• Requiring an Insurer to Waive its Right to Subrogation is a Valid & Enforceable Contract

    Waiver of Subrogation Applies in Marine Insurance Policy

    Post 4938

    Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/requiring-insurer-waive-its-right-subrogation-valid-zalma-esq-cfe-gkn3c/, see the full video at and at and at https://zalma.com/blog.

    Competing motions for summary judgment were presented to the USDC for the Eastern District of Louisiana in a limitation-of-liability action arising from the listing and capsizing of the liftboat RAM XVIII. The motions present the principal question whether Fieldwood (charterer of the liftboat) must defend and indemnify Aries (owner of the liftboat) and U.S. Specialty (Aries’s insurer) under a master time charter agreement from the personal-injury claims brought by employees of Fluid Crane & Construction, Inc. and United Fire and Safety, LLC (Fieldwood’s subcontractors) who were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized. Fieldwood moved for partial summary judgment enforcing waivers of subrogation in the master time charter agreement and the relevant U.S. Specialty insurance policy.

    In The Matter Of Aries Marine Corporation, et al., Civil Action Nos. 19-10850, 19-13138, United States District Court, E.D. Louisiana (November 20, 2024) the USDC resolved the disputes.

    BACKGROUND

    The USDC resolved a five-year-old limitation-of-liability action that arose from the listing and capsizing of the liftboat RAM XVIII in the Gulf of Mexico. Aries chartered the RAM XVIII to Fieldwood under a master time charter agreement (the “Time Charter”) in relation to work being performed on one of Fieldwood’s offshore platforms. Under those Master Services Contracts, Fluid Crane and United Fire sent employees to work on Fieldwood’s platform; those employees were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized. U.S. Specialty, for its part, underwrote an insurance policy (the “Policy”) that provided Aries with certain coverages in effect when the RAM XVIII capsized.

    Six employees of Fluid Crane and one employee of United Fire-all of whom were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized-brought personal injury claims against Aries. The motions before the Court present the principal question whether Fieldwood must defend and indemnify Aries and U.S. Specialty from those personal-injury claims.

    THE TIME CHARTER

    Section 10 features a waiver-of-subrogation provision mandating that “[u]nderwriters of all policies of insurance required [by Section 10] shall waive their rights of subrogation against the Charterer Group,” which includes Fieldwood.

    THE POLICY

    The Policy provides coverage to Aries for protection and indemnity, including coverage for personal-injury liability. The Policy includes a waiver-of-subrogation provision that applies to the protection-and-indemnity coverage. A separate section of the Policy-governing hull-insurance coverage contains a waiver-of-subrogation provision and a provision naming Fieldwood as an additional insured.

    THE MASTER SERVICES CONTRACTS.

    Fieldwood executed the Master Services Contracts with Fluid Crane and United Fire, respectively. Fluid Crane and United Fire agreed to indemnify the other entities involved from claims asserted by their own employees, as well as to be responsible for defense costs for such claims.

    ANALYSIS

    Fieldwood’s Motion

    Fieldwood moved the Court to grant partial summary judgment enforcing waivers of subrogation in the Time Charter and Policy and dismissing Aries’s crossclaim and U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention. The Court held that Fieldwood is entitled to partial summary judgment because a review of the Time Charter and the Policy confirms that both Aries and U.S. Specialty have waived their rights of subrogation against Fieldwood.

    U.S. Specialty Waived Its Rights of Subrogation

    The Policy unambiguously waives U.S. Specialty’s right of subrogation in favor of Fieldwood. The Policy features a waiver-of-subrogation provision. The Time Charter qualifies as a “written contract” that “require[s]” U.S. Specialty to waive its rights of subrogation against Fieldwood because the Time Charter features a waiver-of-subrogation provision mandating that “[u]nderwriters of all policies of insurance required [by Section 10 of the Time Charter] shall waive their rights of subrogation against the Charterer Group,” which is defined to include Fieldwood.

    Because a review of the Time Charter and the Policy confirms that U.S. Specialty unambiguously waived its rights of subrogation against Fieldwood, and because the claims asserted in U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention rest on a subrogation theory, the Court granted Fieldwood’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed with prejudice U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention.

    The USDC concluded that the waivers of subrogation in Fieldwood’s favor are enforceable, and Aries and U.S. Specialty have not adequately presented any argument that would allow the Court to hold that their claims for defense and indemnity can survive despite the enforceability of those waivers of subrogation.

    Fieldwood’s motion for partial summary judgment was GRANTED.

    ZALMA OPINION

    Insurance policies like the marine policy interpreted in this case contain standard language authorizing the insured to waive the insurers’ right of subrogation if it does so before there is a loss. Since the litigants sought subrogation recovery which it had waived by the standard language of its policy this five year long litigation was resolved by the acceptance of the waiver.

    (c) 2024 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc.

    Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos.

    Subscribe to my substack at https://barryzalma.substack.com/subscribe

    Go to X @bzalma; Go to Newsbreak.com https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1653419?s=01; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/account/content?type=all; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg

    Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk
    Requiring an Insurer to Waive its Right to Subrogation is a Valid & Enforceable Contract Waiver of Subrogation Applies in Marine Insurance Policy Post 4938 Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/requiring-insurer-waive-its-right-subrogation-valid-zalma-esq-cfe-gkn3c/, see the full video at and at and at https://zalma.com/blog. Competing motions for summary judgment were presented to the USDC for the Eastern District of Louisiana in a limitation-of-liability action arising from the listing and capsizing of the liftboat RAM XVIII. The motions present the principal question whether Fieldwood (charterer of the liftboat) must defend and indemnify Aries (owner of the liftboat) and U.S. Specialty (Aries’s insurer) under a master time charter agreement from the personal-injury claims brought by employees of Fluid Crane & Construction, Inc. and United Fire and Safety, LLC (Fieldwood’s subcontractors) who were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized. Fieldwood moved for partial summary judgment enforcing waivers of subrogation in the master time charter agreement and the relevant U.S. Specialty insurance policy. In The Matter Of Aries Marine Corporation, et al., Civil Action Nos. 19-10850, 19-13138, United States District Court, E.D. Louisiana (November 20, 2024) the USDC resolved the disputes. BACKGROUND The USDC resolved a five-year-old limitation-of-liability action that arose from the listing and capsizing of the liftboat RAM XVIII in the Gulf of Mexico. Aries chartered the RAM XVIII to Fieldwood under a master time charter agreement (the “Time Charter”) in relation to work being performed on one of Fieldwood’s offshore platforms. Under those Master Services Contracts, Fluid Crane and United Fire sent employees to work on Fieldwood’s platform; those employees were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized. U.S. Specialty, for its part, underwrote an insurance policy (the “Policy”) that provided Aries with certain coverages in effect when the RAM XVIII capsized. Six employees of Fluid Crane and one employee of United Fire-all of whom were aboard the RAM XVIII when it capsized-brought personal injury claims against Aries. The motions before the Court present the principal question whether Fieldwood must defend and indemnify Aries and U.S. Specialty from those personal-injury claims. THE TIME CHARTER Section 10 features a waiver-of-subrogation provision mandating that “[u]nderwriters of all policies of insurance required [by Section 10] shall waive their rights of subrogation against the Charterer Group,” which includes Fieldwood. THE POLICY The Policy provides coverage to Aries for protection and indemnity, including coverage for personal-injury liability. The Policy includes a waiver-of-subrogation provision that applies to the protection-and-indemnity coverage. A separate section of the Policy-governing hull-insurance coverage contains a waiver-of-subrogation provision and a provision naming Fieldwood as an additional insured. THE MASTER SERVICES CONTRACTS. Fieldwood executed the Master Services Contracts with Fluid