GMT, along with Paine Hamblen of Spokane, is lead trial counsel for the Catholic Diocese of Spokane in insurance coverage litigation in federal court in Spokane.  The Diocese made claims against its general liability carriers for the Diocese’s negligent supervision liabilities arising out of historical acts of abuse by some of its priests.  Five insurance companies and the Washington Insurance Guaranty Association (which took over the policies of the defunct Home Indemnity Company) have been represented in the litigation by eight law firms from around the country.

Between March 2006 and July 6, 2006, the six entities have settled, several contingent on a successful plan of reorganization being in place in the Diocese’s corollary bankruptcy action.

Including interest, the insurance companies have agreed to pay over $20 million in settlement: $5.25 million from General Insurance Company (Safeco), $1.5 million from Aetna (ACE), $2.75 million from Indiana Insurance Company, $6 million from Oregon Auto Insurance Company, $3.5 million from CNA companies and $999,999.99 from WIGA.

Jim Murray, Christie Snyder and Mark Wilner are involved in the representation, along with Dan Short and Greg Arpin of Paine Hamblen.

Coverage of the settlements can be found at the following links: March 31, April 21, June 9 and July 7.