Are Untimely Repairs an “Occurrence” Triggering CGL Coverage?

Christopher G. Hill | Construction Law Musings All Class A commercial contractors in Virginia are required to have a minimum level of Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage.  As a general rule, this insurance is there for damage to property or persons arising from an “occurrence” that is covered by the policy.  Many cases that are… Continue reading Are Untimely Repairs an “Occurrence” Triggering CGL Coverage?

Coverage for Defective Work? Michigan Joins Majority

Alexander G. Thrasher and Heather Howell Wright | International Law Office Michigan has joined the majority of jurisdictions in holding that a general liability policy may provide coverage for claims for property damage allegedly caused by the defective work of a subcontractor. In a unanimous decision reversing the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme… Continue reading Coverage for Defective Work? Michigan Joins Majority

Michigan Supreme Court Finds Faulty Subcontractor Work That Damages Insured’s Work Product May Constitute an “Occurrence” Under CGL Policy

Jason Taylor | Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry In Skanska USA Bldg. Inc. v. M.A.P. Mech. Contractors, Inc., 2020 WL 3527909 (Mich. June 29, 2020), the Michigan Supreme Court addressed whether unintentionally faulty subcontractor work that damages an insured’s work product constitutes an “accident” under a commercial general liability insurance policy. In aligning itself with a growing… Continue reading Michigan Supreme Court Finds Faulty Subcontractor Work That Damages Insured’s Work Product May Constitute an “Occurrence” Under CGL Policy

Heads I win, Tails You Lose: Southern Owners Insurance Company v. MAC Contractors

Julius Parker | Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig On July 29, 2020, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued its opinion in Southern Owners Ins. Co. v. MAC Contractors, of Fla., LLC, — Fed. Appx. —, 2020 WL 4345199 (11th Cir. July 29, 2020).  While claiming to follow its own precedent, which narrowly interpreted the Florida Supreme Court’s decisions… Continue reading Heads I win, Tails You Lose: Southern Owners Insurance Company v. MAC Contractors

Fifth Circuit Holds Insurer Owes Duty to Defend Latent Condition Claim That Caused Fire Damage to Property Years After Construction Work

Jeremy Macklin | Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry Most general liability policies only provide coverage for “property damage” that occurs during the policy period. Thus, when analyzing coverage for a construction defect claim, it is important to ascertain the date on which damage occurred. Of course, the plaintiffs’ bar crafts pleadings to be purposefully vague… Continue reading Fifth Circuit Holds Insurer Owes Duty to Defend Latent Condition Claim That Caused Fire Damage to Property Years After Construction Work