Webb v. Gittlen: Assignability of Professional Negligence Claims Against Insurance Agents

In Webb v. Gittlen, the Arizona Supreme Court unanimously held that claims against insurance agents for professional negligence are assignable to third parties. The decision overturned Premium Cigars International, Ltd. v. Farmer-Butler-Leavitt Insurance Agency, in which the Arizona Court of Appeals held such assignments invalid as contrary to public policy. Although the holding in Webb is deliberately narrow, the opinion hints at a number of other ramifications for insurance professionals and attorneys.