Opinion ID: 1956820
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Fred S. James, Inc. and Marsh and McClennan, Inc.

Text: Widener appeals the trial court's order granting summary judgment in favor of its insurance brokers. Widener contends that in the event the insurance carriers are found not to be liable to Widener because of late notice of the underlying lawsuits, then Widener would have a viable claim against its brokers for their failure to provide such notice. Our affirmance of the trial court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the insurance brokers rested upon finding that American Casualty was an excess carrier and that not only was the notice to the general liability carriers late, but Widener failed to request a defense and refused counsel that was appointed. The alleged failure of the insurance brokers to notify the carriers of the underlying lawsuits was not the linchpin of our affirmance of the trial court. In fact, in view of Widener's later actions in this regard, any failure of the brokers to notify the carriers of the lawsuits would appear to be harmless. We, therefore, affirm the order of the trial court granting summary judgment in favor of all appellees.