Pollution Liability

Understanding the science behind the claim, the exposure under the policy.

Overview
We advise insurers on a wide spectrum of claims arising under pollution legal liability policies ranging from workplace exposure to climate change.  We work closely with clients, consultants, and experts to resolve coverage disputes over claims, including federal and state enforcement actions.  Often – and ideally – we are able to obtain resolution without protracted and costly litigation.  Issues we commonly address include:
 
  • Pollution condition/incident
  • Migration
  • Clean-up costs
  • Requirements of environmental law
  • Number of pollution conditions/incidents
  • Deemer clauses
  • Remediation vs. mitigation
  • Abatement funds
TEAM
Joseph J. Baker's headshot
Joseph J. Baker
Associate
415.890.5215
George M. Bravos's headshot
George M. Bravos
Associate
312.585.1506
Shawna N. Bray's headshot
Shawna N. Bray
Associate
312.585.1464
Amy J. Cassidy's headshot
Amy J. Cassidy
Partner
312.585.1412
Matthew J. Fink's headshot
Matthew J. Fink
Partner
720.894.0890
Evan M. Kanz's headshot
Evan M. Kanz
Associate
312.585.1463
Nicholas K. Low's headshot
Nicholas K. Low
Associate
469.290.9046
Justine E. Marlin's headshot
Justine E. Marlin
Associate
312.585.1504
Greta A. Matzen's headshot
Greta A. Matzen
Partner
720.894.0889
Conor J. McCall's headshot
Conor J. McCall
Associate
469.290.9043
Emily M. Mizelle's headshot
Emily M. Mizelle
Associate
858.294.1857
Mariah Quiroz's headshot
Mariah Quiroz
Partner
469.290.9044
Connor J. Tatooles's headshot
Connor J. Tatooles
Associate
415.890.5157
Ellen Van Meir's headshot
Ellen Van Meir
Partner
469.290.9045
EXPERIENCE

    Case Study

  • West Virginia pollution

    In a high-stakes case involving coverage under a pollution legal liability policy, we presented issues of first impression and secured summary judgment in West Virginia federal court. The underlying class action case alleged injury and damage from exposure to carbon black from a manufacturing facility.

  • Obtained summary judgment, and affirmance at appellate level, based on the trial court finding that a constellation of claims relating to the insured’s abandonment of cathode ray tubes in rented warehouses did not fall within coverage of the client’s pollution liability policy on basis that the claim was made prior to the policy period, the alleged clean-up costs were not because of a pollution incident, the alleged pollution incidents at one property were before the retrospective date, and two exclusions applied. 
  • Successfully obtained summary judgment holding that property developer's claim for amounts incurred to repair shoring of excavation site were not "restoration costs" under pollution liability policy.
  • Provided coverage valuation and successfully resolved coverage dispute arising from an EPA enforcement action, seeking remediation costs in connection with asbestos contamination attributed to the insured's allegedly improper removal and disposal of concrete asbestos pipe.
  • Represented insurer in coverage disputes over Pollution and Remediation Legal Liability coverage for claims against insured landfill owners and operators.
  • Secured favorable settlement for insurer in litigation against a wholly-owned corporation of the United States of America regarding alleged coverage for environmental cleanup at the Presidio of San Francisco under remediation "stop loss" and environmental liability insurance policies.
  • Secured favorable resolution for pollution legal liability insurer over claims under Ohio and Texas law regarding investigation and remediation costs incurred to comply with U.S.E.P.A. directives.
  • Analyzed pollution liability coverage arising from release of fire-retardant foam at Brisbane airport.
  • Obtained advantageous, confidential settlement of claim involving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and responsive remedial measures.
  • Represented global insurer in dispute over coverage for claim by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation against the insured trading post for releasing hazardous substances into the environment from retail storage tanks containing gasoline and diesel, resulting in soil contamination of site owned by insured.
NEWS & INSIGHTS