Hall v. Fire Ass'n of Philadelphia , 64 N.H. 405 ( 1887 )

It is not material whether Woodman could or could not maintain an action in her own name against the defendants. If she brings suit in the name of Hall, her interest as the real plaintiff will be as fully protected as if she were the plaintiff of record. Scoby v. Blanchard, 3 N.H. 175, 176; Cameron v. Little, 13 N.H. 23; Webb v. Steele, 13 N.H. 230, 239; Duncklee v. Greenfield Steam Mill Co., 23 N.H. 245; Jordan v. Gillen, 44 N.H. 424; Folsom v. Orient Ins. Co., 59 N.H. 54.

The policy might have been avoided by Hall's breach of its conditions, because such was the contract. Baldwin v. Phoenix Ins. Co., 60 N.H. 164. But at the moment of the loss the rights of the parties were fixed. Whatever amount was secured by the policy to the extent of the mortgage debt was due to Woodman. To her the defendants were bound to pay it. Hall could not release the defendants from their obligation, nor defeat Woodman's right. He could no more adjust the amount of the loss than he could release it. Harrington v. Fitchburg Ins. Co., 124 Mass. 126, 131; Brown v. Roger Williams Ins. Co., 5 R. I. 394, 399; Browning v. Home Ins. Co., 71 N.Y. 509. Woodsman not being a party, or privy to the reference, is not concluded or affected by the award. Mahagan v. Mead, 63 N.H. 130.

Case discharged.

All concurred.