Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

James F. Miles v. Great Northern Insurance Company

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Before Torruella, Ripple, *fn1 and Lipez, Circuit Judges.

James and Theresa Miles originally brought this action against Great Northern Insurance Company in Massachusetts Superior Court. They sought to obtain coverage for a fire loss to their home and asserted claims for breach of contract and unfair insurance practices. Great Northern removed the action to the district court and filed counterclaims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment.*fn2 The parties cross-moved for summary judgment; at this point, the Mileses abandoned certain of their unfair insurance practices claims. The district court denied summary judgment on the breach of contract claims but granted summary judgment to Great Northern on the remaining unfair insurance practices claims. The breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims then were tried to the bench, and the district court concluded that only the plaintiffs, Mr. and Mrs. Miles, had breached the contract. The court therefore entered judgment in favor of the defendant, Great Northern.*fn3

Theresa Miles now seeks review of the decision of the district court that she and her husband, James Miles, breached their contract with Great Northern Insurance Company.*fn4 Theresa Miles contends that the district court improperly imputed the conduct of her husband to her and, therefore, incorrectly ruled that she had breached the contract with Great Northern. Because this issue presents an unresolved interpretation of state law, we decide this case on an alternative ground. We hold that Theresa Miles independently breached the contract with Great Northern and, therefore, is barred from recovery under the insurance policy. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court.*fn5

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Elite Trial Lawyers 2025
July 10, 2025
New York, NY

The National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers recognizes U.S.-based law firms performing exemplary work on behalf of plaintiffs.


Learn More
National Law Journal Awards 2025
November 05, 2025
Washington, D.C.

The National Law Journal honors attorneys & judges who've made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the D.C. area.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
President and Dean

Search for the President and Dean California Western School of Law San Diego, California California Western School of Law (California ...


Apply Now ›
Capital Markets Junior Associate (Flex Location/Hybrid Schedule)

Duane Morris LLP has an opening for an associate with 2-3 years of experience with strong capital markets and corporate transactional backgr...


Apply Now ›
(EXCLUSIVE) SENIOR BAD FAITH TRIAL COUNSEL WANTED FOR LEADING PROVIDER OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Atlanta, GA or Florida)

Our client, an established provider of professional liability insurance, has engaged us to identify a highly-qualified Senior Bad Faith Tria...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs

Breaking news and trends for law firm and legal departments about the evolving federal regulations in a volatile political climate.

Federal Legal News
Special Coverage
Surveys & Rankings
National Law Journal