of pleadings
                      A. Determination of proper defendants
                      B. Proper wording of allegations
                      C. Preparing complaint on behalf of a minor
                    IX. Preparation of memorandum
                        A. Presentation of factual issues
                        B. Presentation of legal issues
                        C. Analysis of legal issues
                      X. Insurance and coverage
                          A. Liability coverage
                          B. Uninsured Motorist
                          C. Underinsured Motorist
                          D. Collision
                          E. Comprehensive
                          F. Medical pay
                        XI. Statutes regulating insurance industry
                            A. Cancellation and solicitation
                            B. Auto insurance policies
                            C. Homeowners insurance policies
                            D. Coverage for intentional acts
                            E. Malpractice insurance
                            F. Errors and omissions insurance
                        Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline