Other Non Exempt Complaints, Complaint Filed By Plaintiff
United States Fire Insurance Company A New York Corporation
As To Defendant
Thomas Dee Engineering Company, Inc., F/k/a Dee Engineering
Co., A California Corporation
Summons Issued, Judicial Council Civil Case Cover Sheet Filed
Case Management Conference Scheduled For Oct-02-2013
Proof Of Service Due On Jul-02-2013
Case Management Statement Due On Sep-17-2013
Complex Litigation Assignment Requested By Filing Parties; Fee
Included In Filing Fee
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Page 1 NC Aa
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
Document Scanning Lead Sheet
May-03-2013 3:54 pm
Case Number: CGC-13-531155
Filing Date: May-03-2013 3:43
Filed by: DENNIS TOYAMA
Juke Box: 001 Image: 04043095
COMPLAINT
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY VS. THOMAS DEE
ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC., F/K/A DEE
001004043095
Instructions: .
Please place this sheet on top of the document to be scanned.Page 2 SUM-100
cas FOR COURT USE ONLY
ee (SOLO PARA USO DE LA CORTE)
(CITACION JUDICIAL)
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:
(AVISO AL DEMANDADO):
THOMAS DEE ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC., fka DEE ENGINEERING
CO., a California corporation
YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF:
(LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE):
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation
NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information
below.
You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy
served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you: Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court te hear your
case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts
Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask
the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property
may be taken without further warning from the court.
There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney
referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate
these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center
(www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and
costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.
JAVISOI Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 alas, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea !a informacion a
continuacion.
Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citacién y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta
corie y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefénica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar
en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.
Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en e! Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la
biblioteca de leyes de su condacio o en Ia corte que le quede més cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuote de presentacién, pida al secretario de a corte
que le dé un formulario de exencién de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y Ia corte le
podra quitar su sueido, dinero y bienes sin més advertencia.
Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede ilamar a un servicio de
remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisites para obtener servicios legales gratuifos de un
programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services,
(www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) 0 poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el
colegio de abogades locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre
cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 6 mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesién de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que
pagar el gravamen de ia corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.
The name and address of the court is: SE_NUMBER:
(El nombre y direccién de la corte es): Oe @ car] 3 ~ 5 3 1 1 5 5
San Francisco Superior Court, State of California So
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:
(El nombre, la direccién y el nimero de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):
Sara M. Thorpe (SBN 146529)
Gordon & Rees LLP co
275 Battery Street, 20" Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 Servs
Clerk, by NIS TOYAMA , Deputy
ATE:
(Fecha MAY ~3 2018 CLERK OF THE COUR ®ecretario) : (Adjunto)
(For proof of service of this summons, use Proof of Service of Summons (form POS-010).}
(Para prueba de entrega de esta citatién use el formulario Proof of Service of Summons, (POS-010)).
(SEAL] NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served
1. CO as an individual defendant.
2. [Jas the person sued under the fictitious name of (specify):
3. (J on behalf of (specify):
under: [_] cop 416.10 (corporation) [_] ccp 416.60 (minor)
[] CCP 416.20 (defunct corporation) [] CcP 416.70 (conservatee)
[] ccP 416.40 (association or partnership) [-] ccP 416.90 (authorized person)
C] other (specify):
4. [1 by personal delivery on (date):
Page 1 of 1
re ucidal Caunel of Galfer. SUMMONS American LegalNet, inc. | Code of Cl Proce oe ch ooy
SUM-100 (Rev. July 7, 2009] www. FormsWorkflow.comPage 3 By Fax
Gorbon & Rees, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO on Dm HO FF WOW NH =
NY NY NY NO NYO HB NH YM KD @=@ ow & 2 ow an ow oa ou 4
on om oOo FF Ww DH BA CG oO AN OD OQ A DO HD ABO
SARA M. THORPE (SBN: 146529)
GORDON & REES LLP Sus, Francisco County Superior Court
Embarcadero Center West
275 Battery Street, Twentieth Floor MAY - 3 2013
San Francisco, California 94111
Telephone: (415) 986-5900 CLERI PN TOYAMA ag
Facsimile: (415) 986-8054 BY: Seputy Clerk
Attorneys for Plaintiff UNITED STATES
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
casEnol 60 =13-=531155
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY
RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT OR
CREDIT
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE
COMPANY, a New York corporation,
Plaintiff,
vs.
