Results

Insurance Company that Tried to Deny Coverage Forced to Compensate Family

Begley v. Dairyland Ins. Co., et al

Attorneys for the family of a woman killed in a head-on car crash have recovered significant damages from the other driver's insurance company, which initially refused to compensate the victims.

Donald and Elaine St. John were driving north on U.S. 1 in Juno Beach on the night of Feb. 7, 1997, when a Ford Bronco driven by Christopher Begley crossed the center of the road and collided head-on with the St. John's car. Mrs. St. John, 39, who was fully belted in the front passenger seat, was killed in the crash.

Ricci~Leopold, P.A. represented the St. John family.

The St. Johns tried to recover damages from Begley's insurance company. But the Insurance company, Dairyland, claimed that Begley's insurance coverage had been canceled at 12 a.m. on Feb. 7, 1997 - several hours before the fatal crash. Dairyland refused to defend Begley, and a jury awarded compensatory damages of $10.8 million to the St. Johns.

The matter was subsequently submitted to mediation. A significant, confidential settlement was reached to compensate Mrs. St. John's family.

Begley had no assets to cover the St. John's damages. Attorneys from Ricci, Leopold were able to prove that Dairyland wrongfully denied Begley's coverage and were obliged compensate the victims. The settlement will help support the St. John family, including the education of the St. John's two teenage children.