This story is reprinted with permission from FC&S Legal, the industry's only comprehensive digital resource designed for insurance coverage law professionals. Visit the website to subscribe.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has affirmed a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota awarding an injured woman $2.75 million in punitive damages from an insurance company that had “actively deceived” the woman — and her attorney — into believing that no underinsured (UIM) motorist benefits were available to her.
|Commercial auto insurance policy
Billion Empire Motors, Inc., an auto dealership in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, loaned a car to Lori Peterson. While driving the car on September 22, 2008, Ms. Peterson lost control and crashed in a ravine. Laura Dziadek, a passenger, was severely injured.
Ms. Dziadek hired Zimmer Duncan & Cole (ZDC) to represent her.
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