The federal district court found that the insurer owed a duty to defend the additional insured. Owners Ins. Co. v. Colliers Bennet & Kahnweiler, LLC, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 24893 (N.D. Ill. Feb. 11, 2025).

Colliers Bennett Kahnweller, LLC (Colliers) managed property owned by North Shore Industrial Holdings LLC (North Shore). North Shore, by and through its agent Colliers, entered into a services contract with Ingram under which Ingram agreed to provide snow and ice management services at the property. This involved plowing and salting or parking lots. Under the terms of the services contract, Colliers had the ability to give direction to Ingram, terminate Ingram employees, and to terminate the agreement. Under the services agreement, Ingram was required to obtain commercial general liability insurance for Colliers. Ingram secured such a policy from Owners.

Adam Chmielewski sued Colliers, alleging he sustained injuries from a slip and fall in 2016. He alleged that Colliers "managed, maintained and controlled" the property and had a "duty to exercise ordinary care and caution" in managing the property.