Commitments and Contingencies |
9 Months Ended |
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Jun. 30, 2018 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies |
Commitments and Contingencies
Like most companies, we are involved from time to time in claims, lawsuits, and government proceedings relating to our operations, including environmental, patent infringement, business practices, commercial transactions, product and general liability, workers’ compensation, auto liability, employment, and other matters. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. An estimated loss from these contingencies is recognized when we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated; however, it is difficult to measure the actual loss that might be incurred related to litigation. If a loss is not considered probable and/or cannot be reasonably estimated, we are required to make a disclosure if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a significant loss may have been incurred. Legal fees associated with claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred.
Claims covered by insurance have in most instances deductibles and self-funded retentions up to $0.5 per occurrence or per claim, depending upon the type of coverage and policy period. For auto, workers compensation, and general liability, outside insurance companies and third-party claims administrators generally assist in establishing individual claim reserves. An independent outside actuary often provides estimates of ultimate projected losses, including incurred but not reported claims, which are used to establish reserves for losses. For all other types of claims, reserves are established based upon advice from internal and external counsel and historical settlement information for claims when such amounts are considered probable of payment.
The recorded amounts represent our best estimate of the losses we will incur in relation to such exposures, but it is possible that actual losses will differ from those estimates.
Aldrees Litigation
In April 2016, Hamad M. Aldrees & Partners Holding Co. for Industry and Mining (Closed Joint Company) (“Aldrees”) filed a lawsuit against Company subsidiary Rotex Europe Limited (“Rotex”) in the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Technology and Construction Court in London, England (the “Aldrees Litigation”). The Aldrees Litigation arises as a result of an agreement made in 2010 for Rotex to supply, among other things, five mineral separating machines. Aldrees has alleged breach of contract and misrepresentation by Rotex and is seeking damages of approximately £38.5.
The Company is defending this matter vigorously. The trial concluded in the third quarter, but a result has not been announced, and the timing of the result of the trial is unknown. The Company does not believe that the outcome of this lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. If Aldrees prevails at trial, however, the outcome could be materially adverse to the Company’s financial statements for the particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results or cash flows for such period.
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