Court Opinion

ID: 9640373
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 17:04:41.664837+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:29.416634
License: Public Domain

WINTERSHEIMER, Justice,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion because the trial judge correctly concluded that the agreement to indemnify and hold harmless barred any further no-fault claims made beyond the settlement date. In addition, failure to comply with K.R.S. 411.188 prevents the recovery of basic reparations benefits in this particular situation.
Ruschell, in the settlement agreement, for consideration of $16,500, agreed to indemnify the tortfeasor and his insurance company from any additional claims or liability. Nevertheless, thereafter she sought basic reparation benefits from Ohio Casualty which had a statutory right of recovery from the insurance carrier, Liberty Mutual. Ultimately, as a result of the claim against Ohio Casualty, Liberty will be required to pay the basic reparation benefits claim and hope to receive reimbursement from the injured party.
A party against whom a civil lawsuit has been filed should be entitled to settle the *172claim and permanently conclude the matter. The opinion of the majority will impede the settlement of automobile tort lawsuits because settlement will be difficult, if not impossible, particularly in small claims with marginal questions of liability. Here, by agreeing to indemnify Liberty, Ruschell indicated that she would not pursue any additional claim which would result in a claim against Liberty.
In this rather hypertechnical dispute between insurance companies and litigants, it seems that Ruschell will receive compensation from Ohio Casualty, who will obtain reimbursement from Liberty, and if possible, Liberty will seek to obtain reimbursement from Ruschell. The only thing that appears clear is that essentially the same money will travel a circular route which would seem to be directly contrary to a settlement agreement. The majority opinion will tend to encourage an increase in the delays inherent in relatively small automobile insurance matters, and it will result in a circuity of action. In sum, all of this leads to a further unnecessary complication of the already complex world of automobile insurance litigation.
I believe the circuit court was originally correct and its summary judgment should be reinstated.