(United States Seventh Circuit) – In a dispute over life insurance coverage, held that a policy exclusion was applicable because a man’s death from engaging in an act known as autoerotic asphyxiation qualified as intentionally self-inflicted injury.
(United States Seventh Circuit) – Held that an insurance company was not liable for bad faith for failing to settle a medical malpractice claim for the policy limit. Affirmed a JMOL against the claims of an outpatient surgical center.
(United States Fifth Circuit) – In an insurance dispute following an explosion and fire on an oil rig in Ohio, addressed arbitrability and personal jurisdiction issues. Affirmed in part and reversed in part the decision below.
(United States Fifth Circuit) – Held that insurers that paid a claim arising from the failure of a floating oil-drilling platform could not proceed with a subrogation claim against an engineering firm that helped secure the platform to the ocean floor. Also addressed an arbitrability…
(United States Ninth Circuit) – In an insurance coverage dispute, revived an industrial plant’s claim that the insurer should have provided coverage when broken metal brackets resulted in a shutdown of the entire facility. Reversed a summary judgment ruling.
(California Court of Appeal) – Addressed a dispute regarding who was entitled to monies paid under a life insurance policy. The issue concerned an irrevocable life insurance trust. Reversed the sustaining of a demurrer.
(United States Fifth Circuit) – Held that an insurance company did not abuse its discretion in denying disability benefits to an attorney who stopped working due to intractable migraines. Affirmed the judgment below in this ERISA case.
(United States Second Circuit) – Held that an automobile insurance policyholder who was unhappy with the handling of her claim for the total loss of her vehicle did not have to submit the dispute to a panel of appraisers, as set forth in the policy….
(California Court of Appeal) – Held that an insurance company could not bring a subrogation claim against its insured’s tenant (a furniture manufacturing business) for amounts paid out under a fire insurance policy, even if the tenant was negligent. Affirmed a summary judgment ruling.
(United States Second Circuit) – Held that homeowners were not insured for their home’s allegedly defective concrete foundation. The gradual deterioration of their still‐standing basement walls did not constitute a covered "collapse" under their homeowner’s insurance policy. Affirmed a dismissal.
