Commitments and Contingencies |
6 Months Ended |
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Mar. 31, 2019 | |
| 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 these matters. 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 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 costs we will incur in relation to such exposures, but it is possible that actual costs 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 (the “High Court”) in London, England (the “Aldrees Litigation”). The Aldrees Litigation resulted from an agreement made in 2010 for Rotex to supply, among other things, five mineral separating machines. Aldrees alleged breach of contract and misrepresentation by Rotex and was seeking damages of approximately £38.5.
The trial concluded in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and a final decision was released by the High Court in March 2019 awarding a fraction of the claimed damages to Aldrees. This result did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
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