Judge: Nathan R. Scott, Case: Toll Brothers v. Ace American Ins. Co, Date: 2022-09-30 Tentative Ruling

Defendant Ace American Insurance Company’s motion to bifurcate is granted.  (See Civ. Code § 3295, subd. (d).)

The punitive damages phase will be bifurcated and tried to the jury after the liability phase if the jury finds defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression.

Given the various trial delays, the timing of this motion is not especially prejudicial to plaintiff.  (Cf. Las Palmas Assocs. v. Las Palmas Center Assocs. (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1220, 1241 [mid-trial motion permissibly denied].)  

Defendant shall give notice.