Opinion Expected in Mold-Related Bad Faith Case on Appeal in 9th Circuit

SAN FRANCISCO - Argument has been heard in the appeal of an $18 million verdict awarded to a homeowner who claimed that his insurer acted in bad faith when it allegedly mishandled his flood loss and ensuing mold and asbestos contamination claims. Anderson v. Allstate Insurance Co., Nos. 01-15145, 01-15246, 01-15307 & 01-15330 (9th Cir.)

The Nov. 5 arguments before the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals lasted less than one hour, according to sources close to the litigation. An opinion is expected to be filed by the court in one to three months, sources said.

The appeal stems from …