In a Law360 Insurance Authority article examining Google’s successful effort to have a California court hear its insurance coverage dispute related to the social media addiction multidistrict litigation, partner Michael A. Hamilton shared insights on the legal and strategic implications of the forum battle. The dispute centers on whether insurers have a duty to defend Google against thousands of lawsuits alleging that social media platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive to adolescents.

Hamilton explained that Google’s preference for a California forum is understandable given a recent Delaware ruling involving Meta Platforms Inc., where a judge found that similar allegations did not constitute a covered “occurrence” under commercial general liability policies. “The jurisdictional issue is important from the parties’ perspective, and probably more so from Google’s perspective, because I think they want to distance themselves — both figuratively and literally — from the earlier decision by Judge Sheldon K. Rennie in the Meta coverage action in Delaware,” said Michael.

The article further explores the potential industry-wide implications of the pending coverage disputes. Decisions in the Google and Meta cases could significantly influence how insurers evaluate coverage for claims involving platform design, emerging technologies, and allegations of intentional conduct.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: “Google’s Calif. Forum Win Sets Stage For MDL Coverage,” Law360, October 1, 2026 (subscription required)

MORE ABOUT GOLDBERG SEGALLA’S Michael A. Hamilton:

Michael A. Hamilton serves as vice chair of the firm’s Global Insurance Services group, handling sophisticated and high-exposure insurance coverage claims and commercial litigation. Mike manages complex matters ranging from environmental, professional liability and construction defect to transportation, business torts and advertising injury claims. He has been lead defense counsel in class action litigation, representing insurance companies, self-insurers, and transportation entities. Mike also has extensive appellate experience, arguing numerous appeals in state and federal courts across the country.