State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Hatherley

Plaintiff, State Farm Fire & Casualty Company, filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the circuit court of Cook County. Plaintiff sought a determination that it had no duty to defend or indemnify its insured, defendant, Anthony J. Hatherley, in a separate case brought by Heritage Standard Bank and Trust against defendant. Following a hearing, the trial court granted plaintiff’s summary judgment motion. Defendant brought this appeal, contending that (1) plaintiffs declaratory judgment action was premature, and (2) the trial court improperly granted summary judgment thereby holding that…