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Bad Faith Blog

We cover current issues, highlights and best practices exclusively on claims of bad faith and extra contractual damages.

Bad Faith Blog
July 3, 2018

Insured’s Bankruptcy Does Not Shield Insurer From Bad Faith Claim In Excess Of Limits Under Georgia Law

Summary: The Court of Appeals of Georgia, relying on Georgia state law and federal bankruptcy statutes, held that the bad faith claim, and the potential for a verdict in excess of policy limits, survived an insured’s bankruptcy. Flanders, et al. v. Jackson. In the underlying tort case, the plaintiff’s 16-year-old son was a passenger in the insured’s vehicle when the insured lost control while traveling at excessive speed, careening off the road, flipping, and ejecting the 16-year-old from the backseat, causing his death.

Bad Faith Blog
August 9, 2013

Pro Se Bankruptcy Filings Lead to Breach of Contract and Vexatious Penalties, Rather Than Misrepresentation Defense

The Merseals had a fire loss and made a personal property claim for $150,000. A few years earlier they filed bankruptcy and prepared bankruptcy schedules valuing their personal property at $600. The jury’s verdict was for the Merseals awarding $134,000 on the policy, vexatious penalties of $13,586, and attorney’s fees of $67,000. Those rulings were affirmed on appeal.