Panel: Insurer defense required even if charges are groundless

By John Flynn Rooney Law Bulletin staff writer

Posted January 19, 2015 2:43 PM

A manufacturing company’s former insurers must defend against thousands of toxic tort lawsuits even if the allegations are deemed false or groundless, a state appeals court panel ruled. The 1st District Appellate Court issued its decision in favor of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC. They manufacture and distribute tools, equipment and finishing systems. Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., Century Indemnity Co. and Travelers Indemnity Co. of Connecticut issued 10 policies, each with different …

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