Opinion ID: 1316495
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Element # 1: Identity of Claims

Text: We find that the first element of res judicata, whether there is identity of claims in the first and second action, is satisfied in the instant case. In the New York action, the appellee brought a declaratory action seeking a judgment, that Directors and Officers Insurance and Company Reimbursement Policy No. 436 29 15 (the D & O Policy), issued by Plaintiff National Union and insuring Jordache Enterprises, Inc., its subsidiaries and their directors and officers, does not provide coverage with respect to certain claims made against the Defendants and settlement of those claims. Likewise, in the West Virginia action, the appellants sought, inter alia, a declaration that a director's and officer's liability insurance policy between the Plaintiffs and Defendant National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.... obligates National Union to pay for the settlement of claims against the Plaintiffs by Retail Acquisition Corp... and the defense costs incurred by Plaintiffs. It is clear that these declaratory actions are identical. They concern the same set of facts in that both arise from the appellants' involvement and subsequent settlement with RAC. Also, both actions turn on the interpretation of the same insurance policy. Finally, the same evidence would support both actions.