News Currents

Maine court allows suit over employee’s fatal crash

Maine’s highest court reinstated a lawsuit targeting VIP Inc. over a fatal collision caused by one of its employees. In the 3-2 ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court overturned a judge’s conclusion that the crash occurred outside the scope of employment.

The collision was caused when VIP employee Justin Laliberte was driving home from Oxford Plains Speedway where he had volunteered along with other VIP employees to set up for an event. Laliberte and other hourly employees were given $25.

Writing for the majority, Justice Howard Dana said there was a “genuine issue of material fact as to whether the travel was within the scope of Laliberte’s employment.”

The victims’ husband argued that because of the $25 and the fact Laliberte received workers’ compensation for his injuries, the travel to and from the racetrack arose from his employment.

Del. ups FAIR Plan limits

Delaware Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn is warning consumers to expect restrictions from homeowners insurance companies for coastal area homes.

Denn also announced changes to the Delaware FAIR Plan to accommodate expected new customers. The FAIR Plan will double the limits it provides from its current $250,000 for house and contents to $500,000 for house and contents. That puts Delaware’s FAIR Plan in line with those of other Atlantic coast states. Denn also asked the FAIR Plan to eliminate a significant part of its “storm blackout” rules.