New Hampshire

Consolidated Freightways Corp. v. T. E. I. Corp. in New Hampshire Law

How Consolidated Freightways Corp. v. T. E. I. Corp. applies in New Hampshire: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Civil Procedure.

State Approach

New Hampshire law follows similar principles as articulated in Consolidated Freightways, particularly concerning the interplay of liability and indemnity. The state emphasizes the importance of contractual language in determining the obligations and rights of parties in indemnity clauses.

State Rule
In New Hampshire, indemnity clauses are enforced if they are clear and unambiguous, especially when addressing the duty to defend and indemnify against claims arising from negligence.
Significant State Cases

Sullivan v. City of Concord

The court held that indemnity provisions must be explicit in their intent to cover losses resulting from a party's own negligence.

Wettengel v. National Grange Mutual Insurance Co.

The decision reaffirmed that the duty to defend is broader than the duty to indemnify, emphasizing the necessity of clear contractual language.

Harris v. New Hampshire Fire Equipment Co.

In this case, the court determined that the indemnity obligations arise only when explicitly stated, thus aligning with the principles from Consolidated Freightways.

Comparison to Federal Law

New Hampshire’s approach to indemnity closely mirrors the federal standard, particularly regarding clear and unequivocal terms in contracts. However, New Hampshire courts may place a greater emphasis on the intent behind contractual language in certain contexts.

Bar Exam Note

Understanding indemnity and liability as articulated in Consolidated Freightways is essential for the New Hampshire bar exam, particularly in the context of civil procedure questions.

Practice Pointers
  • Always draft indemnity clauses with clear, unambiguous language to avoid disputes.
  • Be aware that New Hampshire courts will closely examine the intent behind contractual obligations.
  • Consider the broader implications of the duty to defend compared to the duty to indemnify when advising clients.

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