Sarkisyants v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM
The district court correctly ordered summary judgment in favor of State Farm in denying Sarkisyants’ claim for breach of an insurance contract. “An insured’s compliance with a policy requirement to submit to an examination under oath is a prerequisite to the right to receive benefits under the policy.”
The district court correctly ordered summary judgment in favor of State Farm in denying Sarkisyants’ claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. An insurer may be liable for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing when it withholds policy benefits unreasonably or without proper cause.
The district court properly denied Sarkisyants’ claim for punitive damages. To recover punitive damages, Sarkisyants must prove by clear and convincing evidence that State Farm is guilty of malice, fraud or oppression.
Further, we do not take judicial notice of the State Bar of California disciplinary letter offered by Sarkisyants. Generally, we will not take notice of facts outside the district court record.
AFFIRMED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.
. Brizuela v. Calfarm Ins. Co., 116 Cal. App.4th 578, 587, 10 Cal.Rptr.3d 661 (2004).
. California Shoppers, Inc. v. Royal Globe Ins. Co., 175 Cal.App.3d 1, 54, 221 Cal.Rptr. 171 (1985).
. Cal. Civ.Code § 3294(a).
. United States ex rel. Robinson Rancheria Citizens Council v. Borneo, Inc., 971 F.2d 244,
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Stanislav SARKISYANTS, Plaintiff—Appellant v. STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendants—Appellees
- Status
- Published