Gerling Konzern Allgemeine Versicherungs AG v. Lawson

This case requires that we consider whether a plaintiff, who has settled an underlying tort claim with an injured party, may subsequently proceed on a contribution action against a defendant whom the plaintiff alleges was a joint tortfeasor whose negligence constituted a proximate cause of the underlying plaintiffs injuries. Defendants argue that tort reform legislation in 1995, specifically MCL 600.2956, MCL 600.2957, and MCL 600.6304, has abrogated plaintiffs contribution action because, had the underlying tort action proceeded to trial, the jury or judge would have been required to…