{ "id": 5253955, "name": "ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. TERRY SEIBERT, Defendant-Appellant", "name_abbreviation": "Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Ass'n v. Seibert", "decision_date": "1992-01-16", "docket_number": "No. 4-91-0367", "first_page": "864", "last_page": "878", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "223 Ill. App. 3d 864" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "Ill. App. Ct.", "id": 8837, "name": "Illinois Appellate Court" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 29, "name_long": "Illinois", "name": "Ill." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "644 F.2d 1208", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 1207193 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1217" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/644/1208-01" ] }, { "cite": "734 F.2d 691", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 416463 ], "year": 1980, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "694" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/734/0691-01" ] }, { "cite": "340 F.2d 74", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 881355 ], "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "88" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/340/0074-01" ] }, { "cite": "467 F.2d 1110", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 251492 ], "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/467/1110-01" ] }, { "cite": "507 F.2d 554", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 129989 ], "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "558" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/507/0554-01" ] }, { "cite": "461 U.S. 30", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 11298143 ], "weight": 6, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "51" }, { "page": "648" }, { "page": "1637" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/461/0030-01" ] }, { "cite": "490 U.S. 386", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 605535 ], "weight": 6, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "395" }, { "page": "454" }, { "page": "1871" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/490/0386-01" ] }, { "cite": "397 N.E.2d 737", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "48 N.Y.2d 218", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.Y.2d", "case_ids": [ 4373643 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ny-2d/48/0218-01" ] }, { "cite": "342 A.2d 513", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "A.2d", "year": 1979, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "134 N.J. Super. 537", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.J. Super.", "case_ids": [ 930547 ], "year": 1979, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nj-super/134/0537-01" ] }, { "cite": "440 N.Y.S.2d 964", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.Y.S.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "109 Misc. 2d 678", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Misc. 2d", "case_ids": [ 779715 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/misc2d/109/0678-01" ] }, { "cite": "376 N.Y.S.2d 309", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.Y.S.2d", "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "50 A.D.2d 169", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "A.D.2d", "case_ids": [ 2978718 ], "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ad2d/50/0169-01" ] }, { "cite": "640 F.2d 1026", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 1369905 ], "year": 1975, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/640/1026-01" ] }, { "cite": "208 Cal. Rptr. 494", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Cal. Rptr.", "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "162 Cal. App. 3d 358", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Cal. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 2167493 ], "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/cal-app-3d/162/0358-01" ] }, { "cite": "566 N.E.2d 889", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "892" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "208 Ill. App. 3d 281", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 2549668 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "286" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/208/0281-01" ] }, { "cite": "384 N.E.2d 335", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 5, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "343" }, { "page": "343" }, { "page": "343-46" }, { "page": "343" }, { "page": "343" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "74 Ill. 2d 132", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 2994842 ], "weight": 5, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "152" }, { "page": "152" }, { "page": "152-58" }, { "page": "152" }, { "page": "152" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/74/0132-01" ] }, { "cite": "446 N.E.2d 584", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "590" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "113 