Was WTC Loss Just One Occurrence?

The $3.5 billion question concerning Sept. 11 is whether theterrorist attack (or was it attacks?) that destroyed New York'sWorld Trade Center should be considered one occurrence or two forinsurance coverage purposes. A federal judge has decided to allow ajury trial to decide the issue, but whatever the outcome, an appealcould keep the debate alive for years to come.

It is tempting to sit by silently and let the courts handle theone occurrence versus two argument. But since this is an insuranceissue as well as a legal one, it is appropriate for those in theinsurance industry to voice an opinion.