Canon then sued Safeco, arguing that the insurer had acted in bad faith by filing an interpleader and surrendering the policy limits without attempting to negotiate a release on his behalf. Canon argued that by doing so, Safeco removed any incentive for claimants to settle with it within the policy limits. They also alleged that Safeco breached its contract by providing an inadequate defense, claiming that the insurer forced its appointed lawyers to work on a low budget. The complaint alleges that when an attorney recommended hiring an accident-reconstruction expert who had already given a favorable opinion in Cannon’s criminal case, the Safeco agent vetoed the idea, arguing that the policy limits had already been paid, so nothing more needed to be done. Cannon further alleged that Safeco failed to interview a key witness who would have supported his account of being cut off by the unknown driver. Additionally, Canon claimed that Safeco refused to pay for the appeal bond, even though the policy contained a provision requiring the insurer to pay the premium on the appeal bond in any lawsuit.
Georgia court revives bad faith suit against Safeco on interpleader move & more related News Here
