Category Archives: Insurance News

Catch-all category for developments in the law of insurance.

Another Threshold Ruling Driven by Jury’s Findings

In a post yesterday, we commented on a recent decision, Bisier v. Thorimbert,  in which a Superior Court judge granted a defence threshold motion at the trial of a personal injury action, after the jury had awarded nothing for general or … Continue reading

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Costs: “Substantial Indemnity” Doesn’t Mean “Full Indemnity”

Ontario Superior Court Justice Joan Lax has released an interesting costs decision in Manning v. Epp et al. In this lawsuit, the plaintiff was well-known Ontario lawyer, Morris Manning. He sued the mayor of the City of Waterloo, as well … Continue reading

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Judge Finds that Threshold Motion Must Succeed Where Jury Assesses Damages at Zero

Bisier v. Thorimbert was an action for personal injuries arising out of a motor vehicle accident. At the trial, Mr. Justice J.R. Henderson of the Ontario Superior Court granted the defendant’s motion for dismissal of the plaintiffs’ claim, on the basis that … Continue reading

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$1 M Underinsured Endorsement Must Respond in Addition to $1 M Liability Coverage

Corrigendum The post below has been revised to correct an error that appeared in the original version. Colleen Morrison was both the owner and operator of her car; the earlier post had identified her only as owner and her husband as operator. … Continue reading

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C.A. Says Insurers Can’t Sue to Challenge CAT DAC Finding, But Insureds Can

In a significant decision today, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company from a ruling of Mr. Justice Geoffrey Morawetz, who had dismissed a lawsuit brought by Liberty, to dispute a CAT DAC assessment of … Continue reading

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Unlicensed Passenger Punches Driver, Takes Keys and Drives Off — but Truck Held to be Still in Possession of Owner

In an interesting decision last week, Justice Barry MacDougall of the Ontario Superior Court addressed the recurring problem of whether or not a vehicle was, without the consent of the owner, in the possession of someone other than the owner. … Continue reading

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Court Refuses to Require Insurer to Defend Underlying Action Where Coverage Denied

In Shah v. Becamon, the plaintiff was injured when the defendant accidentally pressed her car’s accelerator pedal in a shopping centre parking lot, causing the car to lurch forward and strike the plaintiff. The defendant held only a G-1 licence. … Continue reading

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Lump Sum Offer to Several Plaintiffs Triggers Rule 49 Costs Consequences

In Fragomeni v. Ontario Corporation 1080486, Madam Justice Deena F. Baltman had to contend with a practical problem relating to Rule 49 offers to settle. Where there are several plaintiffs, can a defendant make an effective offer to settle to … Continue reading

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Leave to Appeal Denied, Where Trial Judge Refused Costs to Successful Defendant

In a somewhat surprising decision, the Divisional Court has denied leave to appeal a trial judge’s refusal to award costs to a successful defendant in a personal injury action. Dinham v. Brejkaln arose out of a motor vehicle accident. The defendant was … Continue reading

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Insurer’s Failure to Observe SABS Timeline Doesn’t Disentitle It to CAT DAC Assessment

Despite the mandatory language of the SABS time requirements (the insurer “shall”…), a Superior Court judge has held that an insurer’s failure to comply with those requirements in setting up a CAT DAC assessment does not mean that it loses its right … Continue reading

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