Opinion ID: 880202
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The State and MPIA

Text: The District Court's opinion does not directly address why it granted summary judgment for the State and MPIA. Apparently the District Court concluded that since § 33-10-102(2)(b), MCA, barred recovery from MIGA, it somehow barred recovery from the State or MPIA as well because they are insureds of an insolvent insurer. However the District Court erred in granting summary judgment in favor of the State and MPIA. The District Court's opinion, in effect, nullifies the valid judgment that appellants hold against MPIA. Respondents correctly argue that MIGA affords limited protection to the insureds of insolvent insurers. However, that limited protection does not absolve tortfeasors from judgments against them because coincidentally their insurance carriers become insolvent. Regardless of the effect of the MIGAA on this litigation, appellants still hold a valid judgment against MPIA that remains unsatisfied and judgment should be entered against MPIA. As to the liability of the State of Montana, we remand to the District Court for further proceedings to determine the liability of the State of Montana. We therefore reverse the District Court's award of summary judgment in favor of the State and MPIA and direct entry of summary judgment in favor of the appellants against MPIA. Affirmed as to MIGA, reversed as to the State and MPIA, and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. FRANK I. HASWELL, [] C.J., Retired, and SHEEHY, BARZ, HUNT, WEBER and McDONOUGH, JJ., concur.