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Houston Casualty Company v. Metheny, 2:13-cv-02520-KJM-CMK. (2014)

Court: District Court, E.D. California Number: infdco20141222798 Visitors: 16
Filed: Dec. 19, 2014
Latest Update: Dec. 19, 2014
Summary: STIPULATED JUDGMENT AND ORDER KIMBERLY J. MUELLER, District Judge. This Stipulated Judgment is entered into by and between plaintiff HOUSTON CASUALTY COMPANY, a Texas corporation (hereinafter "HCC") on the one hand and defendant STEVEN D. METHENY ("Metheny") on the other pursuant to the terms of the Supplement to Mutual Release of Claims and Settlement dated July 15, 2014. 1. The Carson Policy On or about April 1, 2008, Houston Casualty issued to Carson Helicopters, Inc. and Carson Helic
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STIPULATED JUDGMENT AND ORDER

KIMBERLY J. MUELLER, District Judge.

This Stipulated Judgment is entered into by and between plaintiff HOUSTON CASUALTY COMPANY, a Texas corporation (hereinafter "HCC") on the one hand and defendant STEVEN D. METHENY ("Metheny") on the other pursuant to the terms of the Supplement to Mutual Release of Claims and Settlement dated July 15, 2014.

1. The Carson Policy

On or about April 1, 2008, Houston Casualty issued to Carson Helicopters, Inc. and Carson Helicopter Services, Inc. (the "Carson Companies") as a Named Insured an aviation insurance policy, policy number 013755-016, originally effective April 1, 2008 to April 1, 2009 (hereinafter the "Carson Policy"). Metheny was an employee of the Carson Companies and an insured under the Carson Policy.

2. The Accident

On August 5, 2008, Sikorsky S-61N helicopter with federal registration number N612AZ ("the Accident Aircraft") crashed while being flown from a helispot designated as H-44 in Trinity County, California ("the Accident"). The Accident Aircraft was scheduled under the Carson Policy. Seven firefighters, the Carson pilot and a United States Forest Service employee were killed in the Accident. The Carson co-pilot and three firefighters were seriously injured.

3. Settlement Agreement

On May 9, 2012, Houston Casualty entered into a Mutual Release of Claim and Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") with Metheny, among others, under which Metheny fully released HCC from all claims arising out of the Accident and the Carson Policy.

4. The Vassel Action

Plaintiff Matthew John Vassel ("Vassel"), an employee with the United States Fire Service brought suit against the Carson Companies, Metheny and Levi Phillips ("Phillips") in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on December 5, 2013, alleging a single claim for fraud and deceit against all defendants ("the Vassel Lawsuit"). Metheny tendered his defense of the Vassel Lawsuit to HCC.

5. Declaratory Judgment Action

HCC filed a complaint for declaratory judgment naming Vassel, Metheny and Phillips, requesting that the court make a determination on the coverage dispute that the Carson Policy does not apply to the claims alleged against Metheny and Phillips in the Lawsuit, and therefore Houston Casualty has no duty to defend or indemnify the defendants in the Vassel Lawsuit.

6. Disclaimer of Coverage.

Metheny acknowledges and agrees that no coverage exists under the Carson Policy for claims alleged against Metheny in the Vassel Lawsuit, and that Metheny is not entitled to a defense or indemnity from Houston Casualty against any claims alleged against him in the Vassel Lawsuit.

7. Entry of Judgment.

A Stipulated Judgment shall be entered in favor of HCC and against Metheny in the above referenced action with each party to bear its own fees and costs.

IT IS SO STIPULATED.

JUDGMENT AND ORDER

Based upon the stipulation of the parties and good cause being shown, judgment is entered in favor of Plaintiff Houston Casualty Company and against Defendant Steven D. Metheny. Each party is to bear its own costs and fees.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Source:  Leagle

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