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Insurance
Bad Faith
Breach of Contract

Colquitt v. Allstate Insurance Company

Published: Jul. 3, 1999 | Result Date: Feb. 5, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC136665 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Ernest G. Williams

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Greg W. Garrotto
(Law Offices of Greg W. Garrotto)


Defendant

Gregory Michael MacGregor


Experts

Plaintiff

Barry B. Cohan
(technical)

R. Mark Peard
(technical)

Defendant

Boyd A. Veenstra
(technical)

Doug Clagg
(technical)

Facts

In January 1994, the Northridge earthquake struck Southern California, including plaintiff's home. His house suffered largely cosmetic damage, and he was paid $69,000, 4+ months after it was made. The plaintiff accepted and deposited the $69,000 check without objection. The plaintiff presented no evidence of damages beyond the difference in his contractor's bid and the ones that Allstate paid. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on breach of contract and bad faith.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $750,000. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $20,000.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed contract damages of $60,000 and emotional distress of $750,000 to $1 million as a result of Allstate's alleged breach of contract and bad faith in adjusting his earthquake claim.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately _____ years and _____ months after the case was filed.

Deliberation

45 minutes

Poll

12-0 (breach of contract)

Length

13 days


#86606

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