Schaefer v. Northern Assurance Co. of America

Michael J. Schaefer and his wife, Deborah Schaefer, appeal from a summary judgment dismissing their action and granting Northern Assurance Company of America its attorney fees in the amount of $8,804.35 and statutory costs of $474.50. We conclude that the trial court, under the circumstances, properly dismissed the action on the basis of non-cooperation. We further conclude that the trial court possessed and properly exercised its inherent authority to assess attorney fees as a sanction. Thus, we affirm.

On June 5, 1982, Michael J. Schaefer sustained injuries when a pickup truck in which he…