Judge: Theodore R. Howard, Case: 20-1144956, Date: 2022-09-29 Tentative Ruling

Defendant Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America’s (“Allianz”) unopposed Motion to File Under Seal (“Motion”) its proposed Motion for Good Faith Settlement (“GFS”) is GRANTED.

Pursuant to CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550, the court finds Allianz has shown good cause for filing the GFS and supporting papers under seal.  There are privacy issues with information contained within the GFS concerning 1) the premiums plaintiffs paid to Allianz for the underlying insurance policies; 2) the specific amounts the plaintiffs settled with Allianz for dismissal of plaintiffs’ claims against Allianz; and 3) other terms of the settlement agreement between Allianz and plaintiffs in this matter.

There exists an overriding interest in sealing the GFS as it contains the terms of a binding confidential settlement agreement (“Agreement”) between Allianz and Plaintiffs and the terms thereof.  (CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550(d)(1) and (2); Universal City Studios, Inc. v. Superior Ct. (2003) 110 Cal. App. 4th 1273, 1283; Hinshaw, Winkler, Draa, Marsh & Still (1996) 51 Cal. App. 4th 233, 241, disapproved of on other grounds by Williams v. Superior Ct. (2017) 3 Cal. 5th 531.)  If the GFS is not sealed, the terms of the Agreement will be made public, and the disclosure of the confidential information may harm one or more of the parties.  (CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550(d)(3).)  Allianz seeks to seal only the GFS and the supporting pleadings and thus the proposed sealing is narrowly tailored.  (CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550(d)(4).)  Finally, no less restrictive means exist or have been identified that might achieve keeping the terms of the Agreement confidential.  (CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550(d)(5).)

Pursuant to CA ST TR COURT Rule 2.550(e) directs that the  GFS and supporting declaration and documents be filed under seal.

Allianz to give notice.