Crane and United Fire, respectively. Fluid Crane and United Fire agreed to indemnify the other entities involved from claims asserted by their own employees, as well as to be responsible for defense costs for such claims. ANALYSIS Fieldwood’s Motion Fieldwood moved the Court to grant partial summary judgment enforcing waivers of subrogation in the Time Charter and Policy and dismissing Aries’s crossclaim and U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention. The Court held that Fieldwood is entitled to partial summary judgment because a review of the Time Charter and the Policy confirms that both Aries and U.S. Specialty have waived their rights of subrogation against Fieldwood. U.S. Specialty Waived Its Rights of Subrogation The Policy unambiguously waives U.S. Specialty’s right of subrogation in favor of Fieldwood. The Policy features a waiver-of-subrogation provision. The Time Charter qualifies as a “written contract” that “require[s]” U.S. Specialty to waive its rights of subrogation against Fieldwood because the Time Charter features a waiver-of-subrogation provision mandating that “[u]nderwriters of all policies of insurance required [by Section 10 of the Time Charter] shall waive their rights of subrogation against the Charterer Group,” which is defined to include Fieldwood. Because a review of the Time Charter and the Policy confirms that U.S. Specialty unambiguously waived its rights of subrogation against Fieldwood, and because the claims asserted in U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention rest on a subrogation theory, the Court granted Fieldwood’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed with prejudice U.S. Specialty’s complaint-in-intervention. The USDC concluded that the waivers of subrogation in Fieldwood’s favor are enforceable, and Aries and U.S. Specialty have not adequately presented any argument that would allow the Court to hold that their claims for defense and indemnity can survive despite the enforceability of those waivers of subrogation. Fieldwood’s motion for partial summary judgment was GRANTED. ZALMA OPINION Insurance policies like the marine policy interpreted in this case contain standard language authorizing the insured to waive the insurers’ right of subrogation if it does so before there is a loss. Since the litigants sought subrogation recovery which it had waived by the standard language of its policy this five year long litigation was resolved by the acceptance of the waiver. (c) 2024 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc. Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos. Subscribe to my substack at https://barryzalma.substack.com/subscribe Go to X @bzalma; Go to Newsbreak.com https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1653419?s=01; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/account/content?type=all; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk
    0 Comments 0 Shares 121 Views
  • By the looks of it, Putin whipped out a new Russian ICBM that NATO defense systems cannot intercept, but did NOT attach nuclear payloads to them.
    Essentially, Putin just showed the West that he has the ability to destroy them if they keep provoking him.
    It was a warning. Putin just exercised extreme restraint, while also showing Ukraine/NATO that they are outgunned.
    This should be front page news on every outlet, but for some reason, it’s not. Perhaps it’s because this situation does not fit their narrative that Putin is this Hitler-esque loose-cannon who wants to conquer the world.
    Putin is showing restraint. He wants diplomacy, not nuclear war. But the West continue to poke the bear.
    By the looks of it, Putin whipped out a new Russian ICBM that NATO defense systems cannot intercept, but did NOT attach nuclear payloads to them. Essentially, Putin just showed the West that he has the ability to destroy them if they keep provoking him. It was a warning. Putin just exercised extreme restraint, while also showing Ukraine/NATO that they are outgunned. This should be front page news on every outlet, but for some reason, it’s not. Perhaps it’s because this situation does not fit their narrative that Putin is this Hitler-esque loose-cannon who wants to conquer the world. Putin is showing restraint. He wants diplomacy, not nuclear war. But the West continue to poke the bear.
    Angry
    1
    0 Comments 0 Shares 137 Views
  • My name is Jake Lang & I have been a January 6 Hostage - incarcerated & tortured without a trial for 3 years, 10 months and 5 days by the Deepstate!

    I will not accept a pardon unless ALL Jan 6 Prisoners are pardoned.

    The 1561+ January 6 Political Prisoners are unanimously calling upon President Trump to SAVE OUR LIVES & follow his heart: Pardon All J6ers on Day One

    NO MAN LEFT BEHIND TO ROT IN THE GULAG!