THOMAS DEE ENGINEERING
COMPANY, INC., fka DEE ENGINEERING
CO., a California corporation,
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
(3) when the portion of the work out of which the injury or damage
arises has been put to its intended use by any person or organization
other than another contractor or subcontractor engaged in performing
operations for a principal as part of the same project.
Operations which may require further service or maintenance work, or
correction, repair or replacement because of any defect or deficiency,
but which are otherwise complete, shall be deemed completed.
13. The “products hazard” in the Policy is defined as:
... bodily injury . . . arising out of [DEE ENGINEERING’s] products or
reliance upon a representation or warranty made at any time with
respect thereto, but only if the bodily injury ... occurs away from
premises owned by or rented by [DEE ENGINEERING] and after
physical possession of such products has been relinquished to others.
14. Coverage A - Bodily Injury Liability in the Policy further provides that “the
Company shall not be obligated to pay any claim or judgment or to defend any suit
after the applicable limit of the Company’s liability has been exhausted by payment of
judgment or settlements.”
_ 15. The Policy further provides that: “When both this insurance and other
insurance apply to the loss on the same basis . . . the Company shall not be liable
under this policy for a greater proportion of the loss than that stated in the applicable
contribution provision [of the Policy].”
16. U.S. FIRE reserved its rights to recoup from DEE ENGINEERING amounts
paid for defense costs and on behalf of DEE ENGINEERING in connection with the
Bodily Injury Claims.
EXHAUSTION OF AGGREGATE POLICY LIMIT
17. U.S FIRE has paid, on behalf of DEE ENGINEERING, in excess of the
$500,000 aggregate limit for judgments or settlements of Bodily Injury Claims included
4
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDITPage 7 Gorpon & REES, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO OO VN OO oO F&F WO HO =
mw NY NM DM DM HW YH PH NY |&=& 3&2 A An on on 2a 2a i on
oN Oo TO FF Ww YO BA OD oOo AN A a Ah Oo HO =& &
and proper at this time so that the parties will be bound by the same interpretation of
the Policy and applicable law.
WHEREFORE, U.S. FIRE prays for judgment as set forth below.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
Declaratory Relief
No Duty To Defend Or Indemnify Bodily Injury Claims
25. U.S. FIRE incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs
through 24 as though fully set forth here.
26. An actual controversy has arisen between the parties with regard to their
respective rights and obligations under the Policy.
27. U.S. FIRE contends it has no obligation to pay from the date of exhaustion
of the $500,000 aggregate limit in the Policy that applies to bodily injury included within
the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard” for defense or for
judgments and settlements of any Bodily Injury Claim against DEE ENGINEERING
that is included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard”
in the Policy.
28. U.S. FIRE is informed and believes, and on such information and belief
alleges, that DEE ENGINEERING denies that U.S. FIRE has no obligation to defend
and pay for the Bodily Injury Claims described in the preceding paragraph.
29. U.S. FIRE desires a judicial determination of the respective rights and
obligations of the parties, including a declaration that U.S. FIRE has no obligation after
the date the aggregate limit in the Policy was exhausted to defend or to pay any
judgment or settlement of any Bodily Injury Claim against DEE ENGINEERING.
included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard.”
WHEREFORE, U.S. FIRE prays for judgment as set forth below.
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
Reimbursement/Credit/Set Off
For Amount of Overpayment of Defense and indemnity for Bodily Injury Claims
30. U.S. FIRE incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs
6
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDITPage 9 GORDON & REES, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO 89 SN OD om BF WO DY |=
NW NO NY NY DY NY NY NY LDH o@ ow ww UY Ss ek
ao ™N oO) oT pb wo dD = Oo oO co N Oo a wR wo ho —
Wc
amount according to proof at trial.
