http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Headline Insurance Broker Liability Legal News from LexisNexis® en-us http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/images/lexismealeyslogo.gif 130 29 http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Copyright 2014 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%201%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WASHINGTON, D.C - The U.S. Supreme Court on June 2 denied an insurance broker's petition for a writ of certiorari regarding a decision overruling a lower court's finding that the broker could not be liable in negligence for failing to obtain insurance that would cover an underlying accident that occurred at an event held at a professional baseball game (CSI Insurance Group v. Cleveland Indians Baseball Co., No. 13-1154, U.S. Sup.; 2014 U.S. LEXIS 3877). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%202%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BROOKLYN, N.Y. - An insured failed to establish a special relationship between him and his insurance brokers regarding a request for umbrella coverage, a New York appeals panel affirmed May 28, dismissing negligence and breach of contract claims (Hans Richard Lehneis Jr. v. Kathleen Neill, et al., No. 2012-11002, N.Y. Sup. App. Div., 2nd Dept.; 2014 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 3744). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%203%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TACOMA, Wash. - Insureds may be able to assert a negligence claim against an insurance agency, a Washington federal judge held June 3, remanding a lawsuit over under insured motorist (UIM) coverage (John Creekmore and Larrilee Williams v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and Debra Daniels Insurance Co., No. 14-5281, W.D. Wash.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 76248). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%204%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DETROIT - A special relationship did not exist between an insured and an insurance agent regarding a duty to advise on insurance coverage for a fire loss, a Michigan appeals panel ruled June 10, affirming summary judgment to the agent on a negligence claim (Shawn Collins v. Farm Bureau General Insurance Co. and Jayson Schoeberlein, No. 314522, Mich. App.; 2014 Mich. App. LEXIS 1064). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%205%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TAMPA, Fla. - There is no genuine issue of material fact as to whether an insured assigned his causes of action against an insurance broker for an alleged failure to procure excess coverage, a Florida federal judge ruled May 30, granting summary judgment to the broker (Vincent Mazzola, individually and as administrator of the estate of Theresa Mazzola v. Brown & Brown Inc., No. 13-1127, M.D. Fla.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73928). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%206%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' JASPER, Ala. - Insurance agents were not fraudulently joined to insureds' fraud and breach of contract lawsuit against their homeowners insurer regarding denied coverage for a fire loss, an Alabama federal magistrate judge held May 28, remanding the lawsuit to state court (Kimberley Earley and Douglas Alexander v. Allstate Indemnity Co., et al., No. 13-02203, N.D. Ala.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72408). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%207%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' OAKLAND, Calif. - An insurance brokerage firm has sufficiently asserted a claim for breach of contract based on a former employee's alleged breach of the employment agreement, a California federal judge ruled May 23 (Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. v. Christopher Lang, No. 14-0909, N.D. Calif.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71286). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%208%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SCRANTON, Pa. - An insurer is not liable under an agreement between it and an insurance producer for indemnity to the producer for any breach of contract lawsuits filed by parties to the agreement, a Pennsylvania federal magistrate judge ruled May 13, denying a motion to reconsider the dismissal of the insurance producer's contractual indemnification counterclaim against the insurer (United Financial Casualty Co. v. A.M. Skier Agency Inc., et al., No. 13-1291, M.D. Pa.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66430). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%209%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW YORK - After reaffirming the denial of competing summary judgment motions in a Superstorm Sandy coverage dispute, a New York federal judge on May 28 announced that the lawsuit will proceed to trial on July 28 (Cammeby's Management Co., et al. v. Affiliated FM Insurance Co., et al., No. 13-2814, S.D. N.Y.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 74917). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-4%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2010%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ATLANTA - The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on May 29 affirmed a permanent injunction entered against a former employee of an insurance broker to enforce nondisclosure and noncompetition covenants in an employment agreement (Arthur J. Gallagher Service Co. and Risk Placement Services Inc. v. Thomas Egan, No. 13-14289, 11th Cir.; 2014 U.S. App. LEXIS 9888). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%201%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' HELENA, Mont. - An insured failed to establish that an insurance agent was professionally negligent in allegedly failing to advise on the adequate amount of coverage for her business, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed May 13 (Deborah Dulaney v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. and Shawn Ori, No. 13-0448, Mont. Sup.; 2014 Mont. LEXIS 251). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%202%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEWARK, N.J. - Insureds may amend their complaint to assert a claim for professional negligence against insurance producers regarding their failure to procure flood insurance, a New Jersey federal judge held April 25 (John Inglese and Elizabeth Inglese v. Robert Kulpa, et al., No. 13-1927, D. N.J.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 58318). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%203%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' FRESNO, Calif. - A California appeals panel on April 29 reversed a lower court's finding that there was no potential for errors and omissions coverage for an underlying lawsuit against insureds, remanding for the lower court to determine the underlying defense costs to which the insurer is entitled (Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London v. Thomas Mestmaker, et al., No. F066016, Calif. App., 5th Dist.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%204%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - An insured's negligence claim against an insurance broker is not precluded under a four-year statute of limitations, a Florida appeals panel held May 21, reversing the entry of summary judgment in favor of the broker (Medical Data Systems Inc. v. Coastal Insurance Group Inc., et al., No. 4D13-178, Fla. App., 4th Dist.; 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 7632). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%205%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - An insurance agency failed to establish that an insured's claim is perempted because the date of the agency's alleged omission in notifying an excess insurer of the insured's claim did not exceed the three-year statute of limitations, a Louisiana federal judge held April 24, denying summary judgment to the agency (A3M Vacuum Services LLC v. Hub International Midwest Ltd., No. 10-2766, E.D. La.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57266). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%206%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - An insurance broker established that an insured did not seek from the broker the broadest possibility commercial general liability insurance as alleged by assigned homeowners, a California appeals panel held May 9, affirming the entry of summary judgment to the broker on breach of contract and negligence claims (Gerald V. Hollingsworth Jr., et al. v. JAD Insurance Brokers Inc., No. B246708, Calif. App., 2nd Dist., Div. 8; 2014 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 3328). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%207%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' DENVER - An insurance agent's negligent misrepresentation claim against insurers regarding an alleged breach of an agency agreement is not precluded by the economic loss rule, a Colorado federal judge ruled May 13 (David Bartch v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co., et al., No. 13-01931, D. Colo.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66160). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%208%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' MINNEAPOLIS - An insurance agent breached an agent agreement with his former employer by inducing former clients into switching their policies, a Minnesota federal judge held April 22, awarding the employer $614,631.61 (American Family Mutual Insurance Co., et al. v. Steven G. Graham and Steven Graham Agency Inc., No. 12-53, D. Minn.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55338). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%209%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SCRANTON, Pa. - An insurer is not liable under an agreement between it and an insurance producer for indemnity to the producer for any breach of contract lawsuits filed by parties to the agreement, a Pennsylvania federal magistrate judge ruled April 24, dismissing the insurance producer's contractual indemnification counterclaim against the insurer (United Financial Casualty Co. v. A.M. Skier Agency Inc., et al., No. 13-1291, M.D. Pa.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57503). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2010%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BROOKLYN, NY - A New York appeals panel on May 7 reversed a trial court's denial of summary judgment to insurance agents regarding a breach of contract claim against them for withholding commissions on certain policies (Avraham Isaac Ziv v David F. Tellkamp, et al., No. 9506/11, N.Y. Sup., App. Div., 2nd Dept.; 2014 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 3185). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2011%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' COLUMBUS, Ohio - An insurance agent failed to adequately allege lack of consideration, economic duress or fraudulent inducement to add an amendment in a replacement agency executive agreement (RAE), an Ohio federal judge ruled May 20, granting judgment on the pleadings to an insurer with regards to breach of contract and fraudulent inducement claims (David Varnadore v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., No. 13-827, S.D. Ohio; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68990). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2012%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California federal judge on May 14 struck a cross-claim for interference with prospective business advantage filed by insurance agents against insurers because the claim is not protected by the commercial speech exemption under California's anti-strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) statute (Farmers Insurance Exchange, et al. v. Steele Insurance Agency Inc., et al., No. 13-00784, E.D. Calif.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66492). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2013%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SUFFOLK, N.Y. - A retail insurance broker sufficiently alleged that insurance brokers breached an agreement to remit commissions on certain insurance policies sold, a New York justice ruled April 11, declining to dismiss the retail insurance broker's claims (American Franchise Specialist Agency Inc., et al. v. Brendan C. Henry, et al., No. 07-13335, N.Y. Sup., Suffolk Co.; 2014 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1852). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2014%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TROY, Mich. - A trustee for the estate of an insured failed to establish that an insurance agent breached his duty by procuring insurance that did not cover the insured given that he rode dirt bikes, when a different insurance would have covered him despite the fact that he rode dirt bikes, a Michigan appeals panel affirmed May 1 (Thomas R. Tibble v. American Community Mutual Insurance Co., et al., No. 314271, Mich. App.; 2014 Mich. App. LEXIS 816). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2015%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' STAMFORD, Conn. - An insured sufficiently asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duty against insurance brokers, a Connecticut judge ruled March 21, declining to strike the claims (Seven Bridges Foundation Inc. v. Wilson Agency Inc., No. FSTCV116009707S, Conn. Super., Stamford-Norwalk Co.; 2014 Conn. Super. LEXIS 651). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2016%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A majority of the Alabama Supreme Court on May 9 reversed a judgment entered against an insurer and its insurance agent following a jury verdict in favor of an insured's widow on claims for bad faith, breach of contract and negligent procurement of insurance (Alfa Life Insurance Corp. and Brandon Morris v. Kimberly Colza, No. 1111415, Ala. Sup.; 2014 Ala. LEXIS 64). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2017%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TRENTON, N.J. - The relationship between an insurer and insurance agents did not constitute a franchise, a New Jersey appeals panel affirmed May 13, finding that the insurer's termination of exclusive agency agreements (EAs) did not breach the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing (Mario Deluca, et al. v. Allstate New Jersey Insurance Co., No. A-2724-11T4, N.J. Super., App. Div.; 2014 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1090). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2018%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ORLANDO, Fla. - A Florida federal judge on May 2 declined to grant an insurer's temporary restraining order (TRO) against its former insurance agents regarding enjoining them from business in their new insurance agency (Allstate Insurance Co. v. William Gardner and Linda Evans, No. 14-681, M.D. Fla.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 61355). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2019%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota appeals court on May 19 affirmed the retroactive revocation of a company's insurance-agency and insurance-producer licenses and the fines imposed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce commissioner (In the Matter of the Resident Agency License of Northwest Title Agency Inc.; the Resident Insurance Producer's License of Wayne B. Holstad; the Notary Commission of Wayne B. Holstad; and Northwest Abstract Co., No. A13-1643, Minn. App.; 2014 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 488). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2020%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' RICHMOND, Va. - A third-party beneficiary claim against an insurance agency regarding denied coverage to an alleged additional insured for an underlying wrongful death lawsuit is barred by the Virginia statutes of limitations, the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed May 7 (Mulvey Construction Inc., et al. v. Bituminous Casualty Corp. and Brown & Brown Insurance Agency of Virginia, No. 13-1571, 4th Cir.; 2014 U.S. App. LEXIS 8587). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-3%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2021%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - An insurance agents' group fails to demonstrate standing to intervene in a Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange regulation case or that the existing parties cannot adequately litigate the interest involved, a Missouri judge held April 24 (St. Louis Effort for Aids, et al. v. John Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration, No. 13-4246, W.D. Mo.