    We have drafted the J6 Day One Freedom Petition ( J6Pardons.com ) that has been signed by tens of thousands of red blooded Americans, including Conservative Luminaries:

    Jim Hoft, Laura Loomer, Darren Beattie, Diamond & Silk, Grant Stinchfield, Brandon Straka, Cara Castronuova, Wayne Allyn Root, Ann Vandersteel, Doug Billings, Jeff Crouere, Behizy, Matt Wallce, Couy Griffin, Treniss Evans, David Sumrall & Suzzane Monk

    The weaponization of the DOJ has gone too far, and destroyed thousands of lives with an overzealous political persecution of Trump supporters.

    Trump knows how it feels to be railroaded, denied due process & an impartial jury. To be convicted by the corrupt media before you ever step foot in court.

    Every Jan 6er was entrapped by our own Federal Government at the Capitol, a clear set up to paint Trump & his supporters as domestic terrorists!!

    The hundreds of patriotic men who have assault charges (590 out of 1561 defendants) such as myself - were forced to defend our own lives & the lives of the unarmed women and elderly around us.

    The Capitol Police murdered a young defenseless woman Roseanne Boyland, a 38 year old angel from Georgia in my arms. After this many men including myself took up a serious defensive position.

    The numerous award winning documentaries on J6 prove that we were NOT the aggressors, but responded as brave American men do to oppression & violence: we stood our ground & defended those around us.

    Nearly 4 years I have traded tears and prayers with my brothers in the Gulag, getting to know each and every man & see his Godly character -

    I can unequivocally say this crop of patriots & Christians are the BEST AMERICANS WE HAVE: they are bold and brave, kind and concerned fathers & husbands, leaders and lovers of God and Country.

    Unbreakable, indomitable, unrelenting 1776 patriots who would die to defend our Constitution without moments hesitation.

    Humble hard workers, military veterans & school teachers. Bus drivers, doctors, Olympic athletes, NFL players, Broadway stars and missionary servants of the Lord.

    Carpenters, plumbers, roofers, electricians, fathers, husbands: Man amongst men.

    This outrageous stain on American history, similar to the Japanese internment camps in World War II, has gone on long enough. Its time to set free the captives, and break the shackles of two tiered justice.

    Its time to release, pardon & fully expunge / erase the records of every single January 6 Hostage. Point blank period.

    History calls us to this moment of National Reconciliation, the American people have all but lost their faith in the judicial system watching Trump & the J6 witch hunt continue for 4 long years. We need to restore belief & trust in American jurisprudence.

    The immediate release of the Jan 6ers is where we start this battle to revive our degenerated institutions that used to be sacred.

    We are trusting the new MAGA Attorney General will also put an end to the Weaponized DOJ and immediately HALT all new J6 investigations & arrests, and DISMISS all current pending cases.

    How many J6 grandmothers need to be ripped out of their homes at gunpoint by a tyrannical FBI GESTAPO squadron and railroaded into federal prisons before we STOP THIS MADNESS!?!

    My conscious is clear before the Savior of man: that just as blanket pardons were issued after the Civil War to restore national unity, we too should be looking at this national healing moment with reverence & earnest expectations!

    President Trump will not let us down, we stand behind you Mr. President!

    NOT A SINGLE J6ER WAS GIVEN A FAIR TRIAL!!!

