Seventh Circuit Issues Another Opinion Holding That Property Insurance Does Not Cover Loss of Income From COVID-19 Lockdown Orders

Stant USA Corp. v. Factory Mut. Ins. Co. 2023 WL 2326096 (7th Cir. 2023) In a continuing string of appellate decisions, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court’s decision holding that an insured company’s loss of business income due to suspension of operations during the COVID pandemic was not a covered loss […]
Seventh Circuit Enforces Policy’s Requirement That Insured Notify Insurer of Impairment to Sprinkler System to Retain Coverage for Fire Loss

Frankenmuth Mut. Ins. Co. v. Fun F/X II, Inc. 2023 WL 2256750 (7th Cir. 2023) The insured owned a costume and theatrical supply company, which stored its inventory in a warehouse. At the time of purchase, the warehouse had a functional sprinkler system with a working water supply. The insured hired an outside contractor to […]
Lewis Wagner & Trimble Expands Probate Litigation Practice Group Depth

Lewis Wagner & Trimble is thrilled to announce that Hewitt Law & Mediation has merged into the firm and its growing probate and commercial litigation practices. Brian Hewitt, along with attorneys Michele Lorbieski, Christopher Mueller, and Collin Mockbee, will join Lewis Wagner & Trimble, bringing a combined 68 years of experience in estate planning, probate […]
22 Lewis Wagner & Trimble Attorneys Named Among Indiana’s 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Lewis Wagner & Trimble is proud to have 22 attorneys included in the 2023 Indiana Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists. The annual Super Lawyers are among Indiana’s top 5% of legal minds based on a detailed, multiphase selection process that includes peer recognition and consideration of professional achievement. The attorneys named in the annual […]
Lewis Wagner & Trimble Names Lynsey F. David as Partner, Welcomes Three New Associates

Lewis Wagner & Trimble congratulates attorney Lynsey F. David for being named partner and welcomes three new associates to the firm’s litigation practice groups. New partner Lynsey David is a member of the transportation practice group. Lynsey earned her J.D. cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where she served as the […]
Indiana Court of Appeals Rules Insurance Policy’s Lead Exclusion Unambiguously Barred Coverage

Indiana Farmers Mut. Ins. Co. v. HomeWorks Management Corp., 2022 WL 17825975 (Ind. Ct. App. 2022) Parents claimed their children suffered respiratory problems because of lead-based paint and dust in the home they rented. The parents filed a lawsuit against the management company and owners of the rental home. The owners submitted a claim to […]
“No Pay, No Play” Statute Bars Uninsured Motorist From Recovering Noneconomic Damages From At-Fault Motorist

Jones v. Lofton 2022 WL 17840259 (Ind. Ct. App. 2022) Indiana is one of a minority of states that has enacted what is commonly called a “No Pay, No Play” statute. Indiana’s version of the statute (which is, in fact, two statutes) bars “an uninsured motorist with a previous violation” of failing to provide proof […]
Court of Appeals Holds That Subcontractor’s Insurer Had Duty to Defend but Not Indemnify General Contractor

Scottsdale Ins. Co. v. Harsco Corp. 2022 WL 17087036 (Ind. Ct. App. 2022) Harsco Corporation (“Harsco”) contracted with PPL Montour Company (“PPL”) to build and maintain an elevator at a PPL worksite in Pennsylvania. Harsco subcontracted with Metro Elevator Company (“Metro”) to lease and install the elevator. Consistent with the subcontract, Metro’s commercial general liability […]
Indiana Federal Court Holds That “Professional Services” Exclusion Did Not Relieve Insurer of Duty to Defend Landfill Against Nuisance and Negligence Claims

Savers Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Rockhill Ins. Co. 2022 WL 9461874 (S.D. Ind. 2022) In Savers Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Rockhill Ins. Co., county residents sued a nearby landfill, claiming they and their properties were being harmed by noxious odors, pollutants, and contaminants originating from the landfill. The landfill sought coverage […]
Seventh Circuit Holds Insurer Did Not Breach Policy or Act in Bad Faith By Treating Rather Than Euthanizing Show Horse

Greenbank v. Great Am. Assurance Co., 2022 WL 3754722 (7th Cir. 2022) Julie Greenbank purchased an athletic show horse named Thomas. Greenbank obtained a mortality insurance policy from Great American Assurance Company that provided coverage in the event of Thomas’ death or his “authorized humane destruction.” The policy defined “authorized humane destruction” as “the intentional […]