Insurer Must Pay Contractor's Defense Costs Related to Drywall Class Action

MIAMI - A federal judge in Florida has ordered Great American Fidelity Insurance Co. to pay costs a general contractor has incurred defending a class action lawsuit brought by residents of a condominium complex that contains Chinese drywall. Great American Fidelity Insurance Co., et al. v. JWR Construction Services Inc., et al., No. 10-61423 (S.D. Fla.).

Judge Paul C. Huck of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued the directive at the conclusion of an order awarding summary judgment to JWR Construction Services Inc. on claims that Great American has a duty to defend the contractor …