A dental practice that suffered economic losses as a result of the state-mandated business shutdowns last year is entitled to insurance coverage, a Pennsylvania judge has ruled in a decision that is likely to provide guidance to state and federal courts that are continuing to grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward ruled in Ungarean v. CNA that Pittsburgh dentist Timothy Ungarean is entitled to coverage for his business losses under policies by CNA and Valley Forge Insurance Co. The ruling granted summary judgment to Ungarean on the coverage question, and so now the case is set to go to the damages phase.