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The Amicus Project provides judges with a balanced perspective when they review cases involving insurance questions. Amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs are the vehicle through which interested parties other than the parties in a case make points for reviewing judges to consider. Judicial decisions define insurance consumers' rights and insurance companies' obligations, so they are critically important and have long-lasting impact.
Insurers and their trade associations routinely deluge reviewing courts with briefs arguing their views. In the majority of cases, judges get no briefs at all that advance the perspective of insureds/insurance consumers. Predictably, the results often favor the insurance industry. UP is striving to change this imbalance through our Amicus Project.
Insurers and their trade associations routinely deluge reviewing courts with briefs arguing their views. In the majority of cases, judges get no briefs at all that advance the perspective of insureds/insurance consumers. Predictably, the results often favor the insurance industry. UP is striving to change this imbalance through our Amicus Project.
Amicus Library
Welcome to the United Policyholders Amicus Project library where you can read copies and summaries of briefs we file in courts throughout the United States on behalf of insurance consumers. A report titled "Twenty Years Protecting, Defending and Advancing Policyholders Rights" chronicles the topics covered in the 300+ amicus briefs the organization filed between 1991 and 2011.
The following is a list of cases in which United Policyholders has submitted Amicus Curaie briefs. Click here to view our Amicus Project Team of attorneys who volunteer their time to write pro-consumer briefs for United Policyholders.
To suggest or request that United Policyholders weigh in on a case, please complete this form: Request an Amicus Brief
Browse the Amicus Library
Qualcomm Inc. vs. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London
2008, California Supreme Court, CaliforniaIssue: Excess insurance
Safeco Insurance Company vs. Parks
2008, California Court of Appeal, 2nd District, CaliforniaIssue: Duty to Disclose Benefits
Sher vs. Lafayette Insurance Company et. al.
2008, Louisiana Supreme Court, LouisianaIssue: Katrina case; Ambiguity of flood exclusion
Sigelman et al. vs. Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
2008, California Court of Appeal, 4th District, Division 1, CaliforniaIssue: Post claims underwriting
Village Northridge Homeowners Association vs. State Farm Fire & Casualty, et al
2008, California Supreme Court, CaliforniaIssue: Fraud in inducement to settle
Watanabe vs. Blue Shield of California
2008, California Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 8, CaliforniaIssue: California law is clear: an insurer cannot delegate its implied covenant duties.
American and Foreign Insurance Company et. al. vs. Jerry’s Sport Center, Inc. et. al.
2008, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, PennsylvaniaIssue: Duty to defend and reimbursement
AllAmerica Financial Corporation, SMA Financial Corporation, et al. vs. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London
2007, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, MassachusettsIssue: Excess insurance
Berthelot et al. vs. Boh Brothers Construction Co. L.L.C. et al
2007, U.S. District Court, Louisiana Eastern District, LouisianaIssue: Anti-concurrent cause
Bi-Economy Market, Inc. vs. Harleysville Insurance Company of New York
2007, New York State Court of Appeals, New YorkIssue: Consequential damages