WHEREFORE, U.S. FIRE prays for judgment as set forth below.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff U.S. FIRE prays for entry of judgment and relief as follows:
1. A declaration and order that the $500,000 aggregate limit that applies to
Bodily Injury Claims included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the
“products hazard” in the Policy has been exhausted and the date of that exhaustion;
2 A declaration and order that U.S. FIRE has no obligation to defend or pay any
claim or judgment against DEE ENGINEERING for any Bodily Injury Claim included
within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard” in the Policy after
the date of exhaustion;
3. A declaration and order that U.S. FIRE is entitled to reimbursement and/or
credit or set off for amounts U.S. F IRE paid after the aggregate limit was exhausted;
5. Foran Order of reimbursement and/or credit or set off, in an amount
according to proof at trial;
6. Costs of suit; and
7. Such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper under the
circumstances.
Dated: May 3, 2013 GORDON & REES LLP
By a
SARA M. THORPE /
Attorneys for Plaintiff
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE
COMPANY
8
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDITPage 11 ¥
CM-010
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY (Name, f “Ser number, and address): (3 FOR COURT USE ONLY
Safa M. Thorpe (SBN 146529)* ° “f
Gordon & Rees LLP
275 Battery Street, 20" Floor .
San Francisco, CA 94111 Stn. Fran | hel
TELEPHONE No: (415) 986-5900 Faxno. (415) 986-8054 cisco County Superior Court
ATTORNEY FOR (Namej: Plaintiff MAY — 3 201 3
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF San Francisco
street appress: 400 McAllister Street CLERK OF THE COURT
MAILING ADDRESS: BY: DENNIS TOYAMA
city AND zip cope: San Francisco, CA 94102 Deputy Clerk
BRANCH NAME:
CASE NAME: United States Fire ins. Co. vs. Thomas Dee Engineering
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET Comptex Case Designation CG C=" 3 - 5 3 1 1 5 5
XX] Unlimited LC] Limited C1 counter [J Joinder t
(Amount (Amount JUDGE:
demanded demanded is Filed with first appearance by defendant
exceeds $25,000) $25,000 or less) (Cai. Rules of Court, rule 3.402) DEPT:
Items 1-6 below must be completed (see instructions on page 2).
1. Check one box below for the case type that best describes this case:
Auto Tort Contract Provisionally Complex Civil Litigation
[J] Auto (22) (_] Breach of contract/warranty (06) (Cal. Rules of Court, rules 3.400-3.403)
Uninsured motorist (46) [-] Rule 3.740 collections (09) [| AntitrustTrade regulation (03)
Other Pl/PD/WD (Personal Injury/Property C] Other collections (09) LJ Construction defect (10)
Damage/Wrongful Death) Tort [_] insurance coverage (18) L] Mass tort (40)
[1] Asbestos (04) [] other contract (37) [1 Securities litigation (28)
Product liability (24) Real Property [_] Environmental/Toxic tort (30)
Medical malpractice (45) Cl Eminent domain/Inverse ><] insurance coverage claims arising from the
C] Other PI/PD/AWD (23) condemnation (14) above listed provisionally complex case
Non-PI/PD/WD (Other) Tort [_] Wrongful eviction (33) types (41)
[_] Business tort/unfair business practice (07) C] Other real property (26) Enforcement of Judgment
C] cw rights (08) Unlawful Detainer CL Enforcement of judgment (20)
C Defamation (13) CJ Commercial (31) Miscellaneous Civil Complaint
[] Fraud (16) L] Residential (32) [J Rico 27) _
C] intellectual property (19) Drugs (38) CI Other complaint (not specified above) (42)
(] Professional negligence (25) Judicial Review Miscellaneous Civil Petition
L] Other non-PYPDWD tort (35) . [C1 Asset forfeiture (05) J Partnership and corporate governance (21)
Employment {-] _ Petition re: arbitration award (11) CJ Other petition (not specified above) (43)
Wrongful termination (36) [_] Writ of mandate (02)
[-] _ Other employment (15) [-] — Other judicial review (39)
2. Thiscase [XJis. [is not . complex under rule 3.400 of the California Rules of Court. If the case is complex, mark the
factors requiring exceptional judicial management:
a. L] Large number of separately represented parties d. [_] Large number of witnesses
b. —X] Extensive motion practice raising difficult or novel e. [[] Coordination with related actions pending in one or more courts
issues that will be time-consuming to resolve : in other counties, states, or countries, or in a federal court
c. [X] Substantial amount of documentary evidence f. (Substantial postjudgment judicial supervision
Remedies sought (check all that apply): a.D<] monetary b. [x] nonmonetary; declaratory or injunctive relief c. [_] punitive
Number of causes of action (specify): 4
This case [[] is [X] isnot aclass action suit.
