The Ninth Circuit affirmed the panel's decision not to rehear en banc a case which affirmed the district court's summary judgment in favor of a tribe and against several insurance companies and underwriters. Lexington Ins. Co., et al. v Smith, et al., 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 23429 (9th Cir Sept. 16, 2024).
COVID-19
California Supreme Court Finds Virus Endorsement Does Not Cover COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
Reversing the Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court determined a virus endorsement did not salvage coverage for business loss due to COVID-19. John's Grill v. Hartford Fin. Serv. Group, Inc., 2024 Cal. LEXIS 4241 (Cal. Aug. 8, 2024).
John's Grill was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and…
COVID-19 Case Survives Insurers’ Motion for Partial Summary Judgment Based Upon Endorsement for Infectious Disease
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Nevada trial court distinguished a prior decision from the Nevada Supreme Court and denied the insurers' Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on a COVID-19 claim. Bloomin' Brands, Inc. v. Ace Am. Ins. Co., et al., No. A-21-830204-B (Nev. Dist. Ct., June 21, 2024) (order denying motion for partial summary judgment). The…
Ninth Circuit Finds Thread That May Save COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part, denied in part, the district court's granting of the insurer's motion to dismiss the insureds' COVID-19 claim. Worthy Hotels, Inc., et al. v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Co., 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 11747 (9th Cir. May 15, 2024).
A group of hotels and restaurants sought…
Answering Certified Question, California Supreme Court Finds No Coverage for COVID-19 Claims
By Tred R. Eyerly on
Finally weighing in on whether the presence of COVID-19 constitutes direct physical loss or damage to property, the California Supreme Court answered a certified question from the Ninth Circuit by determining there was no coverage under California law. Another Planet Entertainment, LLC v. Vigilant Ins. Co., 2024 Cal. LEXIS 2738 (Cal.
Ninth Circuit Reverses Denial of Motion to Amend on COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Ninth Circuit reversed the District Court's denial of the insured's motion to amend a complaint asserting loss due to COVID-19. Worth Hotels, Inc. v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Co., 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 8484 (9th Cir. April 9, 2024).
The Hotels sought coverage for business losses incurred because of the…
Insured Adequately Alleges Direct Physical Loss in COVID-19 Claim to Survive Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Court of Appeal reversed the trial court's granting of a motion for judgment on the pleadings, dismissing the insured's claim for loss due to the presence of COVID-19. Brooklyn Restaurants, Inc. v. Sentinel Ins. Co., Ltd., 2024 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1754 (Cal Ct. App. March 20, 2024).
Brooklyn…
Health Care Endorsement Allows Insured to Escape Dismissal of COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
Agreeing with the district court that the insured could not demonstrate "direct physical loss" due the onset of COVID-19, the First Circuit overruled the dismissal based on a health care endorsement. Lawrence Gen. Hosp. v. Continental Casualty Co., 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 676 (1st Cir. Jan. 10, 2024).
The health care…
COVID-19 Claims Survives Motion to Dismiss
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The Superior Court for the State of Washington denied the insurer's motion to dismiss the University of Washington's claim for property damage due to COVID-19. The Board of Regents of the University of Washington v. Employers Ins. Co. of Wausau, No. 22-2-15472-1 SEA (Amended Order Denying Defendant's CR 12 (B) (6) Motion…
Traditional Pollution Exclusion Does Not Bar COVID-19 Claim
By Tred R. Eyerly on
The trial court's dismissal of the insured's loss of business income claim due to COVID-19 based upon a traditional pollution exclusions was reversed and remanded as to most of the insurers. JRK Prop. Holdings v. Colony Ins. Co., 2023 Cal. App. LEXIS 760 (Cal. Ct. App. Oct. 2, 2023).
JRK…