This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Insurance
Bad Faith
Earthquake Coverage

Lilit Marzbetuny v. Safeco Insurance

Published: Jan. 25, 2005 | Result Date: Dec. 10, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CV010655EF5 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Edward E. Shea

Court

USDC Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

James S. Link


Defendant

Terry A. Rowland
(Demler, Armstrong & Rowland LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

Jack Yaghoubian
(technical)

Hal W. Smith
(technical)

Defendant

Glen Raad
(technical)

Robert Gallucci
(technical)

David E. Snyder
(First Amendment Coalition) (technical)

Facts

The plaintiff, a widow, lived in a large home in Laughlin Park and made a claim following the Northridge earthquake. She was told by her homeowner's carrier, Safeco, that damage to the dwelling was below her $35,900 deductible. After multiple roof leak and other claims over the next 3+ years, the plaintiff called Cal Tech for an earthquake damage expert to assess her home. Engineer Jack Yagoubian was hired and he wrote a report describing major latent damage to the home caused primarily by movement of a 15-ton chimney located in the middle of the two-story structure. A repair estimate by the contractor Smith calculated the cost to remedy the earthquake damage at $405,000.

Injuries

The plaintiff demanded the full cost of the alleged repairs.

Other Information

The defense is filing a cost bill for over $35,000.

Deliberation

30 minutes

Poll

8-0

Length

one week


#114340

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390