. If there are any known related cases, file and serve a notice.of related case. (You may use form CM-015,)
Date: May 4 , 2013
Oa dw
Sara M. Thorpe > AIUTAP PA O. _
(TYPE OR PRINT NAME) (SIGNATURE OF PARTY Og ATTORNEY FOR PARTY)
NOTICE
® Plaintiff must file this cover sheet with the first paper filed in the action or proceeding (except small claims cases or cases filed
under the Probate Code, Family Code, or Welfare and Institutions Code). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.220.) Failure to file may result
in sanctions.
* File this cover sheet in addition to any cover sheet required by local court rule.
* If this case is complex under rule 3.400 et seq. of the California Rules of Court, you must serve a copy of this cover sheet on all
other parties to the action or proceeding.
e Unless this is a collections case under rule 3.740 ora complex case, this cover sheet will be used for statistical purposes only.
Page 1 of 2
Form Adopted for Mandatory Use 400-3 .
Judiciat Council of California c IVIL CASE COVER SH EET Cal Pures, Pistorderds ot ‘adical Adninisvaton aie 346
CM-010 [Rev. July 1, 2007] www.courtinfo.ca.gov
PDF Page 1
PlainSite Cover Page
PDF Page 2
NC Aa
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
Document Scanning Lead Sheet
May-03-2013 3:54 pm
Case Number: CGC-13-531155
Filing Date: May-03-2013 3:43
Filed by: DENNIS TOYAMA
Juke Box: 001 Image: 04043095
COMPLAINT
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY VS. THOMAS DEE
ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC., F/K/A DEE
001004043095
Instructions: .
Please place this sheet on top of the document to be scanned.
PDF Page 3
SUM-100
cas FOR COURT USE ONLY
ee (SOLO PARA USO DE LA CORTE)
(CITACION JUDICIAL)
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:
(AVISO AL DEMANDADO):
THOMAS DEE ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC., fka DEE ENGINEERING
CO., a California corporation
YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF:
(LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE):
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation
NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information
below.
You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy
served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you: Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court te hear your
case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts
Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask
the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property
may be taken without further warning from the court.
There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney
referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate
these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center
(www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and
costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.
JAVISOI Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 alas, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea !a informacion a
continuacion.
Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citacién y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta
corie y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefénica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar
en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.
Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en e! Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la
biblioteca de leyes de su condacio o en Ia corte que le quede més cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuote de presentacién, pida al secretario de a corte
que le dé un formulario de exencién de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y Ia corte le
podra quitar su sueido, dinero y bienes sin més advertencia.
Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede ilamar a un servicio de
remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisites para obtener servicios legales gratuifos de un
programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services,
(www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) 0 poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el
colegio de abogades locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre
cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 6 mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesién de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que
pagar el gravamen de ia corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.
The name and address of the court is: SE_NUMBER:
(El nombre y direccién de la corte es): Oe @ car] 3 ~ 5 3 1 1 5 5
San Francisco Superior Court, State of California So
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:
(El nombre, la direccién y el nimero de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):
Sara M. Thorpe (SBN 146529)
Gordon & Rees LLP co
275 Battery Street, 20" Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 Servs
Clerk, by NIS TOYAMA , Deputy
ATE:
(Fecha MAY ~3 2018 CLERK OF THE COUR ®ecretario) : (Adjunto)
(For proof of service of this summons, use Proof of Service of Summons (form POS-010).}
(Para prueba de entrega de esta citatién use el formulario Proof of Service of Summons, (POS-010)).
