Scott Seaman Discusses General Liability Cases to Watch in the Second Half of 2023

Scott Seaman—Chicago-based partner and co-chair of Hinshaw's global Insurance Services Practice Group—discussed with Law360 Insurance Authority a pending Ninth Circuit decision in an opioid coverage case highlighted by Law360 as one of its "General Liability Cases to Watch in the Second Half Of 2023."

Seaman said if the court rules to affirm a district court judge's decision that an insurer does not have a duty to defend a drug distributor, it would "continue insurers' momentum" in suits seeking coverage under commercial general liability policies.

He also noted that the ruling could make an impact on the tort of public nuisance in states, including California. Seaman stated that last year, a California federal judge ruled that Walgreens, a drugstore chain, substantially contributed to the public nuisance in San Francisco associated with opioids. Walgreens ultimately settled the suit for nearly $230 million.

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"General Liability Cases To Watch In 2nd Half Of 2023" was published by Law360 Insurance Authority on June 30, 2023