CM Report of Recent Decisions – 2017 Vol. 1

May 3, 2017 / CM Reports

CMReportVol12017_CoverArticles in this report

Sidebar: Ninth Circuit Creates Bad Law For Excess Insurers—At Least In California

On March 21, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued its decision in Teleflex Medical
Inc. v. National Union Fire Ins. Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa., 851 F.3d 976 (9th Cir. 3/21/17), holding that under existing California law, an excess insurance carrier has certain duties where a proposed settlement demand exceeds a defending primary insurer’s limits and has been approved by the insured and the primary insurer.

“Phony Line” Leads To FMLA Liability

The Seventh Circuit affirms a jury verdict for plaintiff against an employer accused of retaliation under the FMLA
in Tracy L. Wink v. Miller Compressing Co., Nos. 16-2336, 16-2339 cons., ___F.3d ___ (7th Cir. 2017).

Sixth Circuit Enforces Professional Liability Exclusions

General liability insurers did not have a duty to defend insured engineering and architecture firm in underlying action alleging that insured was negligent in its duty to supervise construction operations, provide adequate safety supervision, and include in its project plans ways to ensure the safe removal of digester lids, because such allegations fell within the policies’ professional services exclusions.

No Defense Duty For Allegations That Merely “Relate” To Potential Coverage

An insurer’s duty to defend typically turns on the allegations of the underlying complaint against the insured. Sometimes those allegations contain statements that arguably could give rise to a defense obligation, but the statements are not the basis for the underlying claimant’s cause of action.

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  • Chicago

    Illinois 60603

    10 South LaSalle Street

    Chicago, Illinois 60603

    T: 312.855.1010 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: Dennis D. Fitzpatrick

  • New York

    New York 10005

    28 Liberty Street 39th Floor

    New York, New York 10005

    T: 212.805.3900 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 212.805.3939 Office Managing Partner: Carl M. Perri

  • Mission Viejo

    California 92691

    27285 Las Ramblas

    Suite 200

    Mission Viejo, California 92691

    T: 949.260.3100 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 949.260.3190 Office Managing Partner: Ian R. Feldman

  • Florham Park

    New Jersey 07932

    100 Campus Drive

    Florham Park, New Jersey 07932

    T: 973.410.4130 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 973.410.4169 Office Managing Partner: Carl M. Perri

  • Michigan City

    Indiana 46360

    200 Commerce Square

    Michigan City, Indiana 46360

    T: 219.262.6106 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partners: Paige M. Neel, Kimbley A. Kearney

  • Milwaukee

    Wisconsin 53202

    250 E. Wisconsin Avenue

    Suite 1800

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

    T: 414.279.5525 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: James M. Weck

  • Stamford

    Connecticut 06902

    68 Southfield Avenue

    2 Stamford Landing Suite 100

    Stamford, Connecticut 06902

    T: 203.921.0303 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 212.805.3939 Office Managing Partner: Matthew J. Van Dusen

  • Tampa

    Florida 33609

    4830 West Kennedy Boulevard, One Urban Center

    Suite 600

    Tampa, Florida 33609

    T: 813.509.2578 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: Dennis D. Fitzpatrick Co-Managing Partner: Kelly M. Vogt

  • San Francisco

    California 94111

    100 Pine Street

    Suite 1250

    San Francisco, California 94111

    T: 415.287.2744 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 949.260.3190 Office Managing Partner: Ian R. Feldman

  • Houston

    Texas 77019

    2929 Allen Parkway

    American General Center, Suite 200

    Houston, Texas 77019

    T: 346.229.4612 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: Ramy P. Elmasri

  • Dallas

    Texas 75201

    325 N. Saint Paul Street

    Suite 3100

    Dallas, Texas 75201

    T: 469.942.8635 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: Ramy P. Elmasri

  • Boca Raton

    Florida 33434

    7777 Glades Road

    Suite 405

    Boca Raton, Florida 33434

    T: 561.765.5305 TF: 800.826.3505 F: 312.606.7777 Office Managing Partner: Dennis D. Fitzpatrick Co-Managing Partner: Kelly M. Vogt