(SEAL] NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served
1. CO as an individual defendant.
2. [Jas the person sued under the fictitious name of (specify):
3. (J on behalf of (specify):
under: [_] cop 416.10 (corporation) [_] ccp 416.60 (minor)
[] CCP 416.20 (defunct corporation) [] CcP 416.70 (conservatee)
[] ccP 416.40 (association or partnership) [-] ccP 416.90 (authorized person)
C] other (specify):
4. [1 by personal delivery on (date):
Page 1 of 1
re ucidal Caunel of Galfer. SUMMONS American LegalNet, inc. | Code of Cl Proce oe ch ooy
SUM-100 (Rev. July 7, 2009] www. FormsWorkflow.com
PDF Page 4
By Fax
Gorbon & Rees, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO on Dm HO FF WOW NH =
NY NY NY NO NYO HB NH YM KD @=@ ow & 2 ow an ow oa ou 4
on om oOo FF Ww DH BA CG oO AN OD OQ A DO HD ABO
SARA M. THORPE (SBN: 146529)
GORDON & REES LLP Sus, Francisco County Superior Court
Embarcadero Center West
275 Battery Street, Twentieth Floor MAY - 3 2013
San Francisco, California 94111
Telephone: (415) 986-5900 CLERI PN TOYAMA ag
Facsimile: (415) 986-8054 BY: Seputy Clerk
Attorneys for Plaintiff UNITED STATES
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
casEnol 60 =13-=531155
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY
RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT OR
CREDIT
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE
COMPANY, a New York corporation,
Plaintiff,
vs.
THOMAS DEE ENGINEERING
COMPANY, INC., fka DEE ENGINEERING
CO., a California corporation,
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY (“U.S. FIRE”) for its complaint
against THOMAS DEE ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC., fka DEE ENGINEERING CO.
(“DEE ENGINEERING’) alleges as follows:
. THE PARTIES
1. Plaintiff U.S. FIRE is, and at all times herein mentioned was, a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, and conducts insurance
business in California. U.S. FIRE has been granted power of attorney to handle
certain claims with respect to Policy No. MP8032496 (the “Policy”) issued to DEE
ENGINEERING by Industrial Indemnity Insurance Company (“Industrial Indemnity”),
now known as Fremont Indemnity.
2. U.S. FIRE is informed and believes, and on such information and belief
alleges, that defendant DEE ENGINEERING is a corporation incorporated under the
1
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDIT
GORDON & REEs, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141
oO Oa Nn OO om KR DH NO =
Bw MB NO NH HB NH NH ND PL = = | 2 ow on oo ow ow oa
oN OW Oo FF OB NYO = OO OO DN DOD A KR WD) HY AO
(3) when the portion of the work out of which the injury or damage
arises has been put to its intended use by any person or organization
other than another contractor or subcontractor engaged in performing
operations for a principal as part of the same project.
Operations which may require further service or maintenance work, or
correction, repair or replacement because of any defect or deficiency,
but which are otherwise complete, shall be deemed completed.
13. The “products hazard” in the Policy is defined as:
... bodily injury . . . arising out of [DEE ENGINEERING’s] products or
reliance upon a representation or warranty made at any time with
respect thereto, but only if the bodily injury ... occurs away from
premises owned by or rented by [DEE ENGINEERING] and after
physical possession of such products has been relinquished to others.
14. Coverage A - Bodily Injury Liability in the Policy further provides that “the
Company shall not be obligated to pay any claim or judgment or to defend any suit
after the applicable limit of the Company’s liability has been exhausted by payment of
judgment or settlements.”
_ 15. The Policy further provides that: “When both this insurance and other
insurance apply to the loss on the same basis . . . the Company shall not be liable
under this policy for a greater proportion of the loss than that stated in the applicable
contribution provision [of the Policy].”
16. U.S. FIRE reserved its rights to recoup from DEE ENGINEERING amounts
paid for defense costs and on behalf of DEE ENGINEERING in connection with the
Bodily Injury Claims.
EXHAUSTION OF AGGREGATE POLICY LIMIT
17. U.S FIRE has paid, on behalf of DEE ENGINEERING, in excess of the
$500,000 aggregate limit for judgments or settlements of Bodily Injury Claims included
4
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDIT
PDF Page 8
Gorpon & REES, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO OO VN OO oO F&F WO HO =
mw NY NM DM DM HW YH PH NY |&=& 3&2 A An on on 2a 2a i on
oN Oo TO FF Ww YO BA OD oOo AN A a Ah Oo HO =& &
within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard’ in the Policy.
This exhaustion occurred at a date according to proof as will be shown at trial.
DEE ENGINEERING’S SETTLEMENT WITH OTHER INSURERS
18. DEE ENGINEERING was insured from at least 1954 to 1987 under general
liability policies that provided coverage for Bodily Injury Claims.
