Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 29, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

Contingencies 

The Company is continuously engaged in litigation, threatened litigation, claims, audits or investigations arising in the ordinary course of its business, such as matters alleging employment discrimination, wage and hour violations, claims for indemnification or liability, violations of privacy rights, anti-competition regulations, commercial and contractual disputes, and tax related matters which could result in a material adverse outcome.

We record accruals for loss contingencies when we believe it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and in accrued workers’ compensation and other claims in the consolidated balance sheet. At first quarter-end 2020 and year-end 2019, the gross accrual for litigation costs amounted to $2.9 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

The Company maintains insurance coverage which may cover certain claims. When claims exceed the applicable policy deductible and realization of recovery of the claim from existing insurance policies is deemed probable, the Company records receivables from the insurance company for the excess amount, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. At first quarter-end 2020 and year-end 2019, the related insurance receivables amounted to $0.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

The Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses, in excess of amounts accrued, is $0.0 million to $2.4 million as of first quarter-end 2020. This range includes matters where a liability has been accrued but it is reasonably possible that the ultimate loss may exceed the amount accrued and for matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but a liability has not been accrued. The aggregate range only represents matters in which we are currently able to estimate a range of loss and does not represent our maximum loss exposure. The estimated range is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions and only based upon currently available information. For other matters, we are currently not able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.

While the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the resolution of any such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are also currently engaged in litigation with a customer over a disputed accounts receivable balance for certain services rendered, which is recorded as a long-term receivable in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. While we believe the balance of approximately $10 million is collectible, there is a reasonably possible risk of an unfavorable outcome.