Court To Hear State Farm Parts Case
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2002 LitigationIllinois‘ highest court agreed today to hear an appeal of the case that shook the auto insurance market with a $1.2 billion verdict against State Farm Insurance for its use of aftermarket parts. The state Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari in the Avery v. State Farm class action lawsuit that resulted in a record-setting damage award for the plaintiffs. News of the court‘s action was immediately hailed by the Alliance of American Insurers, based in Downers Grove, Ill. The Alliance said it was pleased with the court‘s action. Lower court approval of the award "has had a chilling effect on the use of aftermarket parts throughout the country, denying the cost savings their use provides directly to insurers, and indirectly to consumers," commented Kirk Hansen, Alliance director of claims.
