Opera star Simon Estes has won another round in his legal battle with an insurance company. The case dates back to October of 2005 when Estes was at a Sam’s Club in Waterloo, checking the brake pads on his daughter’s car.
A vehicle driven by Annette Rivers hit Estes, injuring his right shoulder, right knee, right hip and left leg. Estes sued the driver and Sam’s Club, seeking damages. He entered into legal settlements with the driver for $230,000 and with Sam’s Club for $75,000.
He also asked for underinsured motorist benefits from Progressive Insurance. After a trial, a jury awarded Estes over one million dollars, which the judge then reduced to $300,000 plus interest to adhere to the limit on coverage in the Progressive policy Estes held. Progressive appealed, complaining Estes had settled with Sam’s Club without its consent.
The Iowa Court of Appeals has rejected the complaints from the insurance company, which means it is to pay the back interest.