Plumbing work done by a carpenter not considered professional services

Insurance Matters

By Don R. Sampen

Don R. Sampen is a member of the appellate practice group of Clausen, Miller P.C., where he focuses on appellate, commercial and insurance-related litigation. He also teaches insurance law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. His column appears twice monthly.

Posted August 23, 2022 11:07 AM

The 1st District Appellate Court recently held that a carpenter performing plumbing work for a friend, and causing property damage, was entitled to coverage under the carpenter’s own homeowner’s policy, despite “business pursuits” and professional services exclusions in the policy. The case is Stonegate Insurance Co. v. Smith, 2022 IL App (1st) 210931 (June 22). The homeowner’s insurer (appellant), Stonegate, was represented by Shelist & Pena LLC of Chicago. No other parties filed a brief on appeal.John Smith, a …

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