Court Finds for Carriers on Contract, Abuse of Rights Claims

NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana federal judge recently granted partial summary judgment to insurers after rejecting contentions by insureds that the carriers abused their rights in settling underlying mold and asbestos claims. BG Real Estate Services, Inc., et al. v. Monticello Insurance Co., et al., No. 04-3408 (E.D. La.).

Monticello Insurance Co. and American Equity Insurance Co. are defendants in a coverage action arising out of tort claims brought by workers in the Plaza Tower Building in New Orleans.

Monticello, American and other insurers were named directly in toxic tort suits brought by the workers (Watters v. Department of …