CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
May 12, 1995

Wausau Underwriters Insurance v. Continental Casualty Co.

This case addresses a dispute between Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company (Wausau) and Continental Casualty Company (Continental), along with The Hartford Insurance Group. Wausau, as the employer's liability carrier for H. Sand & Company, successfully argued that a third-party action by Slattery-Argrett, subrogor of Continental, against H. Sand & Company, constituted an impermissible subrogation claim by an insurer against its own insured. The underlying matter involved a personal injury sustained by an employee of H. Sand & Company. Continental had initially disclaimed coverage for Sand in the third-party action. The Supreme Court granted Wausau's motion for summary judgment, declaring the subrogation action a violation of public policy and awarding Wausau damages. The appellate court affirmed this judgment, distinguishing the present case from prior rulings like *North Star Reins. Corp. v Continental Ins. Co.*, and emphasizing the distinction between claims for indemnification and contribution within insurance policy exclusions.

Subrogation ClaimInsurance Coverage DisputeIndemnification vs. ContributionPublic Policy in InsuranceSummary JudgmentEmployer LiabilityGeneral Liability InsuranceExcess Liability InsuranceConstruction AccidentWorkers' Compensation Carrier
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Wausau Underwriters Insurance v. Old Republic General Insurance

This case addresses a dispute between Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company and Old Republic General Insurance Company concerning their respective obligations to defend and indemnify the "Broadway Defendants" in an underlying personal injury lawsuit. Wausau, providing coverage to the Broadway Defendants, sought a declaratory judgment that Old Republic, as the insurer for construction manager McGowan Builders Inc., was required to provide coverage as the Broadway Defendants were additional insureds. The Court, applying New York law, determined that the injury sustained by a potential subcontractor's employee on the construction site arose from McGowan's "ongoing operations," thus triggering Old Republic's duty to both defend and indemnify. Furthermore, the Court rejected Old Republic's defense of untimely notice, finding no material prejudice to its ability to investigate or defend the claim. Consequently, Wausau's motion for summary judgment was granted, ordering Old Republic to fulfill its defense and indemnification duties and reimburse Wausau for its costs and interest.

Insurance DisputeDeclaratory JudgmentSummary JudgmentDuty to DefendDuty to IndemnifyAdditional InsuredOngoing OperationsConstruction Site InjuryNew York LawLate Notice Defense
References
40
Case No. 2017 NY Slip Op 04774 [151 AD3d 504]
Regular Panel Decision
Jun 13, 2017

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. v. U.S. Underwriters Insurance Co.

This case concerns an insurance coverage dispute where Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Artimus Construction Corp., Inc., as subrogees, sought coverage from U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company. The Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the lower court's decision to dismiss the complaint. The court found that the plaintiffs were collaterally estopped from relitigating insurance coverage issues because these matters had been decided in a prior declaratory judgment action. The majority concluded that Nationwide's subrogor, Artimus, and Artimus's subrogor, Armadillo, had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the coverage issues previously. Furthermore, the court held that the doctrine of res judicata also barred the claims, applying a transactional analysis which dictates that all claims arising from the same transaction that could have been raised in prior litigation are precluded.

Insurance CoverageSubrogationCollateral EstoppelRes JudicataAppellate ReviewDeclaratory JudgmentPersonal Injury ActionEmployer Liability ExclusionLate Notice of ClaimPrivity
References
12
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
May 08, 2003

Allianz Underwriters Insurance v. Landmark Insurance

This case involves an appeal by Allianz Underwriters Insurance Company, an excess liability insurer, against the law firm Underberg & Kessler, LLP. Allianz alleged that Underberg, retained by the primary insurer General Star Indemnity Corporation to represent their mutual insured Dunlop Tire Corporation in an underlying wrongful death action, breached its fiduciary duty and committed professional negligence. Allianz claimed Underberg failed to initiate a third-party action against Nicholson & Hall, Dunlop's employer (also insured by General Star), to protect General Star's interests over Dunlop's and Allianz's. The Supreme Court initially dismissed Allianz's complaint against Underberg. However, the Appellate Division, First Department, reversed this decision, holding that Allianz could pursue its claim against Underberg based on principles of equitable subrogation and a "near privity" relationship, thereby reinstating the complaint.

Equitable SubrogationLegal MalpracticeProfessional NegligenceExcess InsurancePrimary InsuranceFiduciary DutyNear PrivityDismissal ReversalAppellate ReviewIndemnification Clause
References
15
Case No. 2 NY3d 787
Regular Panel Decision

U.S. Underwriters Insurance v. City Club Hotel, LLC

The New York Court of Appeals addressed two certified questions from the Second Circuit regarding an insured's right to recover attorneys' fees. U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company had sought a declaratory judgment against its insureds, City Club Hotel, LLC and Shelby Realty, LLC, to deny coverage for a personal injury claim. The insurer's disclaimer of coverage was found untimely. The Court held that an insured who prevails in an insurer-initiated declaratory judgment action to deny coverage may recover attorneys' fees, irrespective of whether the insurer initially provided a defense in the underlying suit. This decision underscores that the insurer's duty to defend extends to litigation arising from its attempts to avoid policy obligations. The Court answered the first certified question in the affirmative for Shelby.

Declaratory Judgment ActionAttorneys' FeesInsurer Duty to DefendInsurance CoverageUntimely DisclaimerPrevailing PartyCertified QuestionSecond CircuitNew York Court of AppealsPolicy Obligations
References
6
Case No. ADJ7860847 & ADJ7860626
Regular
Nov 09, 2011

FERNANDO SARMIENTO vs. BLUE CHIP RECYCLING, WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE CO., LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has granted reconsideration in the case of Fernando Sarmiento versus Blue Chip Recycling and its insurers. This decision was made due to a petition filed by defendant Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company, necessitating further review of the factual and legal issues. The Board requires additional study of the record to ensure a just and reasoned decision. All future communications in this matter should be directed to the Board's Office of the Commissioners in San Francisco.

Petition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWausau UnderwritersLiberty MutualFernando SarmientoBlue Chip RecyclingStatutory time constraintsFactual and legal issuesDecision After ReconsiderationOffice of the Commissioners
References
0
Case No. ADJ2102983 (OAK 0238102), ADJ10612430, ADJ8656036
Regular
Feb 07, 2020

BRANCO, BRUCE JORDAN vs. PACIFIC STEELCASTING COMPANY, WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY, CLARENDON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, SEABRIGHT INSURANCE COMPANY, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GURANTEE ASSOCIATION, FREMONT INDEMNITY COMPANY

This case involves appeals from WCJ decisions regarding cumulative injury and contribution liability against Seabright and CIGA. Following the applicant's death, the parties successfully resolved the widow's claim for accrued compensation and all contribution/reimbursement disputes through stipulations. The WCAB approved these stipulations, finding them adequate and in the widow's best interest, rescinding the prior WCJ decisions. An award of $18,913.66 was made to the widow, Shawn Branco, against Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company.

WCABCIGASeabright InsuranceWausau Underwriterscumulative injuryLabor Code section 4700Stipulationscompromise and releaseaccrued compensationsuccessor in interest
References
0
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Employers Insurance v. General Accident, Fire & Life Assurance Corp.

Employers Insurance of Wausau (Wausau) sought summary judgment for 50% reimbursement of a $500,000 settlement and defense costs. The settlement stemmed from an underlying personal injury action where Frank Rayno, an employee of Sage Garage, was injured on a construction site in 1976. Wausau provided workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance to Sage Garage, while General Accident provided general liability coverage. Wausau paid the full settlement and then pursued General Accident for contribution. General Accident argued for a pro rata contribution based on policy limits. The court granted Wausau's motion for summary judgment, ruling that both insurers should contribute equally up to the limit of the smaller policy, which was General Accident's $500,000 policy, meaning General Accident owed $250,000. The defendants' cross-motion was denied.

Insurance disputeSummary judgmentDeclaratory judgmentContribution among insurersReimbursementPolicy limitsEmployer's liability insuranceGeneral liability insuranceWorkers' compensationPro rata contribution
References
0
Case No. ADJ1406771 (LAO 0726969) MF ADJ1468176 (LAO 0727001) ADJ555495 (LAO 0746656)
Regular
Dec 06, 2013

CARMEN SANCHEZ vs. CROWN CITY PLATING, WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY, LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to amend a prior award concerning Carmen Sanchez's claims against Crown City Plating and Wausau Underwriters. The Board affirmed the finding that Sanchez sustained industrial injuries to multiple body parts, including her back, resulting in 91% permanent disability, deeming the injuries' effects "inextricably intertwined." The decision clarified that the applicant's attorney's fees are to be awarded against the commuted value of the life pension. Furthermore, the Board upheld the order for Wausau/Liberty to adjust reimbursement rights with CIGA, reserving jurisdiction for future disputes.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCarmen SanchezCrown City PlatingWausau Underwriters Insurance CompanyLiberty Mutual InsuranceCalifornia Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA)HIH InsuranceReconsiderationFindings and AwardPermanent Disability
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of McGuinness v. John P. Picone, Inc.

Wausau Insurance Company appealed a Workers' Compensation Board decision that found the doctrine of laches inapplicable against the State Insurance Fund (SIF). Wausau argued that SIF inexcusably delayed raising a noncoverage defense, causing prejudice. However, the Board found that SIF acted diligently in its defense and secured a reduction in the award. Additionally, Wausau itself failed to appear at hearings for approximately eight years despite repeated notices and penalties. The court affirmed the Board's determination, concluding it was supported by substantial evidence.

Workers' Compensation LawLaches DoctrineInsurance Coverage DisputeAppellate ReviewBoard DecisionAffirmanceInexcusable DelayPrejudiceSubstantial EvidenceCarrier Responsibility
References
5
Showing 1-10 of 12,310 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational