William Smith and Jeanie Feeney-Smith v. Dawn McCarthy and Security Union Title Insurance Company

**Smith v. Security Union Title Insurance Company** This case involved a dispute over title insurance coverage and legal fees. William Smith and Jeanie Feeney-Smith were in a legal battle with Dawn McCarthy, and they wanted Security Union Title Insurance Company to defend them and pay their attorney's fees under their title insurance policy. The Smiths argued that their policy required the insurance company to provide this legal defense. The court ruled against the Smiths on both issues. First, the trial court refused to make McCarthy pay the Smiths' attorney's fees, and the appeals court agreed this decision was reasonable. Second, and more importantly, the court found that Security Union was not required to defend the Smiths because the insurance company successfully proved that an exception in the policy applied to their situation. **What this means for workers:** This case shows how insurance policies often contain exceptions that can limit coverage, even when you think you're protected. If you have any type of insurance through your employer or that you purchase yourself, it's important to carefully read the policy terms and understand what situations might not be covered. When facing legal issues, don't assume your insurance will automatically provide defense coverage without checking the specific policy language first.