    J6Pardons.com to sign the official J6 Day One Freedom Petition

    #MAGA #FULLPARDONS #BREAKEVERYCHAIN #FREEATLAST #JANUARY20TH #INAUGURATION #LIBERATIONDAY
    https://x.com/JakeLangJ6/status/1859657832951632228?t=Ba2gzLPyrEytXhVvOHtSLw&s=09
    My name is Jake Lang & I have been a January 6 Hostage - incarcerated & tortured without a trial for 3 years, 10 months and 5 days by the Deepstate! I will not accept a pardon unless ALL Jan 6 Prisoners are pardoned. The 1561+ January 6 Political Prisoners are unanimously calling upon President Trump to SAVE OUR LIVES & follow his heart: Pardon All J6ers on Day One NO MAN LEFT BEHIND TO ROT IN THE GULAG! We have drafted the J6 Day One Freedom Petition ( J6Pardons.com ) that has been signed by tens of thousands of red blooded Americans, including Conservative Luminaries: Jim Hoft, Laura Loomer, Darren Beattie, Diamond & Silk, Grant Stinchfield, Brandon Straka, Cara Castronuova, Wayne Allyn Root, Ann Vandersteel, Doug Billings, Jeff Crouere, Behizy, Matt Wallce, Couy Griffin, Treniss Evans, David Sumrall & Suzzane Monk The weaponization of the DOJ has gone too far, and destroyed thousands of lives with an overzealous political persecution of Trump supporters. Trump knows how it feels to be railroaded, denied due process & an impartial jury. To be convicted by the corrupt media before you ever step foot in court. Every Jan 6er was entrapped by our own Federal Government at the Capitol, a clear set up to paint Trump & his supporters as domestic terrorists!! The hundreds of patriotic men who have assault charges (590 out of 1561 defendants) such as myself - were forced to defend our own lives & the lives of the unarmed women and elderly around us. The Capitol Police murdered a young defenseless woman Roseanne Boyland, a 38 year old angel from Georgia in my arms. After this many men including myself took up a serious defensive position. The numerous award winning documentaries on J6 prove that we were NOT the aggressors, but responded as brave American men do to oppression & violence: we stood our ground & defended those around us. Nearly 4 years I have traded tears and prayers with my brothers in the Gulag, getting to know each and every man & see his Godly character - I can unequivocally say this crop of patriots & Christians are the BEST AMERICANS WE HAVE: they are bold and brave, kind and concerned fathers & husbands, leaders and lovers of God and Country. Unbreakable, indomitable, unrelenting 1776 patriots who would die to defend our Constitution without moments hesitation. Humble hard workers, military veterans & school teachers. Bus drivers, doctors, Olympic athletes, NFL players, Broadway stars and missionary servants of the Lord. Carpenters, plumbers, roofers, electricians, fathers, husbands: Man amongst men. This outrageous stain on American history, similar to the Japanese internment camps in World War II, has gone on long enough. Its time to set free the captives, and break the shackles of two tiered justice. Its time to release, pardon & fully expunge / erase the records of every single January 6 Hostage. Point blank period. History calls us to this moment of National Reconciliation, the American people have all but lost their faith in the judicial system watching Trump & the J6 witch hunt continue for 4 long years. We need to restore belief & trust in American jurisprudence. The immediate release of the Jan 6ers is where we start this battle to revive our degenerated institutions that used to be sacred. We are trusting the new MAGA Attorney General will also put an end to the Weaponized DOJ and immediately HALT all new J6 investigations & arrests, and DISMISS all current pending cases. How many J6 grandmothers need to be ripped out of their homes at gunpoint by a tyrannical FBI GESTAPO squadron and railroaded into federal prisons before we STOP THIS MADNESS!?! My conscious is clear before the Savior of man: that just as blanket pardons were issued after the Civil War to restore national unity, we too should be looking at this national healing moment with reverence & earnest expectations! President Trump will not let us down, we stand behind you Mr. President! NOT A SINGLE J6ER WAS GIVEN A FAIR TRIAL!!! J6Pardons.com to sign the official J6 Day One Freedom Petition #MAGA #FULLPARDONS #BREAKEVERYCHAIN #FREEATLAST #JANUARY20TH #INAUGURATION #LIBERATIONDAY https://x.com/JakeLangJ6/status/1859657832951632228?t=Ba2gzLPyrEytXhVvOHtSLw&s=09
    0 Comments 0 Shares 864 Views
  • Defense Contractor Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Unlawful Export of Technical Data.
    Defense Contractor Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Unlawful Export of Technical Data.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 159 Views
  • NEW POWERFUL DEFENSE AIRGUN: IntruBuster / Pistelle X-68

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJR2WIcO-xk&list=TLPQMjAxMTIwMjSko5HR1Aw2Qg&index=4
    NEW POWERFUL DEFENSE AIRGUN: IntruBuster / Pistelle X-68 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJR2WIcO-xk&list=TLPQMjAxMTIwMjSko5HR1Aw2Qg&index=4
    Like
    1
    0 Comments 0 Shares 130 Views

  • Occam’s Razor

    Exclusion for Work Performed by Insured Defeats Claim for Construction Defects
    Post 4935

    Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/gT_NsMHv, see the full video at https://lnkd.in/gqkPHYbp and at https://lnkd.in/gEEXkUe3, and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 4900 posts.

