Partner Christopher Love will be appearing before the Washington State Supreme Court on May 17 to argue a matter involving insurance policy coverage restrictions. The case is Preferred Contractors Insurance Company v. Baker and Son Construction, Inc. et al.
Chris is representing Angela Cox, a widow of a construction worker killed on a jobsite by the alleged negligence of a contractor. The contractor had purchased liability insurance as required by the Washington Contractor Registration Act to register and work as a contractor in the State of Washington. However, the contractor’s insurer filed a countersuit against both Ms. Cox and the contractor it insured claiming there was no coverage because the insurance policies required the injury to happen and the resulting legal claims for damages to be made within the same 12-month period.
Chris argues that the insurance policy’s coverage restrictions violate Washington public policy intended to protect members of the public injured by contractors by ensuring compensation is available for their injuries. The outcome of the proceeding could have significant ramifications for contractors and those injured by contractors.
The case will be argued over Zoom and broadcast to the public on TVW, Washington State’s public affairs network. The live broadcast will begin at 1:30 p.m. PDT and is viewable here. The recording will be available on demand afterward.