Sherwin-Williams Can’t Force Insurers to Cover Lead Paint Deal

Sherwin-Williams Co.'s insurers don’t have to cover the $100 million-plus the company paid in a lead paint case because that amount doesn’t cover damages as defined by its policies, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The Cleveland-based paint giant’s portion of a $305 million settlement, which came after a California judge’s order that it help address problems associated with lead paint, was for “future harm,” and not for compensation of past problems, the justices said in a unanimous ruling.

Sherwin-Williams’ policies cover legal damages for personal injuries and property damage. However, the court determined that the company’s portion of that ...