In the News

Sutton Booker is excited to welcome its newest associate, Cara Knight! Cara joins Sutton Booker from the 18th Judicial District where she handled both felony and county court criminal matters. Before her time as a deputy district attorney, Cara gained significant...

On May 17, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 21-1188 regarding additional liability of defendant employers who admit employee fault under the doctrine of respondeat superior. The General Assembly and Governor Polis have expressly overturned the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision in Ferrer v. Okbamicael, expanding avenues for recovery against Colorado businesses and complicating litigation for employers. Previously, under Ferrer, actions for negligent hiring and negligent supervision were excluded if the employer admitted respondeat superior liability for the employee’s conduct. Now, with the recent change by the General Assembly, employers may be sued directly for negligent hiring and negligent supervision even if the employer admits the employee was at fault. The new law will go into effect the 90 days after the conclusion of the current General Assembly session which is slated to close on June 12, 2021. The law will apply to actions commenced on or after that date.

Debra Sutton and Tom Walton prevailed on summary judgment in a declaratory action against a contractor holding an assignment from the insured homeowner. The Court upheld a pollution exclusion in an all-risk homeowner’s policy, finding abatement expense was not covered even if abatement was necessary due to a covered loss. The Court dismissed all claims against the insurance company.

Sutton Booker is excited to welcome its newest associate, Cara Knight! Cara joins Sutton Booker from the 18th Judicial District where she handled both felony and county court criminal matters. Before her time as a deputy district attorney, Cara gained significant...

On May 17, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 21-1188 regarding additional liability of defendant employers who admit employee fault under the doctrine of respondeat superior. The General Assembly and Governor Polis have expressly overturned the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision in Ferrer v. Okbamicael, expanding avenues for recovery against Colorado businesses and complicating litigation for employers. Previously, under Ferrer, actions for negligent hiring and negligent supervision were excluded if the employer admitted respondeat superior liability for the employee’s conduct. Now, with the recent change by the General Assembly, employers may be sued directly for negligent hiring and negligent supervision even if the employer admits the employee was at fault. The new law will go into effect the 90 days after the conclusion of the current General Assembly session which is slated to close on June 12, 2021. The law will apply to actions commenced on or after that date.

Debra Sutton and Tom Walton prevailed on summary judgment in a declaratory action against a contractor holding an assignment from the insured homeowner. The Court upheld a pollution exclusion in an all-risk homeowner’s policy, finding abatement expense was not covered even if abatement was necessary due to a covered loss. The Court dismissed all claims against the insurance company.