It is difficult to turn on the news or open a newspaper (do people still do that?) without hearing a discussion of pre-existing conditions. The discussion relates to replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). I am fortunate that employer-provided health insurance isn't impacted by the ACA, as my affinity for burritos could actually qualify as a pre-exiting condition subjecting me to increased premiums. While I do not purport to be a health insurance attorney, there are other areas of insurance impacted by pre-existing conditions. Understanding these issues could be the difference between an insurance denial and a substantial recovery. read more

As a kid, whenever I was home sick I'd be faced with the inevitable problem faced by thousands in my situation: what to watch on daytime television. As soap operas were not my speed, I'd almost always settle on game shows. My favorite, like many, was the Price is Right. Some days I'd be lucky enough to catch my favorite part of the show; the $1 bid. When the other contestants grossly overestimated the value of the showcase, the entire audience (and one sickly kid watching from home) would be yelling for the contestant to bid $1. A victory for that contestant felt like a victory for all of us. read more

Over the years, Barker Martin has represented many community associations in claims for construction defects and insurance claims. We're proud of our track record in representing homeowners, condo and homeowner associations. The financial impact and hardship that results when a community association faces repairs due to construction defects or significant damage and deterioration is a serious problem for both new and older communities. Repairs are expensive, in some cases expensive enough to result in unpaid assessments and foreclosure. For some owners, the outcome of a construction defect or insurance claims dictates whether or not they can stay in their home. We take that seriously. read more

At the end of the month, our Portland office will be moving to a new location. Like any move there is always an element of joy and a modicum of pain. We are overjoyed with the new location and the new space. As many of you can relate, moving comes with a fair amount of work. Offices can accumulate as much junk as any homeowner can and weeding through can be a painful task. In my effort to help clean up the office, I found a package of ramen noodles that expired in 2012. That is two full years before I even started working at Barker Martin! (I apologize to any former employee who was saving those for a special occasion). read more