Minn. Federal Court Says National Union Fire Insurance Owes Contribution to Defense of Valspar Against Benzene Claims

MINNEAPOLIS –– A federal court has sided with Continental Casualty Co. in a subrogation action involving benzene claims, finding the insurer was owed contribution by another of Valspar’s insurers, National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.

On March 29, the U.S District Court for the District of Minnesota asked the parties to submit briefing detailing the exact amounts that were incurred in the defense of Valspar.

Continental sued National Union for contribution of costs incurred in defending Valspar in underlying toxic tort lawsuits, including those involving benzene exposure.

Valspar later intervened in the lawsuit and it and …