The commissioner is authorized to make use of any of the powers established under this chapter of this code to enforce the laws of this state so long as those powers are not specifically preempted by the national product liability risk retention act of 1981, as amended by the risk retention amendments of 1986. This includes, but is not limited to, the commissioner's administrative authority to investigate, issue subpoenas, conduct depositions and hearings, issue orders, and impose penalties and seek injunctive relief. With regard to any investigation, administrative proceedings, or litigation, the commissioner can rely on the law and rules of the state. The injunctive authority of the commissioner in regard to risk retention groups is restricted by the requirement that any injunction be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 33-32-19

  • Commissioner: means the Insurance Commissioner of the State of West Virginia or the commissioner, director or superintendent of insurance in any other state. See West Virginia Code 33-32-2
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Liability: means legal liability for damages (including costs of defense, legal costs and fees, and other claims expenses) because of injuries to other persons, damage to their property or other damage or loss to such other persons resulting from or arising out of:

    (1) Any business (whether profit or nonprofit), trade, product, services (including professional services), premises or operations. See West Virginia Code 33-32-2

  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • State: means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia. See West Virginia Code 33-32-2