Lies on Application & Insurance Never Existed

Rescission Results in Policy Void From its Inception

Imperial Casualty and Lloyd’s Underwriters retained me in the 1980’s to advise concerning the fire claim presented by Levon Sogomonian and his wife as a result of a major arson fire and explosion that destroyed their home. The investigation took more than a year, multiple days of examination under oath (EUO), death threats to the claims investigator and a bomb threat at my office.
In Imperial Casualty And Indemnity, Company v. Levon Sogomonian and Elichka Sogomonian, No. B022012, 243 Cal.Rptr. 639, 198 Cal.App.3d 169, Court of Appeal, California (Feb. 4, 1988) Levon and Elichka Sogomonian (defendants) appealed.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On July 14, 1982, Imperial issued a homeowner’s policy to defendants which provided casualty and fire insurance protection for defendants’ home. On or about October 9, 1982, defendants’ home was destroyed by a fire and explosion. A second fire on October 10, 1982 a second arson fire destroyed what had not been destroyed by the first fire.

DISCUSSION

“A contract is extinguished by rescission.” (Civil Code § 1688.)

DISPOSITION
Since the summary judgment did not provide a complete restitution to Imperial and Lloyd’s, the judgment was reversed, with directions to the trial court to make and enter a new order granting summary adjudication of issues which is consistent herewith. A trial was held thereafter and I testified as a fact and expert witness only to have Mr. Sogomonian threaten my life as I entered the courtroom to testify. Judgment was had in favor of Imperial and Lloyd’s and they recovered all advance payments, attorneys and investigation fees.
In 15 years of work all litigation was resolved, Sogomonian paid, and went on to litigate with others on various other schemes. Contrary to his hopes I survived and am now 81-years-old and still working.

ZALMA OPINION
Importantly this case established the law of the state of California with regard to rescission of insurance. Although there was evidence that the fire was created on behalf of Mr. Sogomonian no criminal charges were brought and Sogomonian continued to attempt to gain from the fire by suing the investigator.