Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London

379 S.W.3d 734, 2010 Ark. App. 790, 2010 Ark. App. LEXIS 850
CourtCourt of Appeals of Arkansas
DecidedDecember 1, 2010
DocketNo. CA 10-220
StatusPublished
Cited by1 cases

This text of 379 S.W.3d 734 (Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Court of Appeals of Arkansas primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London, 379 S.W.3d 734, 2010 Ark. App. 790, 2010 Ark. App. LEXIS 850 (Ark. Ct. App. 2010).

Opinion

JOHN MAUZY PITTMAN, Judge.

|, This case involves the interpretation of a “claims made” insurance policy that ap-pellee Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London issued to appellant Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad, Inc. Appellant sued appellee to establish coverage for appellant’s liability to an individual who was injured while working for appellant. The circuit court granted summary judgment to appellee. Because genuine issues of material fact remain to be tried, we reverse and remand.

The policy period began November 10, 2003, retroactive to November 10, 1994, and ended November 10, 2004. Section 1(b) of the policy provided:

b. Subject to a. above, this insurance applies to “bodily injury” and “property damage” only if:
(1) The “bodily injury” or “property damage” is caused by an “occurrence” that takes | ¡.place in the “coverage territory”;
(2) The “bodily injury” or “property damage” did not occur before the Retroactive Date, if any, shown in the Declarations or after the end of the policy period;
(3) A “claim” for damages because of the “bodily injury” or “property damage” is first made against any insured, in accordance with paragraph c. below, during the policy period or any Extended Reporting Period we provide under SECTION V — EXTENDED PERIODS; and
(4)A “claim” for damages because of the “bodily injury” or “property damage” is not caused by:
(a) An “occurrence,” or
(b) A circumstance that might result in a “claim” of which the insured has given notice to any other insurer prior to the effective date of the policy period of this insurance.
c. A “claim” by a person or organization seeking damages will be deemed to have been made at the earlier of the following times:
(1) When notice of such “claim” is received and recorded by any insured or by us, whichever comes first; or
(2) When we make settlement in accordance with paragraph l.a. above.
All “claims” for damages because of “bodily injury” arising out of the same “occurrence” to the same person, including damages claimed by any person or organization for care, loss of services, or death resulting at any time from the “bodily injury” will be deemed to have been made at the time the first of those “claims” is made against any insured.
All “claims” for damages because of “property damage” arising out of the same “occurrence” causing loss to the same person or organization will be deemed to have been made at the time the first of those “claims” is made against any insured.

The policy imposed the following notification obligations on appellant:

a. You must see to it that we are notified as soon as practicable of an I.^‘occurrence” or an offense which result in a “claim.” To the extent possible, notice should include:
(1) How, when and where the “occurrence” or offense took place;
(2) The names and addresses of any injured persons and witnesses; and
(3) The nature and location of any injury or damage arising out of the “occurrence” or offense.
Notice of an “occurrence” or offense is not notice of a “claim.”
If you have announced to all of your “employees” that all “occurrences” or offenses must be reported and have established a reasonable procedure for doing so, knowledge of “employees” shall not be considered to be knowledge of the insured until you, an “executive officer,” partner or other persons employed by you in: supervisory capacity shall have received actual notice of such “occurrence” or offense.
Subject to the provisions of e. below, if failure to report promptly was due to the reasonable belief that the loss was not covered by this policy, your insurance will not be affected,
b.If a “claim” is made or “suit” is brought against any insured or you are aware of any “occurrence” of [sic] offense which may result in a “claim,” you must:
(1) Immediately record the specifics of the “claim” or “suit” and the date received; and
(2) Notify us as soon as practicable.
(3) Notification, including all relevant documents and information, of a “claim” or “suit!’ as well as notification of an “occurrence” or an offense which may result in a “claim” must be sent to: Railway Claim Services, Inc., 52 South Main Street, Lexington, TN 38351, Telephone No. 1-800-786-5204, Fax. No. 1-901-967-1788.
You must see to it that we receive written notice of the “claim” or “suit” as soon as practicable.
c. You and any other involved insured must:
(1)Immediately send us copies of any demands, notice, summonses or legal papers received in connection with the “claim” or “suit”;
14(2) Authorize us to obtain records and other information;
(3) Cooperate with us in the investigation or settlement of the “claim” or defense against the “suit”;
(4) Assist us, upon our request, in the enforcement of any right against any person or organization which may be liable to the insured because of injury or damage to which this insurance may also apply.
d. No insured will, except at the insured’s own cost, voluntarily make a payment, assume any obligation, or incur any expense, other than for first aid, without our consent.
e. Even if you or any other insured do not believe that the event would lead to a “claim” that would be covered by this policy, you or any insured must notify us as soon as reasonably possible if any “occurrence” or offense results in any of the following types of “bodily injury” or action:
(1) Fatal injuries;
(2) Brain or spinal injuries;
(3) Amputation of an arm, leg, hand or foot;
(4) 50% or more loss of use of an arm, leg or eye;
(5) Severe burns;
(6) Serious loss of use of any body function;
(7) Hospitalization of 60 days or more;
(8) Sexual abuse, molestation or assault;
(9) Pollution;
(10) Class action litigation;
(11) Stroke or heart attack;

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Cite This Page — Counsel Stack

Bluebook (online)
379 S.W.3d 734, 2010 Ark. App. 790, 2010 Ark. App. LEXIS 850, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/dardanelle-russellville-railroad-v-certain-underwriters-at-lloyds-arkctapp-2010.