Ill. App. 3d 35", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 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App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 2149831 ], "year": 1978, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "76" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/cal-app-3d/157/0059-01" ] }, { "cite": "479 N.E.2d 988", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 5, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "991" }, { "page": "992" }, { "page": "992" }, { "page": "990" }, { "page": "994" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "134 Ill. App. 3d 134", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3637185 ], "weight": 5, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "137" }, { "page": "137" }, { "page": "138" }, { "page": "135" }, { "page": "140" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/134/0134-01" ] }, { "cite": "149 N.E.2d 482", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "486" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "17 Ill. App. 2d 44", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 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TERRY SEIBERT, Defendant-Appellant." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "JUSTICE KNECHT\ndelivered the opinion of the court:\nDefendant, a Mattoon police officer, Terry Seibert, appeals from a summary judgment order entered in a declaratory judgment action in favor of plaintiff, the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association (the Association). On April 24, 1991, the Sangamon County circuit court granted the Association\u2019s motion and denied a similar motion by Seibert. The controversy arose out of litigation filed in the Federal district court against Officer Seibert, other Mattoon officers, and the City of Mattoon. The litigation alleged violations under section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act (see 42 U.S.C. \u00a71983 (1988)) of Edward Keith Hubbartt\u2019s constitutional rights during his arrest. The court found because the Association\u2019s interest in the pending litigation did not conflict with Seibert\u2019s, the Association was not obligated to surrender control of the defense or to pay outside counsel which Officer Seibert might personally hire.\nSeibert argues the court erred in finding no conflict existed between the parties. He also argues the court erred in finding that because evidence needed to disprove a constitutional violation and a punitive damages claim is similar in nature and quantity, the Association could defend both claims without a conflict arising between the parties\u2019 interests. We agree and reverse the trial court\u2019s summary judgment order in favor of the Association and remand to the court with instructions to enter summary judgment in favor of Seibert.\nThe Association is a nonprofit association which provides self-insurance programs to municipalities. The City of Mattoon is a member of the Association. As a member, municipal employees are represented in, and indemnified against, civil rights claims arising out of the performance of their jobs. Indemnification is not provided for malicious conduct or punitive damages.\nHubbartt filed two suits against Seibert, other Mattoon officers, and the City of Mattoon. Both suits arose from the same incident. The initial complaint, case No. 89 \u2014 2319, was filed October 24, 1989. There, Hubbartt sought $10 million in compensatory damages from Seibert, a number of other Mattoon police officers, and the City of Mattoon. On February 5, 1990, Hubbartt filed an amended complaint, naming Seibert as an individual defendant. The second suit, case No. 90 \u2014 2122, was filed April 20, 1991, wherein Hubbartt sought, from Seibert, $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million as punitive damages; it also sought compensatory and punitive damages from other Mattoon police officers, and compensatory damages from the City of Mattoon. The suits alleged Seibert and other officers violated Hubbartt\u2019s fifth, fourth, and fourteenth amendment protections during his arrest. Seibert\u2019s actions were allegedly intentional, malicious, wilful, wanton, and in reckless disregard of Hubbartt\u2019s constitutional rights.\nAs the Association\u2019s authorized agent, Martin Boyer Company, Inc., appointed counsel to represent Seibert in the pending litigation. In a November 13, 1989, letter, James Hays, Martin Boyer Company\u2019s representative, informed Seibert that the Association would not indemnify a claim for punitive damages, and incorrectly noted the complaint included such a claim. Because Seibert might incur personal liability as a result of a punitive damages award, Hays suggested Seibert may want to retain independent counsel at his own expense.\nIn a letter dated November, 21, 1989, Hays conceded the complaint did not currently seek punitive damages. He explained, however, that because it alleged Seibert\u2019s conduct was intentional, malicious, wilful, wanton, and in reckless disregard of Hubbartt\u2019s constitutional rights, the complaint might later be amended to include punitive damages. Hays stated: \u201cIf that occurs, it would be inappropriate for [the Association] to defend the claims for punitive damages. You may wish to be defended by independent counsel. Because of this potential conflict, we urge you to seek independent legal advice as to your rights.\u201d He also informed Seibert that because of unresolved policy coverage questions, the company would proceed with Seibert\u2019s representation under a reservation of rights.\nOn December 13, 1989, Hays informed Seibert the Association would honor his request to be defended by counsel separate from counsel representing other defendants in the litigation, and that an attorney had been authorized and assigned to represent him. In late December, however, Seibert sought, and hired, private counsel. On December 28, 1989, Seibert\u2019s private counsel wrote to counsel appointed by Martin Boyer Company and demanded the Association settle the litigation against Seibert by offering Hubbartt the maximum payable under the policy. He contended that if the Association was not willing to do this to protect Seibert from a potential punitive damages claim, it was putting its interests ahead of those of Seibert. Seibert\u2019s counsel provided no evidence why this offer was reasonable.\nSeibert\u2019s retained counsel again wrote to Hays of Martin Boyer Company on March 7, 1990. Counsel informed Hays that Seibert retained him to represent him in the pending civil rights litigation because of advice provided to him by Hays in the November 13 and 21 letters. Counsel also stated, \u201c[s]ince the nature of this case involves an agency relationship which may require the presentation of diametrically opposed defenses for the respective defendants, we are well aware of the conflict of interest which has arisen.\u201d\nAlthough Hubbartt amended his complaint to include a request for attorney fees, he was not \u2014 at that stage \u2014 seeking punitive damages against Seibert. The Association refused to relinquish control of Seibert\u2019s representation. Hays contended in an April 4, 1990, letter, that no conflict existed between the Association and Seibert. He stated that, unlike in cases which Seibert\u2019s counsel asserted were similar, the Association was not asserting a policy defense, and compensatory damages were provided for in the pending litigation. The letter also stated this position might be reconsidered if the \u201ccomplaint [was] amended or facts change[d] in any way.\u201d\nAfter Seibert\u2019s assigned counsel rejected Hubbartt\u2019s written demand for $3 million, Hubbartt filed the second complaint, i.e., case No. 90 \u2014 2122 in which, among the other allegations and remedies, he alleged claims against Seibert similar to those made in his first action and, as previously mentioned, sought $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million as punitive damages against Seibert.\nIn a letter dated April 27, 1990, Seibert\u2019s privately retained counsel advised the Association it must do the following: (1) immediately tender its $3 million policy limit to Hubbartt; (2) agree to indemnify Seibert for a punitive damages award; or (3) hire him as counsel to represent Seibert and pay the defense costs. The letter stated Seibert would proceed with his privately retained counsel and expect reimbursement for his costs if another option was not accepted.\nOn July 24, 1990, the Association sought declaratory relief in the Sangamon County circuit court. The Association asked the court to find because no conflict existed between its interest in the pending litigation and that of Seibert, it was solely authorized to appoint counsel and to represent Seibert in the civil rights litigation. In addition, it asked the court to declare the Association not liable for expenses Seibert could incur by retaining private counsel.\nBecause no material facts were in dispute, both parties moved for summary judgment and filed a memorandum in support of their respective motions. Seibert also filed a response to the Association\u2019s motion. The court heard arguments on the motions on January 25, 1991, and issued its opinion on February 28, 1991. The court denied Seibert\u2019s motion for summary judgment and granted the Association\u2019s. It found that in the pending civil rights litigation in which Seibert was a named party no conflict existed between Seibert\u2019s interests as a party being represented and indemnified, and those of the Association, which had the obligation to represent and indemnify the city\u2019s employees for such claims arising out of the performance of their duties. It ruled Seibert could not control his own defense or receive reimbursement from the Association for attorney fees incurred for privately retained counsel. The order was entered April 24, 1991. Seibert has appealed, seeking reversal of the court\u2019s order.