REMINDER/Quisenberry & Kabateck Announces Local Consumer Attorney to Testify on Toxic Mold Legislation.

Business/News Editors & Legal Writers

REMINDER...for Monday (April 15)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

    SB1763 Addresses Insurance Companies' Practice of Denying Mold
               Claims and Payments Due to Policyholders

WHO:     Consumer attorney Brian S. Kabateck will be available for
         comment prior to his testimony before the California State
         Senate on a new mold damage insurance coverage bill, SB1763.
         Kabateck was instrumental in drafting the language of the
         bill, which aims to protect the rights of consumers from
         their insurance companies' attempts at limiting coverage for
         mold damage.

WHAT:    Insurance companies have opposed paying for mold clean up,
         even when the mold is a result of damage covered by the
         homeowner's insurance policy. SB1763 would require insurance
         companies to notify the homeowner if they detect any mold
         damage that may have been caused by a covered loss as well as
         pay for the clean up unless their policy expressly stated
         otherwise. The bill is designed to stop the insurance
         companies' current practice of denying mold claims and
         payment rightfully due policyholders.

WHEN:    Monday, April 15, 2002
         10:00 a.m. - Noon

WHERE:   Quisenberry & Kabateck LLP
         2049 Century Park East, Ste. 2200
         Los Angeles, CA 90067
         [phone]

BACKGROUND:
         Toxic mold in homes has been a growing health concern.
         Effects range from itchy eyes and fatigue to major
         respiratory problems and liver damage. Mold thrives in warm,
         dark and moist environments. In homes, that means air ducts,
         closets, attics, behind refrigerators and within walls where
         moisture has entered. Proper mold clean up requires that the
         effected areas and contents be thoroughly cleaned and in some
         cases replaced.

         Mold can enter a home after water damage occurs (i.e., from a
         leaking hot water tank, backed-up sewer line, flooding, fire
         response damage).