Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Ximena Norman and Marin Lopez were long-term common law spouses. Lopez visited the offices of SGB Insurance Services and met with several of its brokers regarding coverage of his two trucks. Lopez told the brokers that he wanted full coverage for the vehicles for himself and Norman. The brokers recommended that Lopez purchase an auto policy from Western General Insurance. In their subsequent application, however, the brokers misrepresented that Lopez was married. After the policy was issued, Lopez was involved in a collision. Western General notified him that it was denying the claim.

Lopez and Norman sued the brokers and SGB, alleging professional negligence. The plaintiffs charged that the brokers had misrepresented Lopez’s marital status, which led to Western General’s denial of his insurance claim.

The jury awarded $80,000.

Citation: Norman v. W. Gen. Ins. Co., No. BC697971 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cty. Mar. 3, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Gregory B. Byberg, Playa Del Rey, Calif.