Office Furniture Co. Says COVID-19 Shutdown Orders Caused Physical Damage

PHILADELPHIA — An office furniture company has sued The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Co. for coverage of business interruption losses it sustained when it was forced to close its warehouse and showrooms in compliance with government COVID-19 shutdown orders.

In a complaint removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Sept. 25, Commercial Office Furniture Company Inc. t/a COFCO Office Furnishings Inc. contends that it has been physically impacted by the shutdown orders, triggering coverage under its policy.

In mid-March, state and local lawmakers ordered non-essential businesses to close in an effort to stem the …