C. Brewer & Co. v. Indus. Indemnity Co. of Am.

C. Brewer and Company, Ltd. (C. Brewer) sold the Kaloko Dam to James Pflueger. The Dam subsequently collapsed, resulting in seven deaths and extensive property damage. Pflueger filed suit seeking damages and indemnification from C. Brewer for claims against him arising out of the Dam’s failure. C. Brewer filed a complaint against James River Insurance Company (James River) seeking a ruling regarding James River’s obligations under a commercial general liability policy issued to C. Brewer that was in effect at the time of the Dam's failure. The circuit court granted summary judgment for James River, concluding that a Designated Premises Endorsement (DPE) precluded coverage. The Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) concluded that the intent of the parties as to the DPE was ambiguous and thus remanded for a determination of the parties’ intent as to the DPE. The Supreme Court affirmed in part and vacated in part, holding that the circuit court erred in granting summary judgment for James River and that the ICA erred in concluding it was necessary to determine the parties’ intent as to the DPE, as the DPE did not limit liability to injury and damage occurring on the designated premises. Remanded. View "C. Brewer & Co. v. Indus. Indemnity Co. of Am." on Justia Law