In their annual forecast of “Cases to Watch” and “Litigation to Watch,” Law360 looked to three Goldberg Segalla attorneys for their opinions on matters in their specific practice areas.

For “Sports Betting Cases to Watch in 2022,” Law360 reached out to Joseph M. Hanna, a partner in the firm’s Sports and Entertainment group, about mobile sports betting and the matter of a federal judge vacating Florida’s new gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe, saying it violates federal law by authorizing gambling outside Native American lands. This case is “a phenomenal example of sports law meeting the realities” of federal regulations and Native American regulations, Joe said. He called it “an example of where states are willing to push the limits of constitutions and regulations in an attempt to authorize sports betting.”

In “General Liability Cases to Watch in 2022,” Jonathan L. Schwartz, a partner in the Global Insurance Services group, discussed opioid litigation and whether insurance carriers for pharmacy chains have a duty to defend in actions brought by government entities. Jonathan described opioid litigation as a “hot-button issue” that carriers are watching intently. A ruling affirming the duty to defend could result in an increase in similar underlying lawsuits, Jonathan said. In addition, a finding in favor of policyholders could discourage insurance carriers from taking aggressive positions on challenging the duty to defend.

For “Illinois Legislation to Watch in 2022,” Law360 turned to Donald Patrick Eckler, a partner in the Management and Professional Liability group and resident in the firm’s Chicago office. Discussing legislation pending in the Illinois State Senate regarding regulating third-party litigation funding companies, Pat said the proposal failed to include a provision that would mandate disclosure of a third-party funder’s interest in a litigation. Such a disclosure could go a long way to helping parties settle their disputes quicker, he added. Without that provision, “It would be like trying to settle a case, and you don’t know who the insurance company is,” Pat said. “All we want to do is know that it exists.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLES HERE:

“Sports Betting Cases to Watch in 2022,” Law360, January 3, 2022

“General Liability Insurance Cases to Watch in 2022,” Law360, January 3, 2022

“Illinois Legislation to Watch in 2022,” Law360, January 3, 2022

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