Utica Mutual’s reinsurance lawsuit with Clearwater Insurance has been ordered to mediation. The reinsured (Utica) asserted claims for breach of contract and declaratory relief, alleging that the reinsurer (Clearwater) breached and is expected to continue breaching certain facultative reinsurance contracts covering a share of losses incurred by the reinsured under umbrella liability insurance policies. The reinsured contended that the reinsurer refused to pay a portion of asbestos claims arising out of a settlement the reinsured entered into with the underlying insured. The case was referred to mandatory confidential mediation on January 8, 2014, and is required to be completed within four months. Utica Mutual Insurance Co. v. Clearwater Insurance Co., Case No. 6:13-cv-01178 (USDC N.D.N.Y. Sept. 20, 2013 & Jan. 8, 2014) (Complaint & Order).
This post written by Michael Wolgin.