Rajspic v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance

DONALDSON, Chief Justice.

On November 27, 1973, William Brown-son was shot during an altercation with appellant Grace Rajspic. Rajspic was acquitted on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on the ground of mental disease or defect excluding responsibility.

Later, Brownson brought a civil action against Rajspic for assault and battery to recover damages including punitive damages. (The Brownson case). Since the Rajspics had an insurance policy with respondent, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide), they were defended by counsel employed by Nationwide and their own attorney. During…