In an article published by Law360, Goldberg Segalla partner Larry D. Mason assists in evaluating a major Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that could strengthen the federal court system’s role in adjudicating insurance coverage disputes.

The article, “6th Circ. PFAS Ruling Entrusts Coverage Suits to Fed Level,” by Jennifer Mandato, analyzes a decision that arose from a dispute between Fire-Dex LLC and Admiral Insurance Co. over coverage for lawsuits related to PFAS exposure.

Essentially, the Sixth Circuit ruled that federal courts should retain jurisdiction over insurance coverage disputes involving both coercive and declaratory claims, especially when they are closely linked. Vacating a lower court’s decision to remand the case to state court, the Sixth Circuit emphasized that federal courts have a duty to exercise jurisdiction when granted by Congress, unless a legal restriction applies.

Chair of Goldberg Segalla’s Environmental and Mass Torts Coverage subgroup, Larry praises the ruling, stating that the Sixth Circuit correctly interpreted the law. He says abstaining in such cases would conflict with Congressional intent and established case law and argues federal courts are often better equipped to handle complex insurance disputes.

“The Sixth Circuit’s conclusion, that when coercive and declaratory claims in a mixed action are tightly linked it would be an abuse of the federal court’s discretion to abstain on retaining jurisdiction over all the claims, further supports the argument that federal courts, whenever possible, should decide insurance disputes,” Mason said.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: “6th Circ. PFAS Ruling Entrusts Coverage Suits to Fed Level,” Law360, June 12, 2025 (Subscription required)

MORE ABOUT GOLDBERG SEGALLA’S Larry D. Mason:

Larry is a renowned trial and appellate litigator and counselor to many national and international businesses across diverse industries. Based in Chicago but with experience litigating and counseling clients through complicated and high-profile matters across the country and internationally, he dedicates most of his practice to insurance coverage, reinsurance, commercial litigation, environmental and toxic torts, and complex insurance regulatory matters. He also focuses on professional liability for clients in insurance, environmental, construction, and related industries. He brings his extensive experience to leadership positions in the firm, where he is chair of the Environmental and Mass Torts Coverage, First-Party Property, and Construction Coverage subgroups.