Court Says Carrier Acted in Bad Faith

The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that an insurance carrier acted in bad faith by paying death benefits to a worker’s estranged wife and his adult children while his alleged girlfriend was awaiting review of her claim. Case: West v. Hoyle’s Tire & Axle LLC, No. COA20-470, 04/20/2021, published. Facts and procedural history: Keith West worked for Hoyle’s Tire & Axle LLC. He was killed in a work-related accident, and Hoyle’s and its insurance carrier admitted liability for death benefits. Several people filed claims asserting a right to the benefit...