Federal Court Absolves Mt. Hawley in Environmental Exposure Case

MIAMI - Parties to an environmental exposure lawsuit are appealing a federal judge's decision to award summary judgment to the defendant's insurer in a companion coverage action. Mt. Hawley Insurance Co. v. Dania Distribution Centre Ltd., No. 09-61275-Civ.-COOKE/BANDSTRA (S.D. Fla.).

The notice of appeal was filed on Feb. 3 by 90 plaintiffs who are seeking coverage for a settlement in their lawsuit against the Dania (Fla.) Distribution Centre Ltd. and others over alleged exposure to asbestos, lead, silica dust, petroleum and other pollutants.

Mt. Hawley Insurance Co. filed a declaratory judgment action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern …