In significant legal victories, GGB successfully defended State Farm and Monterey Insurance in two high-stakes coverage lawsuits: State Farm v. Mintarsih and Dewitt v. Monterey. Both cases presented complex challenges and had substantial financial implications for our clients.
In State Farm v. Mintarsih, a domestic servant obtained a judgment against State Farm’s insured for over $1.5 million, citing false imprisonment, negligence, fraud, and labor violations. Our Insurance Defense team, led by James M. Baratta, meticulously prepared a robust defense, persuading the trial court that State Farm was only responsible for $87,000 in damages. This significant reduction in liability was a testament to our strategic approach and persuasive arguments.
On appeal, the court affirmed the reduced judgment, with the case being cited as 175 Cal.App.4th 274.
In Dewitt v. Monterey, the appellate court also affirmed Jim’s bad faith defense verdict for Monterey Insurance, setting new standards for insurer liability as cited in 204 Cal.App.4th 233. This landmark decision highlighted our ability to navigate complex legal issues and establish precedent-setting outcomes.
