Court Opinion

ID: 9727276
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 13:28:40.625646+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:35.801757
License: Public Domain

DEL SOLE, J.,
dissenting:
¶ 1 While I agree with much of the analysis in the majority opinion, I believe the entry of summary judgment is premature.
¶ 2 Seybert, in his initial complaint, pled both intentional torts, i.e., battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence on the part of the actors who caused his injuries. Until it is factually determined that Seybert’s injuries were solely a result of an assault and battery and not negligent conduct, Acceptance has a duty to defend its insured, Esor, Inc.
¶ 3 If the factual allegations of the complaint against the insured state a claim which would potentially fall within the coverage of the policy, then the insurer has the duty to defend. Biborosch v. Trans-america Ins. Co., 412 Pa.Super. 505, 603 A.2d 1050 (1992), appeal denied, 532 Pa. 653, 615 A.2d 1310 (1992). It is the nature of the claim, not the actual details of the injury which determines whether the insurer is required to defend. Springfield Twp. v. Indemnity Ins. Co., 361 Pa. 461, 64 A.2d 761 (1949). In making this determination, the factual allegations of the complaint are taken to be true and the complaint is to be liberally construed with all doubts as to whether the claims may fall within the coverage of the policy to be resolved in favor of the insured. Cadwallader v. New Amsterdam Casualty Co., 396 Pa. 582, 152 A.2d 484 (1959).
¶ 4 Allegations of negligence appear in several paragraphs of Seybert’s complaint, namely Count III, ¶ 30, 31 and 32, Count VI, ¶ 46, 47, and 48, Count IX, ¶62, 63, and 64, Count XII, ¶ 78, 79, and 80, and Count XV, ¶ 94, 95, and 96. It is on the basis of these allegations of negligent conduct that the duty to defend arises. For this reason, I would reverse the grant of summary judgment.