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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
February 6, 2020

Eleventh Circuit, applying Florida law, concludes a consent judgment does not satisfy the requirement of an excess judgment for a bad faith claim.

A commercial vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in paralysis to a passenger. The commercial vehicle was insured under a Garage policy and a Commercial Umbrella policy, with a total amount of potential coverage of $3 million. In addressing the causation element of a bad faith claim under Florida law, the Court addressed the “excess judgment rule” and concluded a consent judgment is not an excess judgment for purposes of a bad faith claim and does not fall within the three exceptions to the general rule that an excess judgment is required.