The tribe submitted COVID-19-related loss claims under policies, which covered nearly $242 million worth of real property, $50 million worth of personal property and $98 million of business interruption value, according to the Ninth Circuit opinion. Credit: J. Albert Diaz/ALM
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said Thursday that a tribal court had jurisdiction over COVID-19 business interruption coverage claims the Suquamish tribe brought against several insurers.
The off-reservation insurance companies, including Lexington Insurance Co., must face the claims in Suquamish Tribal Court because the claims center on a contract between the tribe and insurers conducted on tribal land, the Ninth Circuit held. Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, tribes have power over "the activities of nonmembers who enter consensual relationships" with them, the Ninth Circuit said.
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Avalon Zoppo
Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.