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%201%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' INDIANAPOLIS - A two-year statute of limitations precludes insureds' negligence and breach of contract claims against their insurer and its insurance agent, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed April 3, finding that the statute began to run no later than the first policy renewal (Christopher Groce and Tracey Groce v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co. and Michael A. Meek, No. 48S02-1307-CT-472, Ind. Sup.; 2014 Ind. LEXIS 262). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%202%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' CAMDEN, N.J. - A New Jersey federal judge on March 25 dismissed a negligence lawsuit against an insurance agent and her employer for their alleged failure to obtain flood insurance because insureds failed to file an affidavit of merit and failed to raise any defense or exception to filing an affidavit of merit (Jason Robbins and his wife, Melanie Robbins v. Renee Forgash, et al., No. 13-0624, D. N.J.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38808). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%203%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN ANTONIO - A Texas appeals panel on April 9 affirmed a take-nothing judgment against an insured regarding its negligence claim against an insurance agent (TOKA General Contractors and Moore Sorrento v. Wm. Rigg Co., No. 04-12-00474-CV, Texas App., 4th Dist.; 2014 Tex. App. LEXIS 3776). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%204%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BOSTON - Sub-agents to an insurance company and its affiliates sufficiently brought negligence and breach of contract claims regarding unpaid commissions to survive a motion to dismiss, a Massachusetts federal magistrate judge held March 27 (Yale Fishman, et al. v. John Hancock Life Insurance Co. $(U.S.A.$), et al., No. 13-12166, D. Mass.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40938). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%205%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' PHILADELPHIA - A passenger in a vehicle collision did not fraudulently join individual insurance agents for an insurance company in an unfair trade practices and negligence lawsuit involving coverage for the passenger's underlying judgment, a Pennsylvania federal judge held April 14, remanding the case to state court (Patrick Hennessy v. Allstate Insurance Co., et al., No. 13-6594, E.D. Pa.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51066). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%206%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BRONX, N.Y. - An insurance broker failed to sufficiently assert claims for contribution, fraud and deceit against successors in interest to a defunct insured, a New York justice ruled Feb. 18, dismissing the third-party claims in a negligence lawsuit against the broker (1470 Bruckner Blvd. Corp. v. Aon Risk Services Northeast Inc., et al., No. 302377/2011, N.Y. Sup., Bronx Co.; 2014 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1385). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%207%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' ABERDEEN, Miss. - Breach of fiduciary duty and negligent failure to procure claims against an insurance agency and agent fail because there was no insurance coverage for an underlying lawsuit against insureds, a Mississippi federal judge ruled March 24 (Gum Tree Property Management LLC, et al. v. The Nowell Agency Inc. and Greg Bost, No. 12-181, N.D. Miss.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38306). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%208%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Genuine issues of fact exist regarding an insurer's claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, negligence and negligent supervision against insurance agents, an Iowa federal magistrate judge held March 25, denying summary judgment to the insurer (Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Co. v. Agency One Insurance Inc. and Pamela A. Siroky, No. 12-4050, N.D. Iowa; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38818). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%209%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' WORCESTER, Mass. - An insurance agency did not breach any contract or fiduciary duty to a former employee over payment in the sale of its business to another agency with regard to his book of business, a Massachusetts federal judge determined March 28 (Peter Coyle v. Kittredge Insurance Agency Inc., et al., No. 12-40014, D. Mass.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42067). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2010%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' GREENSBORO, N.C. - A North Carolina federal judge granted in part on April 11 an insurance broker a preliminary injunction against former employees from soliciting services from the broker's current employees (Superior Performers Inc. d/b/a National Agents Alliance v. Shawn L. Meaike, et al., No. 13-1149, M.D. N.C.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 50302). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2011%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana federal judge on March 28 remanded an insurance agent's lawsuit against an insurer and the insurer's territorial sales leader regarding an alleged breach of an exclusive agency agreement because the sales leader was not fraudulently joined (Charles Thomas, individually and on behalf of Charles Thomas Insurance Agency LLC v. Allstate Insurance Co., et al. No. 13-6043, E.D. La.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42178). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2012%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A broker authorization agreement between a reinsurance broker and an insurer is ambiguous for purposes of resolving the broker's breach of contract claim, an Arkansas federal judge ruled March 12 (Global Risk Intermediary LLC v. Aetna Global Benefits Ltd., et al., No. 13-00133, E.D. Ark.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 34193). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2013%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' OAKLAND, Calif. - A California federal judge on March 20 denied relief to an insurance agent with regard to a summary judgment order entered in favor of his former employer on the agent's claims for fraud and breach of contract (Steven H. Sedell v. Wells Fargo of California Insurance Services Inc., et al., No. 10-4043, N.D. Calif.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37613). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2014%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW ORLEANS - An insurance agent did not have a duty to properly advise homeowners of the correct amount of insurance coverage needed, a Louisiana federal judge ruled April 14, dismissing the claim for negligent procurement of insurance against the agent in a hurricane coverage dispute (Gale Hernandez, et al. v. State Farm General Insurance Co., et al., No. 13-5783, E.D. La.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51221). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2015%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW YORK - An insured failed to assert claims for negligent misrepresentation, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against insurance brokers regarding their role in allegedly misleading about certain insurance policies, a New York trial justice ruled April 8 (Rampart Brokerage Corp. v. RIBS NY LLC, et al., No. 652385/13, N.Y. Sup., N.Y. Co.; 2014 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1672). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2016%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' OKLAHOMA CITY - Plaintiffs in a homeowners coverage lawsuit failed to establish an agent's duty to inform them of particular coverage details, much less a breach of any such duties, an Oklahoma federal judge found April 8, leading him to find that the agent had been fraudulently joined to the coverage dispute (Justin Smith, et al. v. Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., et al., No. 14-00018, W.D. Okla.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48240). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2017%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' TRENTON, N.J. - A New Jersey federal judge on April 4 dismissed a life insurer's lawsuit against insurance brokers and investment companies regarding an alleged stranger originated life insurance (STOLI) scheme because there is a lack of subject matter jurisdiction (Lincoln Benefit Life Co. v. AEI Life LLC, et al., No. 13-4117, D. N.J.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 46726). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2018%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BROOKLYN, N.Y. - In a dispute between an insurance broker and its errors and omissions (E&O) insurer regarding a duty to defend an underlying action against the broker, a New York federal judge ruled March 27 that there is a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether an insurance agent was acting on behalf of the broker (Sils Brokerage Corp. v. U.S. Underwriters Insurance Co., No. 10-5176, E.D. N.Y.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42448). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2019%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey federal judge on March 27 granted a motion for abstention of an insurance broker's misappropriation of trade secrets lawsuit against a former employee and his new employer pending resolution of the broker's state court lawsuit against the same parties for breach of contract (Pinnacle Insurance Solutions LLC d/b/a Pinnacle Risk Solutions also d/b/a Pinnacle Cos. v. Henry N. Kolbe, et al., No. 13-5969, D. N.J.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40851). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2020%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A Florida federal judge on March 28 refused to dismiss claims for unjust enrichment and tortious interference with a business relationship against insurance agents in a putative class action alleging collusion for kickbacks in force-placed flood insurance on mortgages (Carina Hamilton f/k/a Lisa Monti and David S. Wieder v. Suntrust Mortgage Inc., et al., No. 13-60749, S.D. Fla.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 41667). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=10-2%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Ins.%20Broker%20Liab.%2021%20(2014)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' NEW YORK - An insurance brokerage firm can amend its complaint to add an unjust enrichment claim against a former employee but not a competing insurance broker the employee went to work for, a New York federal judge held April 9 (DeWitt Stern Group Inc. v. Richard Eisenberg, No. 13-3060, S.D. N.Y.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49374).