Tronfeld v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co.

OPINION BY Justice G. STEVEN AGEE.

Jay Tronfeld appeals from the judgment of the Circuit Court of the City of Petersburg sustaining a demurrer on behalf of the defendants, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company ("Nationwide") and Todd Schmitt (collectively, the "Defendants"). On appeal, Tronfeld asserts the trial court erred in finding that the alleged statements were opinion and thus not actionable under Virginia law as defamation per se. For the reasons set forth below, we will reverse the judgment of the trial court.

I. BACKGROUND AND MATERIAL PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Nationwide employed Schmitt as an…