Opinion ID: 1868073
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Refusal without reasonable cause or excuse

Text: State Farm argues that, even if there was evidence of State Farm's refusal to pay, there was insufficient evidence that the refusal was willful and without reasonable cause. Missouri courts recognize that claims of vexatious refusal to pay arise in innumerable contexts. Thus, direct and specific evidence of vexatious refusal is not required and the jury may find vexatious delay upon a general survey and a consideration of the whole testimony and all the facts and circumstances in connection with the case. DeWitt v. American Family Mutual Ins. Co., 667 S.W.2d 700, 710 (Mo. banc 1984). There is sufficient evidence to support the jury's determination that State Farm willfully and without reasonable cause refused to pay on Dhyne's claim. Hill testified that, in his role as a claims representative, he was responsible for knowing and complying with insurance law and regulations. Hill also testified that, under Missouri law, the insured is entitled to collect on an uninsured motorist policy even if the insured was on the job when he or she was struck by the uninsured motorist. Hill admitted at trial that he was incorrect when he informed Dhyne that she did not have coverage except for that part of her lost wages that was not being paid by her workers' compensation carrier. Although State Farm asserts that its actions were not willful but rather were a simple mistake, the jury resolved this factual determination in Dhyne's favor. In addition to Hill's testimony, the record reflects that State Farm admitted in pleadings before the circuit court that it completed its investigation of Dhyne's claim within thirty days after receiving notice of the claim. State Farm was, therefore, aware that Dhyne had an uninsured motorist policy, that she had been struck by an uninsured motorist, and that she had sustained lost wages and medical expenses that were covered under her policy. During this investigation, an attorney retained by State Farm advised that Dhyne had coverage under her policy and Hill's manager concluded that Dhyne had coverage. Nonetheless, State Farm did not pay on Dhyne's claim and, instead, filed an answer to her petition stating that Dhyne take naught. As noted above, this Court will reverse the jury's verdict for insufficient evidence only where there is a complete absence of probative fact to support the jury's conclusion. Giddens v. Kansas City Southern Railway Co., 29 S.W.3d 813, 818 (Mo. banc 2000). There was sufficient evidence to support the jury's determination that State Farm willfully and without reasonable cause refused to pay on Dhyne's claim.