Washington State Dentists Forced to Close After COVID-19 Outbreak File Class Action for Coverage of Losses

TACOMA, Wash. - Dentists who secured business insurance from Aspen American Insurance Co. have filed a class action in Washington state asking a federal judge to rule they cannot be denied coverage for losses that followed orders to shut down their practices amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

In a complaint filed April 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the dentists contend a directive from state governor Jay Inslee prohibiting them from opening during the outbreak constituted a direct physical loss covered under policies issued by Aspen.

The named plaintiff in the suit, Ronald A. Mikkelson …