Top General Liability Rulings From The 2nd Half Of 2025

Heather Habes was quoted in a Law360 article highlighting significant general liability rulings from the second half of 2025. Heather commented on the Second Circuit’s decision affirming coverage for Citgo Petroleum Corp. in a dispute over oil cargo lost during political unrest in Venezuela, noting that the court’s approach reinforces a principle policyholders often advocate, undefined terms should be construed according to their plain meaning and in favor of coverage.

“For policyholders that operate internationally or in potentially unstable regions, this decision underscores the importance of reviewing marine cargo and political risk policies closely,” Heather said. She added that doing so can help ensure sufficient coverage in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Heather also weighed in on the Fifth Circuit’s ruling limiting surety companies’ ability to seek reimbursement from parties not responsible for offshore decommissioning costs, emphasizing the need for parties in similar transactions to confirm indemnification rights and obligations.