Ski Pass Insurance Row Highlights Complex Route for Virus Suits

A recent consolidation of skiers’ lawsuits against their cancellation protection insurers portends how such complex groupings could remain a viable solution for thousands of other pandemic-related cases.

Earlier this month, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) grouped proceedings based on defendant insurers — one set for cases against Arch Insurance Co. and another for United Specialty Insurance Co. Plaintiffs allege that they bought optional insurance for short-term ski passes but were denied payouts after resort closures rendered their tickets unusable.

The panel’s decision highlights the potential for consolidation of other Covid-19 insurance disputes involving limited, common factual questions. Multidistrict ...