The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut ruled that federal admiralty law preempts the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. In the instant case, plaintiff insured his boat with defendant insurers. The boat sank in a storm and plaintiff filed a claim. After receiving payment, plaintiff filed a supplemental claim. When the parties couldn’t reach agreement, plaintiff sought and obtained an extension of the time to file suit. After the agreed extension expired, plaintiff filed suit alleging, among other things, that defendants violated the state unfair trade practices act, entitling him to attorneys’ fees and punitive damages. Defendants sought summary judgment.