\nSummary judgment is proper \u201cif the pleadings, depositions, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.\u201d (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 110, par. 2 \u2014 1005(c); Suhadolnik v. City of Springfield (1989), 184 Ill. App. 3d 155, 164, 540 N.E.2d 899-900.) As this court recently noted, the proper standard of review for evaluating the propriety of a trial court\u2019s entry of summary judgment is de novo. (See Shull v. Harris-town Township (1992), 223 Ill. App. 3d 819.) The parties agree no genuine issue of material fact remains. The issues raised in this appeal address whether, as a matter of law, a conflict exists between the Association, as plaintiff in its capacity to represent and indemnify Seibert as against these claims, and defendant Seibert.\nSeibert argues the trial court erred in ruling that because no conflict existed between the Association and him, the Association could control the litigation naming him as a party and would not have to reimburse him for privately retained counsel.\nThe general rule in Illinois requires an insurer to defend a claim against an insured when any theory of the complaint gives rise to the possibility that the insurer would be liable for its costs. (Maryland Casualty Co. v. Peppers (1976), 64 Ill. 2d 187, 193-94, 355 N.E.2d 24, 28.) Because its duty to defend is broader than its duty to pay, the insurer may have to defend against claims which are not covered by the policy. (Conway v. Country Casualty Insurance Co. (1982), 92 Ill. 2d 388, 394, 442 N.E.2d 245, 247; Murphy v. Urso (1981), 88 Ill. 2d 444, 451, 430 N.E.2d 1079, 1082.) Neither party disputes that the Association has a duty to defend the allegations against Seibert.\nSeibert first argues that because the Association allegedly conceded the parties\u2019 interests would conflict if punitive damages were sought, he was entitled to select independent counsel to be paid for by the Association. He points to the November 13, 1989, letter received from Martin Boyer Company which stated \u2014 incorrectly\u2014that punitive damages were alleged against him in the initial suit. In addition, the November 21 letter stated that if Hubbartt amended his complaint to seek punitive damages against Seibert, \u201cit would be inappropriate for [the Association] to defend the [claim].\u201d The April 4 letter stated no conflict currently existed, but the company might revise its position if the complaint were amended.\nThe Association argues the letters reflect that its agent, Martin Boyer Company, recognized a potential conflict and appropriately responded to it by notifying Seibert. The Association contends this does not show it \u201cconceded\u201d that because a conflict existed, Seibert should seek outside counsel for which the Association would pay.\nAs conversations between the parties progressed, Seibert knew the Association thought it should control his defense and he should not retain private counsel. However, Seibert retained private counsel shortly after receiving the November 13 and 21 letters sent to him by the Association\u2019s agent. These letters did not state that if Seibert obtained independent counsel, the Association would reimburse the costs; in fact, they suggested he do this at his own expense.\nIn addition, when Seibert received the November 13 and 21 letters, punitive damages had not yet been alleged against him. The November 21 letter from the Association\u2019s agent to Seibert indicated that if punitive damages were alleged against him, it would be \u201cinappropriate\u201d for the Association to defend these claims. However, because no punitive damages were alleged at that time, Seibert could not have relied on this information in deciding to retain his own counsel.\nThe April 4 letter sent by Martin Boyer Company to Seibert stated only that the Association\u2019s position regarding Seibert\u2019s representation might change if punitive damages were sought. At no time after the punitive damages claim was alleged against Seibert did the Association concede a conflict existed which required it to relinquish control of Seibert\u2019s defense, agree to pay outside counsel, or deny that it had a duty to defend Seibert.\nThe letters could reasonably be viewed as communicating to Seibert that a conflict might arise, and as explaining his options if this occurred. The trial court did not err in interpreting the Association\u2019s conduct in this way.\nSeibert next argues that because his interests and the Association\u2019s interests conflict, he is necessarily entitled to retain independent counsel paid for by the Association. The insurer generally assumes control of the litigation to ensure its financial interest in the outcome is protected and to minimize unwarranted liability claims. Illinois Masonic Medical Center v. Turegum Insurance Co. (1988), 168 Ill. App. 3d 158, 163, 522 N.E.2d 611, 613.