The ruling leaves Exxon empty-handed, as the judges firmly sided with Lexington’s interpretation of the policy.
Legal Teams and Next Steps
The Panel
The case was decided by Chief Justice W. Scott Golemon and Justices Leanne Johnson and Jay Wright.
Representation
- Lexington Insurance Co. was represented by Howard L. Close, Michael Adams-Hurta, Thomas C. Wright, and Kenneth Jason Fair of Wright Close & Barger LLP, as well as Darin Lee Brooks, Brian Waters, Kristen Kelly of Gray Reed, and Christopher W. Martin of Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom.
- Exxon Mobil was represented by Russell S. Post, Joshua S. Smith, and Nicholas M. Bruno of Beck Redden LLP.
Neither Exxon nor Lexington provided immediate comments on Thursday regarding the ruling.
With this dramatic reversal, the case highlights the limitations of corporate insurance policies and the legal complexities of employer liability exclusions. As Exxon assesses its next move, the ruling sets a precedent for future disputes over coverage for workplace accidents.
