Herbert A. Sullivan, Inc. v. Utica Mutual Insurance

In this complex case, we consider the obligations of an insurance company, and the counsel it hires, to defend an insured against a third-party claim. The plaintiffs, collectively known as Sullivan Risk Management Group (SRMG), commenced an action against Utica Mutual Insurance Company (Utica Mutual), seeking damages for Utica Mutual’s alleged failure to provide SRMG with an adequate defense to claims brought against it by St. Mary’s Refining Company (St. Mary’s).2 A judge in the Superior Court granted Utica Mutual’s motion for summary judgment with respect to four of SRMG’s claims. A jury…