SAN FRANCISCO – A Massachusetts-based insurance company is seeking a judgment from the court in relation to a lawsuit filed against several California residents and businesses.
Hanover Insurance Co. filed a complaint on March 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division against Mason McDuffie Real Estate Inc., doing business as Better Homes and Gardens Mason McDuffie; Mason McDuffie of Marin County LP; Avelino David Cobo; Melody B. Royal; Darren C. Hall; and Edmond L. Krafchow, seeking declaratory judgment.
According to the complaint, on July 1, 2015, the defendants were named in a class-action lawsuit alleging unfair business practices. The plaintiff claims it issued a policy to Mason McDuffie, but that the policy does not cover claims alluding to unfair competition, unfair or deceptive business practices, etc. Therefore, the plaintiff alleges that it has no duty to defend the defendants in the suit.
The plaintiff seeks the following: declaration that has no duty to defend the defendants and reimbursement of any and all legal fees. It is represented by Kathleen E. Hegen of Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgraard & Smith LLP in San Francisco and Perry M. Shorris of Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgraard & Smith LLP in Chicago.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division Case number 3:16-cv-01114