\nWhen an insurance company retains an attorney to defend an action against one of its insureds, the attorney must work toward furthering the interests of the insured and the insurance company. (Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 196, 355 N.E.2d at 29.) The attorney-client relationship between the insured and the attorney imposes the same professional obligations as if the insured personally retained the attorney. Allstate Insurance Co. v. Keller (1958), 17 Ill. App. 2d 44, 52, 149 N.E.2d 482, 486.\nIllinois courts and those of other jurisdictions have noted that an attorney hired by an insurance company may feel more aligned with its interests. (Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 168 Ill. App. 3d at 163, 522 N.E.2d at 613; Nandorf, Inc. v. CNA Insurance Cos. (1985), 134 Ill. App. 3d 134, 137, 479 N.E.2d 988, 991; Purdy v. Pacific Automobile Insurance Co. (1984), 157 Cal. App. 3d 59, 76, 203 Cal. Rptr. 524, 534; United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co. v. Louis A. Roser Co. (8th Cir. 1978), 585 F.2d 932, 938 & n.5.) An attorney may find it more financially advantageous to protect the insurer\u2019s interest. (Tews Funeral Home, Inc. v. Ohio Casualty Insurance Co. (7th Cir. 1987), 832 F.2d 1037, 1045.) The attorney is obligated to recognize and address potential conflicts between the insurer and the insured.\nThe Association argues the same conflicts issues do not arise from its representation of Seibert because it is a nonprofit association, and not a \u201chuge commercial insurance carrier.\u201d However, as Seibert aptly notes, nonprofit associations can also provide services to numerous municipalities with numerous employees. The same loyalty problems could arise despite the voluntary, nonprofit nature of the Association. Just as an attorney might face insurmountable conflicts of interest between his or her employer, a commercial insurance company, and an insured, the same problems could arise between an attorney employed by the Association and municipal employees represented and indemnified by the Association.\nWhen an attorney employed by an insurer identifies a conflict between the insurer\u2019s interest and that of the insured, the conflict can be resolved by full disclosure and consent by the parties. (Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 198, 355 N.E.2d at 30-31.) Seibert never consented to a conflict after full disclosure.\nAbsent the parties\u2019 consent, serious ethical considerations prohibit an attorney from continuing to represent the interests of the insured and the insurer. Rules 1.7(a) and (b) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct state:\n\u201c(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse to another client, unless:\n(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely affect the relationship with the other client; and\n(2) each client consents after disclosure.\n(b) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client may be materially limited by the lawyer\u2019s responsibilities to another client or to a third person, or by the lawyer\u2019s own interests ***.\u201d 134 Ill. 2d Rules 1.7(a), (b).\nWhen an insurmountable conflict arises, the Illinois Supreme Court has grafted exceptions to the insurer\u2019s right to control its insured\u2019s defense. The parties agree the conflict must rise to a level from which it appears that the insurer may not vigorously defend a claim lodged against its insured. Nandorf 134 Ill. App. 3d at 137, 479 N.E.2d at 992; County of Massac v. United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co. (1983), 113 Ill. App. 3d 35, 43, 446 N.E.2d 584, 590.\nIf the insured could be prejudiced by the insurer\u2019s representation, the insurer meets its obligation to defend by reimbursing the insured for outside counsel. (Thornton v. Paul (1978), 74 Ill. 2d 132, 152, 384 N.E.2d 335, 343.) Seibert argues it is likely the Association would provide a less than vigorous defense of the punitive damages claims lodged against him. The Illinois Supreme Court has found the conflict between the insurer\u2019s interests and those of the insured requires outside counsel paid for by the insurer in two circumstances.\nThe first circumstance is when the insurer is obligated to provide defenses for two or more insureds who have adverse interests. (Murphy, 88 Ill. 2d at 452, 430 N.E.2d at 1082.) In Murphy, the passenger in a vehicle sued the driver and the owner of the vehicle for injuries she allegedly sustained in an auto accident. (Murphy, 88 Ill. 2d at 448, 430 N.E.2d at 1081.) The court found the driver\u2019s interest conflicted with the owner\u2019s interest. It was in the driver\u2019s interest to be viewed as an agent of the owner; the owner\u2019s interest, however, would be best served by arguing the driver had not been given permission to drive the vehicle. Murphy, 88 Ill. 2d at 452-54, 430 N.E.2d at 1083-84.\nThe second recognized exception in Illinois to the insurer\u2019s right to control the defense occurs when proof of certain facts would shift liability from the insurer to the insured. Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 197, 355 N.E.2d at 30; Thornton, 74 Ill. 2d at 152, 384 N.E.2d at 343; see also American Family Mutual Insurance Co. v. Blackburn (1991), 208 Ill. App. 3d 281, 286, 566 N.E.2d 889, 892; Tews, 832 F.2d at 1045.\nMaryland Casualty addressed whether injuries caused by a defendant, the insured, were negligently or intentionally caused when he shot plaintiff fleeing his property. (Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 193, 355 N.E.2d at 26-27.) The defendant\u2019s homeowner\u2019s insurance excluded coverage for intentional acts, but would indemnify for negligent acts. If his actions were intentional, defendant was liable; if defendant was negligent, the insurer was liable. The court ruled that because of the mutually exclusive claims defendant should have been represented by independent counsel paid for by his insurer. The court also declared the insurer was entitled to have its own counsel participate in the litigation, and the insurer was not barred from later raising the defense of noncoverage. Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 198-99, 355 N.E.2d at 31.\nThe conflict which the court found in Thornton also involved mutually exclusive claims. The insurer would not indemnify if the insured, the defendant, was found guilty of battery, but would indemnify if defendant was found guilty only of negligence. Thornton, 74 Ill. 2d at 152-58, 384 N.E.2d at 343-46.\nThe Association argues these cases represent narrow exceptions to the general rule which authorizes the insurer to control its insured\u2019s defenses. It argues there is no conflict in the present case because each defendant in the civil rights litigation is receiving separate defenses and the counts against Seibert are not mutually exclusive. A finding that Seibert is liable for punitive damages does not necessarily mean no compensatory damages will be awarded, as may be indemnified by the Association.\nSeibert contends that although the claims in the complaint are not mutually exclusive, the Association could reduce its liability exposure for compensatory damages while increasing his personal liability exposure for punitive damages. The Association could present a case to a jury which would limit the extent of Hubbartt\u2019s injuries, or the degree to which the injuries could be attributed to Seibert\u2019s actions, while less than vigorously defending the allegations that Seibert acted wilfully or maliciously against Hubbartt. In addition, the Association could later argue compensatory damages awarded were excluded from coverage if the trier of fact found Seibert\u2019s conduct was malicious because the policy provides no protection for such acts.\nThe Association argues no conflict exists because defending the punitive damages claim without vigor would increase its exposure to liability for compensatory damages. It also contends the facts show it has a significant interest in controlling Seibert\u2019s pending litigation. It points to Seibert\u2019s privately retained counsel\u2019s demand approximately two months after the suit was filed. While providing no evidence to the Association, Seibert\u2019s counsel demanded the Association settle the case for policy limits. The Association contends the only basis for this demand was to free Seibert from personal liability exposure.\nSeibert correctly notes, however, that the Illinois Supreme Court has never expressly ruled a conflict occurs only when mutually exclusive claims are lodged against the insured. He argues a conflict exists because of the substantial punitive damages claims which the Association will not indemnify.\nOther jurisdictions have found a conflict of interest arises when an insurer offers to defend its insured while disclaiming coverage for punitive damages. See San Diego Navy Federal Credit Union v. Cumis Insurance Society, Inc. (1984), 162 Cal. App. 3d 358, 208 Cal. Rptr. 494; Previews, Inc. v. California Union Insurance Co. (9th Cir. 1981), 640 F.2d 1026; Rimar v. Continental Casualty Co. (1975), 50 A.D.2d 169, 376 N.Y.S.2d 309; Parker v. Agricultural Insurance Co. (1981), 109 Misc. 2d 678, 440 N.Y.S.2d 964.\nThe Illinois Supreme Court has not addressed whether a conflict exists when the allegations include noncovered, punitive damages. The first district case on which plaintiff relies ordered the insurer to relinquish control of its insured\u2019s defense and reimburse the insured for independent counsel where the allegations in the suit involved covered compensatory damages and noncovered punitive damages. See Nandorf, 134 Ill. App. 3d at 138, 479 N.E.2d at 992.\nNandorf involved a false imprisonment claim filed against a shop owner, the insured. The plaintiff sought $5,000 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages. There, as in the instant case, the insurer proceeded to defend under a reservation of rights and refused to surrender control of the litigation. (Nandorf, 134 Ill. App. 3d at 135, 479 N.E.2d at 990.) The Nandorf court ruled the insurer should have relinquished control of the litigation to defendant and reimbursed the costs of independent counsel. Nandorf, 134 Ill. App. 3d at 140, 479 N.E.2d at 994.\nThe trial court in this case did not follow Nandorf. It adopted reasoning offered by the Association, and ruled the Association\u2019s interests would not be furthered by providing a \u201cless than vigorous defense to the allegations of the defense.\u201d The Association, the court reasoned, would risk a larger compensatory damages award if its defense efforts toward the punitive damages claim were inadequate. It distinguished Nandorf because there the compensatory damages sought were $5,000, while the punitive damages sought were $100,000. The court reasoned Nandorf was distinguishable since the punitive damages sought there were significantly greater than the compensatory damages. Hubbartt is seeking from Seibert $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.\nHowever, the proportionality between potential compensatory and punitive damages should not be the guiding factor. Seibert faces personal liability for $5 million. Two State courts have raised the issue of independent counsel paid for by the insurer where punitive damages were sought in civil rights litigation. Both courts ruled that where punitive damages are alleged, the insured had a right to independent counsel paid for by their insurer. City of Newark v. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. (1975), 134 N.J. Super. 537, 342 A.2d 513; Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. v. Village of Hempstead (1979), 48 N.Y.2d 218, 397 N.E.2d 737.\nUnder the present facts, Seibert bears a significant risk in the litigation because its outcome might result in a large punitive damage award which \u2014 as a matter of law \u2014 would be borne by him. He faces grave economic consequences. Because the Association has agreed to defend under a reservation of rights and the policy precludes coverage for punitive damages, the Association does not face economic consequences for the potential $5 million punitive damages claim.\nThe Illinois Supreme Court has required the insurer to relinquish control of its insured\u2019s defense when the plaintiff could be prejudiced by the insurer\u2019s attorney presenting the case in the best light for the insurer. (Thornton, 74 Ill. 2d at 152, 384 N.E.2d at 343; Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 195, 355 N.E.2d at 29.) A similar concern arises in the instant case. Although the claims are not mutually exclusive, the Association could benefit by a finding that Seibert\u2019s conduct justifies a punitive damages award. The Association may be required to pay only minimal compensatory damages, while Seibert may be personally liable for a large punitive damages award. If Seibert\u2019s conduct is ruled malicious, the Association would not be liable for even the compensatory damages because injuries caused by such acts are excluded from indemnification.\nAn additional factor to consider is the rationale behind the general rule that the insurer should control its insured\u2019s defense. One reason for the rule is to protect the insurer\u2019s financial interest. (Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 168 Ill. App. 3d at 163, 522 N.E.2d at 613.) The Association attempted to fulfill its duty to defend defendant by retaining counsel from a law firm independent of counsel appointed to represent the city and other defendants. However, there is no evidence the counsel Seibert retained would be more costly to the Association. Those costs will be based on a reasonable fee.\nThe trial court erred in ruling that, as a matter of law, no conflict of interest existed between the Association and Seibert. Seibert\u2019s interests could be substantially prejudiced if he is represented by counsel selected by the Association. Independent counsel selected by Seibert and paid for by the Association will not damage the Association\u2019s interests.\nSeibert next argues the court erred in concluding that because evidence required to disprove a constitutional violation and a punitive damages claim is similar in nature and quantity, the Association could defend both claims without a conflict arising between the parties\u2019 interests. The court ruled the Association should control the defense of the punitive damages claim as well as the compensatory damages claim because the evidence necessary to defend against both was similar in nature and quantity.\nSeibert contends that because a lesser threshold is required to prove a constitutional violation than a punitive damages claim, counsel appointed by the Association could defend the punitive damages claim less forcefully than he might defend against the compensatory damages caused by the alleged constitutional violations.\nHe argues the Association could seek nominal compensatory damages while providing a less than vigorous defense to a jury instruction for the punitive damages claim because punitive damages require showing Seibert\u2019s conduct was wilful or wanton. He contends if the Association represents him in both claims, it should have to waive its reservation of rights for punitive damages.