First Baptist Church of Olean v. Grey
This is a dissenting opinion concerning a summary judgment motion by American States Insurance Company, which sought a declaration that it was not obligated to defend or indemnify First Baptist Church of Olean (the Church) in an underlying personal injury action. The injury occurred in November 2000 when John S. Grey fell 20 feet from a ladder while performing construction work for the Church. The Church notified its insurer, American States, almost three years after the accident. American States disclaimed coverage due to the Church's failure to provide prompt notice as required by the policy. The dissent argues that the Supreme Court erred in denying American States' motion, concluding that the Church's delay in notification was unreasonable given its awareness of Grey's serious injury, and therefore American States should be absolved of its coverage obligations.