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Legal Proceedings
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Legal Proceedings
10.  Legal Proceedings

CNA Financial

In September of 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against CCC, Continental Assurance Company (“CAC”), CNA, the Investment Committee of the CNA 401(k) Plus Plan (“Plan”), The Northern Trust Company and John Does 1-10 (collectively “Defendants”) related to the Plan. The complaint alleges that Defendants breached fiduciary duties to the Plan and caused prohibited transactions in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 when the Plan’s Fixed Income Fund’s annuity contract with CAC was canceled. The plaintiff alleges he and a proposed class of the Plan participants who had invested in the Fixed Income Fund suffered lower returns in their Plan investments as a consequence of these alleged violations and seeks relief on behalf of the putative class. CCC and the other defendants are contesting the case and no class has been certified. The Plan trustees have provided notice to their fiduciary coverage insurance carriers. Progress on the litigation has been limited as the parties are currently in mediation.

Based on information currently available and CNA’s assessment of the mediation, CNA has recorded its best estimate of probable loss, however, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate liability may differ from that amount given the inherent uncertainty involved in this matter. After consideration of available insurance coverage, the Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements; however, the timing of recognition of any additional loss, if any, and insurance recovery, if any, may differ.

 

Other Litigation

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to other litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of this litigation will not, in the opinion of management, materially affect the Company’s results of operations or equity.