CHARLES F. EVANS CO., INC. v. Zurich Ins. Co.
Plaintiff Charles F. Evans Company, an insured, sought a declaration that defendant Zurich Insurance Company must defend it in an underlying action. This underlying action involved Damon G. Douglas Company, a general contractor, who subcontracted roofing work to Evans for a BASF Corporation building. BASF counterclaimed against Douglas for improperly installed and leaking roofing, leading Douglas to bring a third-party action against Evans for indemnity and contribution. BASF's counterclaim alleged bodily injuries to its employees due to slip-and-falls from the leaking roof, resulting in lost-time and workers' compensation claims. The court found that the insurance policy, covering damages for 'bodily injury,' was at least ambiguous regarding these claims and thus must be construed against the insurer, triggering Zurich's duty to defend Evans. The court also rejected Zurich's argument that the slip-and-falls were not 'occurrences' (accidents) under the policy.