Judge hears arguments in Flexsteel case [Telegraph-Herald (Dubuque, IA)]

A Dubuque District Court judge again heard arguments about whether about a dozen insurance companies must provide coverage on claims that Flexsteel Industries polluted air and drinking water near Elkhart, Ind.

In November, Judge Michael Shubatt ruled in favor of Travelers Property Casualty Company of America and St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. that claim no responsibility in a class-action lawsuit against Flexsteel, which faces allegations that the company contaminated the water of dozens of Indiana residents. More than 10 other insurance companies filed "me too" motions for summary judgment. A different federal court claim, with practically the same facts, was filed, forcing a separate lawsuit. All of the involved insurance companies officially stated their case in a consolidated hearing to the judge Tuesday. All parties appear to agree that this case will eventually be determined by the Iowa Supreme Court.

It is still unknown how much this lawsuit might cost Flexsteel, but attorneys estimate it could be millions.