    The question presented to the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals was whether a contractor’s CGL insurance policy covers general damage to a non-defective part of the contractor’s project resulting from a subcontractor’s defective work on a different part of that project.

    APPLICATION OF OCCAM’S RAZOR

    The analysis technique that proposes that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex.

    FACTUAL BACKGROUND

    Applying Massachusetts law, the district court concluded that Admiral had no duty to defend Tocci in Admiral Insurance Company, Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Great American Assurance Company v. Tocci Building Corporation, Tocci Residential LLC, John L. Tocci, Sr., No. 22-1462, United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit (November 8, 2024) and Tocci appealed.

    From 2013 to 2016, Tocci was the construction manager for an apartment project owned by Toll JM EB Residential Urban Renewal LLC (“Toll”). There were several work quality issues and delays on the project, and Toll eventually terminated Tocci in March 2016 for alleged mismanagement of the project.

    Toll sued with allegations regarding instances of defective work leading to property damage. The allegations included defective work by Tocci’s subcontractors resulting in various instances of property damage to non-defective work on the project, including (1) damage to sheetrock resulting from faulty roof work; (2) mold formation resulting from inadequate sheathing and water getting into the building; and (3) damage to a concrete slab, wood framing, and underground pipes resulting from soil settlement due to improper backfill and soil compaction.

    DUTY TO DEFEND

    Tocci sought defense and indemnity coverage under the Admiral insurance policies. Admiral denied coverage.

    The district court granted Admiral’s motion on duty to defend because the damage alleged in Toll’s complaint did not qualify as “property damage” as defined in the policy because the allegations consisted entirely of damage at Tocci’s own project.

    ANALYSIS

    The First Circuit considered three steps to the coverage analysis: (1) Do the damages alleged in the action fall within the scope of coverage?; (2) if so, do the exclusions to coverage apply?; and (3) if so, do any exceptions to the exclusions apply?

    The First Circuit noted that there is a sharp split of authority on whether damage to non-defective work resulting from a subcontractor’s defective work constitutes “property damage” or is caused by an “occurrence.” The First Circuit decided to avoid the issues of what constitutes “property damage” by focusing on the exclusions which were sufficient to resolve the complete dispute.

    THE HOLDING

    There are two “Damage to Property” exclusions that provide that there is no coverage for “property damage” to: that particular part of real property on which you or any contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on your behalf are performing operations, if the ‘property damage’ arises out of those operations; or that particular part of any property that must be restored, repaired or replaced because “your work” was incorrectly performed on it.

    The First Circuit, applying Occam’s Razor, focused its analysis on the exclusion it concluded covers the allegations in the Toll complaint. Since the complaint alleges damage resulting from Tocci’s “incorrectly performed” work on the entire project “[t]hat particular part of any property that must be restored, repaired or replaced because ‘[Tocci’s] work’ was incorrectly performed on it” refers to the entirety of the project where Tocci was the general contractor charged with supervising and managing the project as a whole.

    Therefore, the First Circuit concluded that Admiral met its burden of establishing that the Toll action only alleges damage falling within the exclusion and that there was no exception to that exclusion that applied.

    ZALMA OPINION

    This is a case of a court applying Occam’s Razor, by picking an easy and obvious solution – the application of an exclusion – and avoiding the problem of different court rulings on coverage about “property damage” and “occurence.” Since the exclusion clearly applied there was no duty to defend.

    (c) 2024 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc.

    Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos.

    Subscribe to my substack at https://barryzalma.substack.com/subscribe

    Go to X @bzalma; Go to Newsbreak.com https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1653419?s=01; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/account/content?type=all; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg

    Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk

    Subscribe to my substack at https://lnkd.in/gmmzUVBy
    Occam’s Razor Exclusion for Work Performed by Insured Defeats Claim for Construction Defects Post 4935 Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/gT_NsMHv, see the full video at https://lnkd.in/gqkPHYbp and at https://lnkd.in/gEEXkUe3, and at https://zalma.com/blog plus more than 4900 posts. The question presented to the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals was whether a contractor’s CGL insurance policy covers general damage to a non-defective part of the contractor’s project resulting from a subcontractor’s defective work on a different part of that project. APPLICATION OF OCCAM’S RAZOR The analysis technique that proposes that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex. FACTUAL BACKGROUND Applying Massachusetts law, the district court concluded that Admiral had no duty to defend Tocci in Admiral Insurance Company, Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Great American Assurance Company v. Tocci Building Corporation, Tocci Residential LLC, John L. Tocci, Sr., No. 22-1462, United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit (November 8, 2024) and Tocci appealed. From 2013 to 2016, Tocci was the construction manager for an apartment project owned by Toll JM EB Residential Urban Renewal LLC (“Toll”). There were several work quality issues and delays on the project, and Toll eventually terminated Tocci in March 2016 for alleged mismanagement of the project. Toll sued with allegations regarding instances of defective work leading to property damage. The allegations included defective work by Tocci’s subcontractors resulting in various instances of property damage to non-defective work on the project, including (1) damage to sheetrock resulting from faulty roof work; (2) mold formation resulting from inadequate sheathing and water getting into the building; and (3) damage to a concrete slab, wood framing, and underground pipes resulting from soil settlement due to improper backfill and soil compaction. DUTY TO DEFEND Tocci sought defense and indemnity coverage under the Admiral insurance policies. Admiral denied coverage. The district court granted Admiral’s motion on duty to defend because the damage alleged in Toll’s complaint did not qualify as “property damage” as defined in the policy because the allegations consisted entirely of damage at Tocci’s own project. ANALYSIS The First Circuit considered three steps to the coverage analysis: (1) Do the damages alleged in the action fall within the scope of coverage?; (2) if so, do the exclusions to coverage apply?; and (3) if so, do any exceptions to the exclusions apply? The First Circuit noted that there is a sharp split of authority on whether damage to non-defective work resulting from a subcontractor’s defective work constitutes “property damage” or is caused by an “occurrence.” The First Circuit decided to avoid the issues of what constitutes “property damage” by focusing on the exclusions which were sufficient to resolve the complete dispute. THE HOLDING There are two “Damage to Property” exclusions that provide that there is no coverage for “property damage” to: that particular part of real property on which you or any contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on your behalf are performing operations, if the ‘property damage’ arises out of those operations; or that particular part of any property that must be restored, repaired or replaced because “your work” was incorrectly performed on it. The First Circuit, applying Occam’s Razor, focused its analysis on the exclusion it concluded covers the allegations in the Toll complaint. Since the complaint alleges damage resulting from Tocci’s “incorrectly performed” work on the entire project “[t]hat particular part of any property that must be restored, repaired or replaced because ‘[Tocci’s] work’ was incorrectly performed on it” refers to the entirety of the project where Tocci was the general contractor charged with supervising and managing the project as a whole. Therefore, the First Circuit concluded that Admiral met its burden of establishing that the Toll action only alleges damage falling within the exclusion and that there was no exception to that exclusion that applied. ZALMA OPINION This is a case of a court applying Occam’s Razor, by picking an easy and obvious solution – the application of an exclusion – and avoiding the problem of different court rulings on coverage about “property damage” and “occurence.” Since the exclusion clearly applied there was no duty to defend. (c) 2024 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc. Please tell your friends and colleagues about this blog and the videos and let them subscribe to the blog and the videos. Subscribe to my substack at https://barryzalma.substack.com/subscribe Go to X @bzalma; Go to Newsbreak.com https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1653419?s=01; Go to Barry Zalma videos at Rumble.com at https://rumble.com/account/content?type=all; Go to Barry Zalma on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysiZklEtxZsSF9DfC0Expg Go to the Insurance Claims Library – https://lnkd.in/gwEYk Subscribe to my substack at https://lnkd.in/gmmzUVBy
    LNKD.IN
    Occam’s Razor
    Exclusion for Work Performed by Insured Defeats Claim for Construction Defects Post 4935 Posted on November 18, 2024 by Barry Zalma See the full video at https://rumble.com/v5po3z8-occams-razor.
    0 Comments 0 Shares 652 Views
  • Pete Hegseth - Secretary of Defense Nominee | SRS #143

