Sherwin-Williams Says Insurers Want Lead-Paint Case Exemption

Insurers want to create a “blanket rule” against abatement coverage, following Sherwin-Williams’ $100 million-plus settlement in a California lead paint case, a lawyer for the Cleveland paint giant told the Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday.

But such a request has no basis in Ohio law, Leon F. DeJulius Jr. of Jones Day told the justices. He urged the court to reject the arguments made by the insurance companies, which include Lloyd’s of London and Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Co.

“The insurers are asking for a blanket rule that would bar coverage for all public nuisance actions, notwithstanding the language of ...