We hope judges will recognize that and dismiss them. Insurers are hoping one of the big cases will be scuttled early by a judge, thereby sinking the raft of me-too cases. A preliminary judgement could come within two to three months. Insurers' hopes aside, it's not likely that all cases will be dismissed, said experts. Companies without such clauses don't have much hope, said Columbia University's Leebron.
Many policies do cover the destruction and deterioration of computer data and software, however.
In cases based on those policies, lawyers from each side will launch a flotilla of complex arguments that could last years in court. The insurers, for their part, hope judges and juries will be compelled by the insurers' simple take on the plaintiffs' nautical metaphor. May Get Its Way on Y2K . Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.