Insurers Seek Ruling on Coverage for Naturally Occurring Radiation Brain Cancer Suits

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Two insurers have filed a declaratory judgment action in Florida, claiming they owe no duty to defend or indemnify a mining company sued in state court by individuals who allege that they developed brain tumors as a result of exposure to naturally occurring radiation materials (NORM).

In the Aug. 25 complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, The North River Insurance Co. and United States Fire Insurance Co. maintain that the underlying lawsuits do not involve a named insured under its policies and that the brain tumor claims are …