Indeck Power Equipment Company v. Ashley Energy LLC — 7th Cir. (Sep 18, 2026)

No. 26-1390 Argued September 18, 2026 Published September 19, 2026

The Seventh Circuit hears Indeck Power Equipment Company versus Ashley Energy. After a 2019 flood disabled equipment at Ashley's St. Louis steam plant, Ashley leased an industrial boiler and water-treatment trailer from Indeck for three months. When Ashley returned them, Indeck found heavy scale in the boiler. Indeck blamed improper operation; Ashley blamed start-up and equipment problems. Indeck sued for breach of contract. After a five-day trial, the jury found that Indeck performed and Ashley breached the lease, but that Ashley's breach caused Indeck no damage. The district court denied a new trial and Indeck's request for more than one million dollars in fees and costs. Indeck asks for a new trial and fees. Ashley says the verdict was rational and a losing plaintiff cannot recover fees.

Indeck Power Equipment Company v. Ashley Energy LLC (No. 26-1390) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued September 18, 2026.

Sources

Argument audio — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (public domain, 17 U.S.C. § 105):https://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/sound/external/ef.26-1390.26-1390_09_18_2026.mp3

Argument listing — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit:https://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/oralArguments/oar.jsp?amonth=09%2F2026&aMonth=List+case%28s%29

Post-trial opinion — U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois via Justia:https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/illinois/ilndce/1%3A2021cv01353/396891/220/

Counterclaim opinion — U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois via Justia:https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/illinois/ilndce/1%3A2021cv01353/396891/122/

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