Civil Practice — Venue – Homeowners’ Insurance

Teresa Bruno, Opinions Editor//December 23, 2014//

Listen to this article

State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Blanton (Lawyers Weekly No. 002-254-14, 8 pp.) (R. Bryan Harwell, J.) 4:13-cv-02508; D.S.C.

Holding: Even though defendants’ altercation took place within the Beaufort Division, plaintiff issued the defendant-insured’s homeowner’s insurance policy –which is at issue in this declaratory judgment action – within the Florence Division. The Florence Division is also where the bad faith counterclaim of the insured arose; therefore, plaintiff’s choice of forum has a substantial connection with the controversy.