Petitions Filed to Centralize COVID-19 Related Business Insurance Coverage Cases

Two petitions by groups of policyholders to centralize the disputes of business interruption insurance class actions relating to COVID-19 business losses were filed in the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. One petition seeks to have the cases centralized in Illinois while the second petition is asking for centralization in Pennsylvania. Insurance and policyholders have filed 63 responses to the petitions. For those supporting such consolidation, mostly policyholders, argue efficiency. Those opposing such consolidation, mostly insurers, policyholders and advocates for both, argue specific policies and claims pertain to jurisdictions in different ways making consolidation ineffective.

The JPML meets in July and will issue a decision.

Currently, Stoll Berne has two similar business interruption insurance class actions. To read about one such case regarding Portland’s own James Beard award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy and the celebrated restaurant Beast, click here.


This blog is intended to provide information to the general public and to practitioners about developments that may impact Oregon class actions.

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Steve Larson

An experienced trial lawyer who handles both hourly and contingent fee cases, Steve has expertise in class actions, environmental clean-up litigation, antitrust litigation, securities litigation, corporate disputes, intellectual property disputes, unfair competition claims, and disputes involving family wealth. Steve regularly represents individuals and businesses in federal and state court and has obtained class-wide recovery in multiple class actions. A veteran practitioner, Steve’s clients value his creative approach to resolving complex litigation matters.

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The information contained in this blog does not constitute legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this blog.