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoN5ovwB8s4&list=TLPQMTcxMTIwMjS1hoPLIHJjYw&index=10
    Pete Hegseth - Secretary of Defense Nominee | SRS #143 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoN5ovwB8s4&list=TLPQMTcxMTIwMjS1hoPLIHJjYw&index=10
    Angry
    1
    0 Comments 0 Shares 50 Views
  • A Weather War Is Being Waged Against Humanity
    Rick Miracle and GeoEngineering Watch

    #NexRad Radar sites are being used to attack defenseless populations around the world, but especially in the United States!

    You WILL notice (If you bother to look)
    That all of these "weather events" are happening in areas with #Lithium deposits OR areas that have been earmarked for 15 minute PRISONS!

    IMO.... Either we can take down the NEXRAD sites,
    or the NexRad sites will continue being used to take us down!

    And that includes taking your LIFE and your PROPERTY!

    https://rumble.com/v5qedjn-a-weather-war-is-being-waged-against-humanity-rick-miracle-and-geoengineeri.html
    A Weather War Is Being Waged Against Humanity Rick Miracle and GeoEngineering Watch #NexRad Radar sites are being used to attack defenseless populations around the world, but especially in the United States! You WILL notice (If you bother to look) That all of these "weather events" are happening in areas with #Lithium deposits OR areas that have been earmarked for 15 minute PRISONS! IMO.... Either we can take down the NEXRAD sites, or the NexRad sites will continue being used to take us down! And that includes taking your LIFE and your PROPERTY! https://rumble.com/v5qedjn-a-weather-war-is-being-waged-against-humanity-rick-miracle-and-geoengineeri.html
    0 Comments 0 Shares 252 Views
  • VIDEO: Joe Rogan & Donald Trump Rally American Patriots In Defense Of Freedom Of Speech
    https://www.bitchute.com/video/jmH4QaZ7fhcb/?list=notifications&randomize=false
    47 Pledges To Protect The 1st Amendment Lays Out His Plan To Stop Censorship.
    VIDEO: Joe Rogan & Donald Trump Rally American Patriots In Defense Of Freedom Of Speech https://www.bitchute.com/video/jmH4QaZ7fhcb/?list=notifications&randomize=false 47 Pledges To Protect The 1st Amendment Lays Out His Plan To Stop Censorship.
    WWW.BITCHUTE.COM
    VIDEO: Joe Rogan & Donald Trump Rally American Patriots In Defense Of Freedom Of Speech
    Alex Jones breaks down President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge during his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast to defend freedom of speech online and prevent Big Tech censorship in the future.47 Pledges To Protect The 1st Amendment Lays Out His Plan To Stop Censorship. **Alex Jones VIP Club Is NOW LIVE! Save 10%-40% off everything at The Alex Jones Store while getting $40.00 FREE store credit every month! Learn more HERE! https://thealexjonesstore.com/products/alex-jones-vip-club-copy?selling_plan=5497979099 **HUGE! The Lost Alex Jones Tapes From 2001-2008 are NOW AVAILABLE at a limited-time
    0 Comments 1 Shares 368 Views
  • https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/pentagon-fails-seventh-straight-financial-audit-billions-defense/
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/pentagon-fails-seventh-straight-financial-audit-billions-defense/
    0 Comments 0 Shares 221 Views
More Results
Sponsored

We are 100% funded for October.

Thanks to everyone who helped out. 🥰

Xephula monthly operating expenses for 2024 - Server: $143/month - Backup Software: $6/month - Object Storage: $6/month - SMTP Service: $10/month - Stripe Processing Fees: ~$10/month - Total: $175/month

Xephula Funding Meter

Please Donate Here