INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Mercury mess Santa Clara Valley Water District was insured by Century Indemnity Company under primary and excess policies. In 2000, the district notified Century that it had been advised by the federal government of potential claims for natural resource damages resulting from mercury contamination in the Guadalupe River Watershed (NRD claim). Century requested additional information, including the status of negotiations. Century
Court Decisions
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Pit bull scuffle Poonam Dua and Eric Taylor were sued by Simeon and Roslyn Peroff for personal injuries and property damages caused by Taylor’s dogs. The Peroffs alleged that, while they were walking their dogs, Taylor was also walking his dogs, which attacked theirs—injuring both. The complaint said this experience also caused mental and emotional distress to the Peroffs as witnesses
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS No coverage for bike The federal district court for the District of South Carolina certified a question of law to the South Carolina Supreme Court. In 2019, USAA Casualty issued a personal automobile policy to Megan Jenkins. The policy defined “your covered auto” as any vehicle shown on the policy’s declaration, any newly acquired vehicle, and any trailer owned by the
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Don’t drink and drive Asia Torres and Byron Remeyer both worked for the La Sirena Grill at its South Laguna location. One night in August 2013 they had drinks together at La Siena and then left around 10:00 p.m. to go to a party. Shortly before midnight, Torres, who was intoxicated, drove his vehicle into a tree in Laguna Niguel. Remeyer,
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASES Digested from case reports published online COURT DECISIONS Bad day for the tribe The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation California (Chumash) sued its insurer, Lexington Insurance Company, for denial of insurance coverage that related to Chumash’s claim of physical property damage caused by the COVID-19 virus. The lawsuit asserted that its casino and resort suffered damage that required Chumash to make physical
