The Ehrlich Law Firm News

Jeffrey Isaac Ehrlich, Appeals Attorney
California Appellate Law Specialist

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Ehrlich Law Firm convinces Ninth Circuit to submit certified question to California Supreme Court

Scott Minkler appealed the district court’s order granting summary judgment on his claim against Safeco Insurance Company under a homeowner’s liability policy. Minkler’s claims arose out of Safeco’s refusal to defend Betty Schwartz, whose son David molested Minkler. Safeco denied coverage because of an exclusion in its policy for claims arising from the acts of “an” insured, because David was a resident of Betty’s home, and hence an insured under her policy. The issue in the case is the proper construction of a provision in the Safeco policy stating that “This insurance applies separately to each insured.” The Ninth Circuit, at the Ehrlich Firm’s request, has asked the California Supreme Court to decide the meaning of that provision. Minkler v. Safeco Ins. Co., 561 F.3d 1033 (9th Cir. 2009).