ConAgra Not Covered for Lead Paint Litigation, Calif. Appeals Court Rules

SAN FRANCISCO — ConAgra Grocery Products Co. is not entitled to $1.02 million in insurance for underlying lead paint litigation, a California appellate panel has ruled, holding that the state insurance law, which bars coverage for a “wilful act of the insured,” relieves the insurers of liability.

In an April 19 opinion, the California Court of Appeal, 1st District, concluded that ConAgra can be held liable for the “wilful act” of its predecessor, lead paint manufacturer W.P. Fuller & Co., i.e., the promotion of lead paint for use in homes and businesses in the state.

In 2000, the County …