Ryerson Provides Commentary For Law360 Article Regarding Toxic Tort Suits
Clausen Miller P.C. senior partner Thomas H. Ryerson recently provided Law360 with commentary regarding an Illinois Appeals court’s recent ruling on Illinois Tool Works, Inc. According to Law360, the court ruled that three insurers must defend Illinois Tool Works Inc. in toxic tort suits, even if the underlying claims are unfounded, clarifying duty-to-defend standards under state law which give policyholders an edge in seeking coverage for suits containing vague and ambiguous allegations.
In the article, Tom Ryerson gave insight into how the ruling should not discourage insurers from seeking relief in similar situations.
“In the underlying case, these are plaintiff’s lawyers trolling for coverage by making the most vague allegations as possible in hopes of gaining insurance coverage”
Ryerson also noted that the ruling did not result in an expansion of established Illinois law on insurer’s duty to defend.
Tom Ryerson is a senior partner of Clausen Miller P.C. and AV Preeminent rated. He has successfully tried and litigated, in state and federal courts, a wide variety of cases, including cyberliability, medical malpractice, professional liability, design professional liability, products liability, construction, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, municipal liability, employment practices liability and civil rights. In addition to extensive jury trial experience, he has substantial experience in alternative dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration.
Law360: Illinois Court’s Duty-To-Defend Ruling Boosts Policyholders
Private: Thomas H. Ryerson