Marzbetuny v. Safeco

Marzbetuny v. Safeco

This was a case of insurance bad faith resulting from a claim for earthquake damages following the Northridge earthquake. Safeco determined that the damage to the dwelling was below the plaintiff’s $35,000 deductible but plaintiff’s expert claimed that there was major hidden damage to the home caused primarily by the movement of a 30 ton chimney. Plaintiff eventually sold the home but claims she did so for “land value” even though the sale price was over $1 million.
Demand $450,000 for the cost of repair.
Offer $50,000 as a starting point for negotiations. No further settlement discussions took place.
Verdict DEFENSE. Defendant filed a cost bill in the amount of $35,000. (12/04)
Insurer Safeco

Long Beach

4500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90804

San Francisco

101 Montgomery St., Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94104

Sacramento

3626 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95864

Walnut Creek

1990 N California Blvd.
8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596