⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Fourth Circuit hears Nautilus Insurance Company's effort to recover a $3.8 million payment in the Gloria Satterfield settlement. Satterfield, Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper, died after falling at his property. Murdaugh said his dogs caused the fall and arranged for his friend Cory Fleming to represent her estate, with Palmetto State Bank officer Chad Westendorf appointed to manage it as personal representative. The money entered Fleming's firm trust account; most went to a bank account Murdaugh controlled as Forge, and Satterfield's sons received none. Murdaugh later admitted inventing the dog story to create insurance liability and steal the proceeds. Nautilus then sued Murdaugh, Fleming, Moss & Kuhn, Westendorf, and Palmetto State Bank. The district court ended the claims against Westendorf and the bank before trial. A jury later found Fleming liable for conspiracy and unfair trade practices, but not his firm. Nautilus now challenges the discovery limits and the rulings for Westendorf and the bank, and asks for judgment against the firm despite the jury's verdict.

Nautilus Insurance Company v. Cory Fleming (No. 25-1220) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, argued September 17, 2026.