A jury in Maryland has awarded $500,000 in underinsured motorist (“UIM”) benefits to a woman injured in an automobile accident.
Facts and Allegations
Elisabeth Shuster was injured when the vehicle in which she was a passenger was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Peggy Banks.
Ms. Shuster sued Ms. Banks. She also sued The Cincinnati Insurance Company and Liberty Mutual General Insurance Company for breach of contract, alleging that they failed to provide full UIM benefits.
Ms. Banks tendered her policy to settle the claim against her and was dismissed from the case.
Result
The jury found that Cincinnati Insurance and Liberty Mutual General Insurance were liable for Ms. Shuster’s damages, which they found totaled $500,000.
The defense has filed motions for remittitur and for a new trial, with opposition to each of those motions by plaintiff’s counsel.
The case is Shuster v. Banks, No. CAL18-00228 (MD Cir. Ct. Prince George’s Co. May 3, 2019). Attorneys involved include: Lauren M. Geisser; Gilman & Bedigian, LLC; for Elisabeth S. Shuster. Ralph L. Arnsdorf; Franklin & Prokopik, P.C.; Baltimore, MD for Cincinnati Insurance Co. Moyah K. Panda; Law Office of Jonathan P. Stebenne; Baltimore, MD for Liberty Mutual General Insurance Co. Imoh Emmanuel Akpan; Franklin & Prokopik, PC; Baltimore, MD for Cincinnati Insurance Co. Ellen Renee Stewart; Franklin & Prokopik PC; Baltimore, MD for Cincinnati Insurance Co.
Insurance Coverage Law Center Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff’s counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter’s phone calls.
Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].