Opinion ID: 1560116
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Concurrently

Text: ¶ 34. A hurricane includes a number of weather conditions, elements, and/or forces, at times acting dependently, at other times independently. [21] USAA argues that this policy excludes losses caused by perils which may coexist. We examine the policy to determine if this assertion is supported by its language. Before that determination can be made, we must render a fair reading and interpretation of the express language concurrently. ¶ 35. The term concurrently is defined as 1. Occurring at the same time. 2. Operating in conjunction. 3. Meeting or tending to meet at the same point: Convergent. Webster's II New College Dictionary at 234. See also Black's Law Dictionary at 363 (defining concurrent as [r]unning together; ... acting in conjunction;... contributing to the same event; contemporaneous). ¶ 36. Thus, the exclusion applies only in the event that the perils act in conjunction, as an indivisible force, occurring at the same time, to cause direct physical damage resulting in loss. In that event, we accept the Fifth Circuit's interpretation of Mississippi law, and would apply the ACC clause to exclude coverage. ¶ 37. However, the facts presented in the case sub judice do not reveal a claim by either party that an indivisible force (wind and flood), occurring at the same time, caused direct physical damage resulting in simultaneous loss to the property. Based upon the record as it now stands, and as presented by both parties, the subject perils acted in sequence, not concurrently, i.e., at different times, causing different damage, resulting in separate losses. It is only when the two perils converge at the same point in time, contemporaneously and operating in conjunction, that there is a concurrent cause or event. If the wind peril causes damage resulting in a loss either before or after the water peril (flood) causes damage resulting in a loss, the losses are not concurrent. Only if it can be proven that the perils (wind and flood) contemporaneously converged, operating in conjunction to cause loss, that the concurrent provision will apply. In that circumstance, the policy clearly excludes coverage.