Midwest v. Wolters: The Plain Meaning Approach To Insurance Policy Interpretation

Event Description

 

Steve Tomsche and Matt Smith will briefly discuss the Minnesota Supreme Court's reasoning and conclusions in the Midwest v. Wolters case.  In Midwest v. Wolters the Supreme Court held that the pollution exclusion in a liability insurance policy issued to a building contractor applied to bar insurance coverage for bodily injuries resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning.  The indoor carbon monoxide release was caused by the negligent installation of a boiler by the insured contractor.  The Supreme Court applied a "plain meaning approach" to insurance policy interpretation and declined to adopt the view of a majority of U.S. jurisdictions that refuse to enforce the pollution exclusion to exclude coverage for similar indoor releases of pollutants.  The Supreme Court also held that the insured contractor was not afforded coverage under the reasonable expectations doctrine.  Discussion, questions and input from the audience are welcome and encouraged. 

Presenters:
Steven Tomsche, Tomsche, Sonnesyn & Tomsche, PA
Matthew Smith, Tomsche, Sonnesyn & Tomsche, PA

CLE Credits:
1.0 Standard CLE credits approved | Event Code: 182392   

Cost:
Section Members:   $20.00
MSBA Members but not Section Members:  $25.00
Non-MSBA Members:  $30.00
Law Students:  Free

Remote Participation:
Webcasting and teleconferencing are available. Please indicate this option when registering. Instructions will be sent via e-mail on Thursday, September 12.

Deadline to Register:  September 11, 2013
You can register by clicking the "Register" button at the top of this page.

To register by mail with a check, please use the registration form located here.

Want more information about the MSBA Construction Law Section ?  Visit our website for news on upcoming CLEs, events and activities! 

Need to cancel?  Please see our cancellation policy .

Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Carter  | 612-278-6309 | jcarter@mnbar.org

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DATE
Friday, September 13, 2013
TIME

12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

VENUE
Minnesota State Bar Association
600 Nicollet Mall #380
Minneapolis, MN 55402