The firm served as lead counsel in representing Interface Flooring Systems, Inc. and affiliated entities (Interface), the world’s leading producer of soft-surfaced modular floor coverings (carpet tiles), against Hartford Fire Insurance Company (Hartford) with an important and complex insurance coverage case. Interface filed suit against Hartford in August 2005, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, seeking millions in damages for Hartford’s refusal to defend or indemnify Interface under commercial general liability policies with respect to several lawsuits across the country that were filed against Interface alleging that Interface’s carpet tiles and the manner of their installation were defective, leading to damage to concrete slabs and an unpleasant odor in buildings. Following the successful resolution of the underlying cases, Interface received favorable rulings in the Hartford insurance litigation with respect to a motion to disqualify counsel, and on important discovery issues, including orders compelling Hartford to produce certain underwriting and claims documents. The case then settled on a confidential basis shortly thereafter in June 2008.
Interface, Inc. v. Hartford Fire Ins. Co., No. 1:05-CV-02079TCB (N.D. Ga. filed Aug. 10, 2005).