Mich. Court Enters Split Decision in Asbestos-Related Insurance Action

DETROIT -- A Michigan federal court has entered a split summary judgment decision in a declaratory action, granting a motion to the asbestos defendant on one issue, but denying two additional motions relating to successor liability and waiver and estoppel doctrines. Continental Casualty Company, No. 05-73918 (E.D. Mich.).

In the April 12 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan declined to express an opinion as to whether the insurance company owed a duty to defend underlying asbestos lawsuits.

After its inception in 1984, Indian Head Industries purchased almost all of the assets and properties of Thyssen-Bornemisza's …