Interstate Fire v. Murco Wall — 5th Cir. (argued August 31, 2026)

The Fifth Circuit hears an insurance dispute over asbestos claims against Murco Wall Products. The district court held that coverage required asbestos exposure during two insurers' policy periods. Murco argues that injury or internal exposure during those periods can trigger coverage even after inhalation has ended. The court will also consider how those policies handle reimbursement of legal-defense costs. Andrew Guthrie, of Haynes and Boone, represents Murco and will seek reversal of that coverage ruling.
Interstate Fire v. Murco Wall (No. 25-10958) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued August 31, 2026.
Sources:
Argument audio — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/OralArgRecordings/25/25-10958_08-31-2026.mp3
Argument date and advocates — Fifth Circuit recording index:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/oral-argument-recordings/results?from=2026-08-31&to=2026-09-05
Case and appellate role — Fifth Circuit calendar:
https://www-dev.ca5.uscourts.gov/oral-argument-information/court-calendars/Details/1974/
District court insurance-coverage opinion — N.D. Texas, Doc. 228:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-txnd-4_22-cv-01137/pdf/USCOURTS-txnd-4_22-cv-01137-2.pdf
Andrew Guthrie — Haynes and Boone:
https://www.haynesboone.com/people/guthrie-andrew
Andrew Guthrie professional registration — Western District of Texas:
https://ecf.txwd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/addrbook.cgi?LT=G
Stephen Melendi and firm — Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi:
https://www.tbmmlaw.com/about
Stephen Melendi professional registration — Western District of Texas:
https://ecf.txwd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/addrbook.cgi?LT=M
Canal counsel appearance — reported district court opinion:
https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20250407726
Jason Boatright — Duane Morris:
https://www.duanemorris.com/attorneys/jasonboatright.html
Jason Boatright background — Texas Governor appointment announcement:
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-three-to-risk-management-board
Erie prediction — Chaney, Fifth Circuit:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/Opinions/pub/08/08-60555-CV0.wpd.pdf
Erie prediction — McGlothin, Fifth Circuit:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/18/18-60338-CV0.pdf
Certification — Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 58:
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1463134/texas-rules-of-appellate-procedure-02062026.pdf
Certification in practice — Austin, Fifth Circuit:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/12/12-10772-cv1.pdf
Eight-corners rule and exceptions — Monroe, Texas Supreme Court:
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1453575/210232.pdf
Eight-corners comparison — Copart, Fifth Circuit:
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/21/21-10938-CV0.pdf