Missouri Courts’ Application of the Pollution Exclusion: A Contrast of Two Very Different Approaches to Insurance Policy Interpretation

In its October 31, 2017, opinion in Doe Run Resources Corp. v. American Guarantee & Liability Ins., the Missouri Supreme Court examined whether a general liability policy’s pollution exclusion bars coverage for bodily harm from toxic emissions. This case contrasts with Hocker Oil Co. and could reshape coverage in pollution-related claims.