⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Seventh Circuit hears a property-insurance dispute over Rock Island's American Motor Inn. A 2020 derecho and a 2021 ice-dam event damaged the motel's roofs and rooms. Owner Aksharbrahma Corporation invoked the policy's appraisal process to set the remaining loss. During the lawsuit, the parties negotiated a protocol directing the appraisers to address seven roof sections and later estimates for damage hidden during inspection. It would take effect only after both sides and both appraisers signed, but Nautilus's appraiser refused. The panel later issued an award, and Nautilus paid the balance. Aksharbrahma says the award omitted a value for Roof Seven and Nautilus rejected required supplemental items. The district court held the protocol never took effect, treated the award as binding, and entered summary judgment for Nautilus. The appeal asks whether Nautilus waived the missing signature through its conduct and whether the omissions require a trial.

Aksharbrahma Corp. v. Nautilus Insurance Company (No. 25-3205) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued September 11, 2026.