Betz v. Erie Insurance Exchange - Superior Court - September 22, 2008
http://origin-www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Superior/out/a23045_08.pdf
Trial court judgment in favor of the insured affirmed on appeal. The case involved a "sinkhole endorsement" to a homeowner's policy, which the court found ambiguous as a matter of law and "insufficiently clear to put the policyholder on notice of what the endorsement actually covered...."
Although the interpretation of insurance policies, like all contracts, depends on the intention of the parties, courts also consider all the circumstances, including the object to be accomplished. Contract principes have only limited application in insurance cases. Our courts have often observed that “‘normal’ contract principles do not apply to insurance transactions.”
The "proper focus regarding issues of coverage under insurance contracts is the reasonable expectation of the insured.” This rule of "reasonable expectations" is "not limited only to situations in which the insurance contract might be deemed ambiguous. Regardless of ambiguity or lack thereof, our courts have reviewed the totality of the underlying circumstances.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
UC - independent contractor - barber
Glatfelter Barber Shop v. UCBR- September 24, 2008 - Commonwealth Court (2-1)
http://origin-www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Cwealth/out/1736CD07_9-24-08.pdf
The court affirmed the Board decision that the claimant was an employee rather than an independent contractor, and thus was not disqualified under sec. 402(h) of the UC Law, 43 P.S. § 802(h).
The court said that there is a presumption that the claimant was an employee (without citing cases), and that the employer had not overcome that with contrary evidence. The court also held that the claimant was not engaged In an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business, citing Viktor v. DOLI, 586 Pa. 196, 892 A.2d 781 (2006).
Finally, the court held that claimant's refusal to sign a non-compete agreement was not willful misconduct, citing Zimmerman v. UCBR, 836 A.2d 1074, 1080-81 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003) (the refusal to sign an agreement presented to a claimant more as an ultimatum than a matter to be negotiated does not constitute willful misconduct.)
There was a lengthy dissent, arguing that the Board decision was arbitrary and capricious.
http://origin-www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Cwealth/out/1736CD07_9-24-08.pdf
The court affirmed the Board decision that the claimant was an employee rather than an independent contractor, and thus was not disqualified under sec. 402(h) of the UC Law, 43 P.S. § 802(h).
The court said that there is a presumption that the claimant was an employee (without citing cases), and that the employer had not overcome that with contrary evidence. The court also held that the claimant was not engaged In an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business, citing Viktor v. DOLI, 586 Pa. 196, 892 A.2d 781 (2006).
Finally, the court held that claimant's refusal to sign a non-compete agreement was not willful misconduct, citing Zimmerman v. UCBR, 836 A.2d 1074, 1080-81 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003) (the refusal to sign an agreement presented to a claimant more as an ultimatum than a matter to be negotiated does not constitute willful misconduct.)
There was a lengthy dissent, arguing that the Board decision was arbitrary and capricious.
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