State Farm wins appeal in dispute over young man's domicile
State Farm and Farmer's Insurance both argued that the other insurer was responsible for PIP benefits payable to Anthony Goodson. Goodson was hurt in a car wreck. State Farm insured Goodson's parents and Farmer's insured Goodson's girlfriend. Each argued that Goodson was domiciled at the other insured household, and the trial court ruled that a jury could only conclude that Goodson lived with his parents.
The Court of Appeals disagreed and sent the case back for a jury to resolve. The appellate judges pointed to the fact that Goodson's parents provided inconsistent testimony and that weighing their credibility was essential to resolving the dispute. Weighing crdibility is a function for the jury, rendering summary disposition of the claim inappropriate.