Washington – June 6, 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court referenced an amicus brief by Crowell & Moring in its decision today, determining that Truck Insurance Exchange qualifies as a ‘party in interest’ allowed to participate in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of two manufacturing firms confronting multiple asbestos injury claims.
The legal team from Crowell, spearheaded by Laura A. Foggan, submitted a 23-page brief to the court in the case of Truck Insurance Exchange v. Kaiser Gypsum Co. Inc, representing the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the Complex Insurance Claims Litigation Association.
In a unanimous ruling, with Justice Alito recusing himself, the court supported the arguments presented in the amicus brief, asserting that insurers are considered parties of interest in bankruptcy cases with the right to contribute to discussions, particularly in scenarios where they may face significant financial implications from a reorganization proposal. This ruling could set a precedent for other mass tort bankruptcies with extensive tort liabilities that the insured entities aim to impose on their insurers.
The critical question addressed was whether an insurer, whose policyholder claims financial liability for personal injury lawsuits filed in bankruptcy, holds the status of a “party in interest” who may contest the Chapter 11 reorganization plan. The Court acknowledged that while the principle of ‘insurance neutrality’ is essential for maintaining an insurer’s coverage defenses, it does not solely dictate standing. Bankruptcy proceedings can affect insurers’ interests in numerous ways.
This issue is particularly relevant for Crowell’s clients, whose members regularly provide insurance policies to companies that might eventually seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, commonly influenced by substantial alleged tort liabilities that the insured intend to shift to their insurers during bankruptcy.
The brief emphasizes: “An insurer that may bear financial responsibility for claims against the debtor should be allowed to engage in the confirmation process and voice any objections to the reorganization plan. This straightforward interpretation of Section 1109(b) safeguards both the integrity of the bankruptcy process and the viability of liability insurance.”
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