Raymond Corp. v. National Union Fire Insurance
This dissenting opinion, penned by Judge R.S. Smith, challenges the majority's narrow interpretation of a "vendor's endorsement" within an insurance policy. The majority restricts coverage to claims arising solely from product defects. Judge Smith argues this reading renders several explicit exclusions in the endorsement, such as those for contractual liability, express warranties, or vendor's failures to inspect/service, largely meaningless and inconsistent with the policy's language. The dissent advocates for a broader interpretation, contending the endorsement should cover injuries caused by a Raymond product, regardless of whether a product defect is present, citing supporting cases from other jurisdictions. Ultimately, Judge Smith would have affirmed the Appellate Division's order, which found coverage for the claim against Arbor.