Janet S. Scivally, Plaintiff-Appellant/cross-Appellee v. Time Insurance Company, Defendant-Appellee/cross-Appellant

McKAY, Circuit Judge.

The State of Oklahoma has held that an insurance company can be held liable in tort for violating its implied duty of good faith and fair dealing with its insured. Christian v. American Home Assurance Co., 577 P.2d 899 (Okl.1978). The plaintiff in this diversity action appeals from a directed verdict entered against her claim for punitive damages under the Christian decision. The defendant cross-appeals a jury verdict for unreasonable delay in issuing a policy. This appeal was submitted on the briefs by stipulation of the parties.

On February 21, 1980, the plaintiff met…