New Hampshire Insurance v. Vieira

TROTT, Circuit Judge:

New Hampshire Insurance Company (“New Hampshire”) sought reimbursement from Albert Vieira and Vieira Drywall (“Vieira”) for $300,000 it paid in settlement of a claim against Vieira. The district court found that the loss sustained — diminution of value — was not “property damage” covered under the applicable insurance contract, and granted summary judgment for New Hampshire. We affirm.

I

A general contractor hired Vieira to install drywall in the rooms and attics of three low-income housing projects. When the projects were completed, an investigation uncovered Vieira’s…