\nThe Association contends the nature and quantity of evidence needed to disprove each claim is similar. It correctly argues Lester v. City of Chicago (7th Cir. 1987), 830 E2d 706, announced an objective fourth amendment standard for determining whether force used during an arrest violates the Constitution: \u201c[A] police officer\u2019s use of force in arresting a suspect violates the Constitution if, judging from the totality of circumstances at the time of the arrest, the officer used greater force than was reasonably necessary to make the arrest.\u201d Lester, 830 F.2d at 713.\nThis approach has been adopted by the United States Supreme Court. In Graham v. Connor (1989), 490 U.S. 386, 104 L. Ed. 2d 443, 109 S. Ct. 1865, the Court stated all claims of excessive force by police officers during an arrest should be analyzed under the fourth amendment objective reasonableness standard. Graham, 490 U.S. at 395, 104 L. Ed. 2d at 454, 109 S. Ct. at 1871.\nAs the Association contends, the United States Supreme Court set the standard for the award of punitive damages in civil rights cases in Smith v. Wade (1983), 461 U.S. 30, 75 L. Ed. 2d 632, 103 S. Ct. 1625. The Court held punitive damages may be awarded against an individual in section 1983 cases even where the defendant\u2019s conduct is not motivated by malice or evil intent. Reckless or callous indifference to a plaintiff\u2019s federally protected rights is sufficient. Smith, 461 U.S. at 51, 75 L. Ed. 2d at 648, 103 S. Ct. at 1637.\nHowever, as Seibert argues, objectively unreasonable conduct, which proves a constitutional violation, requires a lower threshold of evidence than evidence required to prove defendant\u2019s conduct was reckless or that it represents callous indifference to a civil rights plaintiff\u2019s rights. Although the evidence is similar in nature, additional evidence of Seibert\u2019s motives for his actions would be required to prove punitive damages.\nIn addition, Seibert correctly notes punitive damages can be awarded in civil rights litigation without proving actual damages. (See, e.g., Spence v. Staras (7th Cir. 1974), 507 F.2d 554, 558, citing Rogers v. Loether (7th Cir. 1972), 467 F.2d 1110, 1112 n.4, and Basista v. Weir (3d Cir. 1965), 340 F.2d 74, 88; Glover v. Alabama Department of Corrections (11th Cir. 1984), 734 F.2d 691, 694, citing Endicott v. Huddleston (7th Cir. 1980), 644 F.2d 1208, 1217.) This consideration, too, represents a potential conflict and is similar to the conflict identified by the Illinois Supreme Court in Maryland Casualty and in Thornton where the alleged claims were mutually exclusive. (Maryland Casualty, 64 Ill. 2d at 197, 355 N.E.2d at 30; Thornton, 74 Ill. 2d at 152, 384 N.E.2d at 343.) If Seibert\u2019s conduct is found to have been reckless or callous, the jury could award punitive damages even if it found Seibert\u2019s conduct did not cause the injuries for which Hubbartt seeks compensatory damages. If Hubbartt establishes that Seibert\u2019s conduct was unreasonable, a jury instruction on whether Seibert\u2019s conduct was reckless would not necessarily be automatic, but would depend on Seibert\u2019s attorney\u2019s efforts to establish that although Seibert\u2019s conduct may have been unreasonable, it was not reckless or malicious.\nHowever, a finding that Seibert\u2019s conduct was malicious would be beneficial to the Association. It would raise the Association\u2019s policy exclusion for compensatory damages because the policy excludes liability for malicious acts.\nThere is a conflict between the parties\u2019 interests in the way the constitutional claim and the punitive damages claim might be defended. The trial court erred in ruling the Association could control the defense for the compensatory and punitive claims because the evidence to defend each, although similar in nature, varies in quantity.\nWe find a conflict between the parties\u2019 interests in the pending litigation. Accordingly, we reverse the trial court\u2019s entry of summary judgment in favor of the Association and direct the court to enter an order requiring the Association to (1) pay reasonable attorney fees incurred by Seibert and (2) allow Seibert\u2019s personally selected counsel to assume control of the litigation as against him.\nReversed and remanded.\nGREEN, P.J., and STEIGMANN, J., concur.", "type": "majority", "author": "JUSTICE KNECHT" } ], "attorneys": [ "H. Kent Heller & Associates, P.C., of Naperville (H. Kent Heller, of counsel), for appellant.", "Stanley L. Morris, of Long, Morris, Myers & Rabin, P.C., of Springfield, for appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. TERRY SEIBERT, Defendant-Appellant.\nFourth District\nNo. 4 \u2014 91\u20140367\nOpinion filed January 16, 1992.\nRehearing denied February 20, 1992.\nH. Kent Heller & Associates, P.C., of Naperville (H. Kent Heller, of counsel), for appellant.\nStanley L. Morris, of Long, Morris, Myers & Rabin, P.C., of Springfield, for appellee." }, "file_name": "0864-01", "first_page_order": 888, "last_page_order": 902 }