Insurance Broker Exonerated of Wrongdoing
In an action for professional negligence, the Honorable Ronald S. Praeger of the San Diego Superior Court entered judgment in favor of wholesale insurance broker, The Insurance Place, and agent Ricardo Martinez, who were defended by shareholder William Kronenberg. The case arose out of a homeowner’s policy issued to a San Diego resident in 2006, whose home was completely destroyed by the Witch Creek wildfire in October 2007. Empire Fire & Marine Insurance Service paid the policy benefits to the homeowner, and then sued the broker/agent for professional negligence and equitable subrogation. The other insurer, Topa Insurance Co., settled the first day of trial. Following a three day trial a defense award was issued to the client.