Utica Says Redmond Cannot Present ‘Lay Witness’ Testimony at Upcoming Reinsurance Trial

UTICA, N.Y. — A former Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. employee should not be permitted testify as a “lay witness” in an upcoming trial involving reinsurance coverage for a $325 million asbestos settlement, Utica Mutual Insurance Co. argues, because his opinions have already been characterized as “expert” testimony.

In an Oct. 17 reply, Utica further asserts that Garrett Redmond’s testimony should be barred because he lacks personal, first-hand knowledge of the reinsurance certificates at issue.

In a Sept. 13 opposition filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, FFIC further argued that Redmond’s testimony meets the …