Silica Defendant Can Seek Coverage Under Predecessors' Policies

INDIANAPOLIS - A company named in thousands of silica lawsuits stemming from a predecessor's blasting product may still seek insurance coverage for the claims, even though the predecessor's insurers never agreed to a transfer of rights under the policies at issue, a state appeals court has held. Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, et al. v. United States Filter Corp., et al., No. 49A02-0604-CV-289 (Ind. Ct. App.).

In a July 24 opinion affirming an award of summary judgment to U.S. Filter Corp., the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that the nature of the claims against the silica defendant didn't require consent …