By Robert L. Sallander, Jr.
Liability policies cover damages as distinguished from other types of relief available in a civil action. In general, this means that claims for equitable relief are not covered. See City of Edgerton v. General Cas. Co. of Wisconsin, 517 N.W.2d 463, 478-479 (Wis. 1994); Maryland Cas. Co. v. Armco, Inc., 643 F.Supp. 430, 432 (D.Md. 1986), aff'd, 822 F.2d 1348 (4th Cir. 1987). AIU Ins. Co. v. Superior Court, 51 Cal.3d 807 (1990).
Damages are compensation to a party for its injuries or for other loss. United States v. Price, 688 F.2d 204, 212 (3d Cir. 1982). Equitable remedies are intended either to resotre the status quo or to prevent threatened future harm or injury. School Dist. of Shorewood v. Wausau ins. Cos. 488 N.W.2d 82 (Wis. 1992).