Cieslewicz Ex Rel. Finerty v. Mutual Service Casualty Insurance

This case presents the question whether a homeowner’s liability insurance policy which covers “all sums which the Insured shall become legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury” obligates the insurer to pay treble damages imposed upon the insured pursuant to statute.

On August 30, 1974, nine-year-old Lynn J. Cieslewiez was bitten by a German Shepherd dog owned and cared for by Richard T. Fakler and his father, Robert A. Fakler, respectively. For purposes of this appeal, it is unnecessary to recount the details of the incident. It is sufficient to state that Lynn Cieslewiez…