19. DEE ENGINEERING has settled with all of its insurers except U.S. FIRE.
Pursuant to those settlements, the settling insurers ceded their policy limits to DEE
ENGINEERING and DEE ENGINEERING has been paying defense and indemnity in
place of those insurers.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
Declaratory Relief
Exhaustion Of “Completed Operations Hazard” And “Products Hazard”
Aggregate Limit
20. U.S. FIRE incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs
1 through 18 as though fully set forth here.
21. An actual controversy has arisen between the parties with regard to their
respective rights and obligations under the Policy.
22. U.S. FIRE contends that the $500,000 aggregate limit that applies to bodily
injury included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the “products hazard”
in the Policy has been exhausted.
23. U.S. FIRE is informed and believes, and on such information and belief
alleges, that DEE ENGINEERING denies that the $500,000 aggregate limit that
|applies to bodily injury included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the
“products hazard” in the Policy has been exhausted.
24. U.S. FIRE desires a judicial determination of the respective rights and
obligations of the parties, including a declaration that the $500,000 aggregate limit that
applies to bodily injury included within the “completed operations hazard” and/or the
“products hazard” in the Policy has been exhausted, and the date upon which that
exhaustion took place. Such judicial determinations and declarations are necessary
5
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDIT
GORDON & REES, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EMBARCADERO CENTER WEST
275 BATTERY STREET, TWENTIETH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
oO 89 SN OD om BF WO DY |=
NW NO NY NY DY NY NY NY LDH o@ ow ww UY Ss ek
ao ™N oO) oT pb wo dD = Oo oO co N Oo a wR wo ho —
ate / j Nea?
1 through 29 as though fully set forth here.
31. U.S. FIRE has paid defense costs and settlements and judgments on behalf
of DEE ENGINEERING for Bodily Injury Claims after the date that the aggregate limits
of the Policy were exhausted.
32. U.S. FIRE has reserved its rights to seek from DEE ENGINEERING
recoupment of amounts it has overpaid in defending and/or resolving Bodily Injury
Claims.
33. DEE ENGINEERING has received a benefit to which it was not entitled.
34, U.S. FIRE is entitled to reimbursement and/or a credit or set off against
future payments U.S. FIRE may be obligated to make in defending or paying Bodily
Injury Claims, in an amount according to proof at trial.
WHEREFORE, U.S. FIRE prays for judgment as set forth below.
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
Reimbursement Based on Quasi-Contract/Unjust Enrichment —
Reimbursement/Restitution
35. U.S. FIRE incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in paragraphs
1 through 34 as though fully set forth here.
36. U.S. FIRE has paid defense costs and settlements and judgments on behalf
of DEE ENGINEERING for Bodily Injury Claims after the date the aggregate limits of
the Policy were exhausted.
37. U.S. FIRE paid and DEE ENGINEERING received the benefit of amounts
U.S. FIRE had no obligation to pay and DEE ENGINEERING had no right to receive.
38. U.S. FIRE reserved its rights to seek from DEE ENGINEERING recoupment
of amounts it has overpaid in defending and/or resolving Bodily Injury Claims.
39. DEE ENGINEERING has been unjustly enriched by U.S. FIRE’s payments
and thereby has an implied-in-law, quasi-contract, and/or equitable obligation to
Treimburse U.S. FIRE.
40. U.S. FIRE is entitled to reimbursement from DEE ENGINEERING in an
7
COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF AND REIMBURSEMENT / CREDIT
¥
CM-010
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY (Name, f “Ser number, and address): (3 FOR COURT USE ONLY
Safa M. Thorpe (SBN 146529)* ° “f
Gordon & Rees LLP
275 Battery Street, 20" Floor .
San Francisco, CA 94111 Stn. Fran | hel
TELEPHONE No: (415) 986-5900 Faxno. (415) 986-8054 cisco County Superior Court
ATTORNEY FOR (Namej: Plaintiff MAY — 3 201 3
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF San Francisco
street appress: 400 McAllister Street CLERK OF THE COURT
MAILING ADDRESS: BY: DENNIS TOYAMA
city AND zip cope: San Francisco, CA 94102 Deputy Clerk
BRANCH NAME:
CASE NAME: United States Fire ins. Co. vs. Thomas Dee Engineering
CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET Comptex Case Designation CG C=" 3 - 5 3 1 1 5 5
XX] Unlimited LC] Limited C1 counter [J Joinder t
(Amount (Amount JUDGE:
demanded demanded is Filed with first appearance by defendant
exceeds $25,000) $25,000 or less) (Cai. Rules of Court, rule 3.402) DEPT:
Items 1-6 below must be completed (see instructions on page 2).
