Shimko v. Brickman, Unpublished Decision (12-11-2003)
Shimko v. Brickman, Unpublished Decision (12-11-2003)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 3} Federal and State Farm both filed cross-motions for summary judgment regarding the coverage issues. The trial court ruled that Shimko did not have a UM/UIM claim under Federal's policy issued to Lincoln Electric and, therefore, Federal was not required to share in the loss with State Farm in any capacity. State Farm appealed the trial court's granting summary judgment for Federal.
{¶ 5} Based on the recent opinion by the Ohio Supreme Court inGalatis, supra, we affirm the lower court. In Galatis, the Ohio Supreme Court held: "Absent specific language to the contrary, a policy of insurance that names a corporation as an insured for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage covers a loss sustained by an employee of the corporation only if the loss occurs within the course and scope ofemployment." Id. at paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 6} In the case sub judice, Shimko was not acting within the course and scope of employment at the time of the accident. There was no contention made that Shimko sustained an injury while acting within the course and scope of employment with the named-insured, Lincoln Electric. Therefore, Federal cannot be liable to State Farm on a pro rata basis for contribution.
{¶ 7} We find that Shimko is not an insured under Federal's policy and thus not entitled to UIM coverage under Federal's policy. Accordingly, State Farm is not entitled to contribution from Federal.
{¶ 8} State Farm's assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 9} The judgment is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
It is ordered that appellees recover of appellant their costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas to carry this judgment into execution.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Colleen Conway Cooney, P.J. and Sean C. Gallagher, J., concur.
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