Steakhouse Chain Sues Insurer Over COVID-19 Coverage

Firebirds International LLC, a steakhouse chain with more than 50 restaurants around the country, has filed a lawsuit against Zurich American Insurance Co., claiming the insurer is in breach of contract for refusing to cover business losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This, despite the fact that Firebirds pays for premium coverage.

The lawsuit, filed in Illinois state court, claims that Firebirds’ insurance policy contains to “contamination” or “virus” exclusions that might cause Zurich to prevent the claims.

Firebirds is represented by Tim Burns, Jeff Bowen, Jesse Bair, and Freya Bowen of Burns Bowen Bair LLP, as well as attorneys from DiCello Levitt Gutzler LLC, Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky PC, The Lanier Law Firm PC, and Daniels & Tredennick LLP.

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