1. Check one box below for the case type that best describes this case:
Auto Tort Contract Provisionally Complex Civil Litigation
[J] Auto (22) (_] Breach of contract/warranty (06) (Cal. Rules of Court, rules 3.400-3.403)
Uninsured motorist (46) [-] Rule 3.740 collections (09) [| AntitrustTrade regulation (03)
Other Pl/PD/WD (Personal Injury/Property C] Other collections (09) LJ Construction defect (10)
Damage/Wrongful Death) Tort [_] insurance coverage (18) L] Mass tort (40)
[1] Asbestos (04) [] other contract (37) [1 Securities litigation (28)
Product liability (24) Real Property [_] Environmental/Toxic tort (30)
Medical malpractice (45) Cl Eminent domain/Inverse ><] insurance coverage claims arising from the
C] Other PI/PD/AWD (23) condemnation (14) above listed provisionally complex case
Non-PI/PD/WD (Other) Tort [_] Wrongful eviction (33) types (41)
[_] Business tort/unfair business practice (07) C] Other real property (26) Enforcement of Judgment
C] cw rights (08) Unlawful Detainer CL Enforcement of judgment (20)
C Defamation (13) CJ Commercial (31) Miscellaneous Civil Complaint
[] Fraud (16) L] Residential (32) [J Rico 27) _
C] intellectual property (19) Drugs (38) CI Other complaint (not specified above) (42)
(] Professional negligence (25) Judicial Review Miscellaneous Civil Petition
L] Other non-PYPDWD tort (35) . [C1 Asset forfeiture (05) J Partnership and corporate governance (21)
Employment {-] _ Petition re: arbitration award (11) CJ Other petition (not specified above) (43)
Wrongful termination (36) [_] Writ of mandate (02)
[-] _ Other employment (15) [-] — Other judicial review (39)
2. Thiscase [XJis. [is not . complex under rule 3.400 of the California Rules of Court. If the case is complex, mark the
factors requiring exceptional judicial management:
a. L] Large number of separately represented parties d. [_] Large number of witnesses
b. —X] Extensive motion practice raising difficult or novel e. [[] Coordination with related actions pending in one or more courts
issues that will be time-consuming to resolve : in other counties, states, or countries, or in a federal court
c. [X] Substantial amount of documentary evidence f. (Substantial postjudgment judicial supervision
Remedies sought (check all that apply): a.D<] monetary b. [x] nonmonetary; declaratory or injunctive relief c. [_] punitive
Number of causes of action (specify): 4
This case [[] is [X] isnot aclass action suit.
. If there are any known related cases, file and serve a notice.of related case. (You may use form CM-015,)
Date: May 4 , 2013
Oa dw
Sara M. Thorpe > AIUTAP PA O. _
(TYPE OR PRINT NAME) (SIGNATURE OF PARTY Og ATTORNEY FOR PARTY)
NOTICE
® Plaintiff must file this cover sheet with the first paper filed in the action or proceeding (except small claims cases or cases filed
under the Probate Code, Family Code, or Welfare and Institutions Code). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.220.) Failure to file may result
in sanctions.
* File this cover sheet in addition to any cover sheet required by local court rule.
* If this case is complex under rule 3.400 et seq. of the California Rules of Court, you must serve a copy of this cover sheet on all
other parties to the action or proceeding.
e Unless this is a collections case under rule 3.740 ora complex case, this cover sheet will be used for statistical purposes only.
Page 1 of 2
Form Adopted for Mandatory Use 400-3 .
Judiciat Council of California c IVIL CASE COVER SH EET Cal Pures, Pistorderds ot ‘adical Adninisvaton aie 346
CM-010 [Rev. July 1, 2007] www.courtinfo.ca.gov
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