Duke University is demanding its insurance company cover the costs of its settlement with three former lacrosse players who were falsely accused of rape.

The school filed a lawsuit Monday against National Union Fire Insurance Co. The suit seeks compensation for the undisclosed settlement and other costs incurred in the fallout of the case.

The lawsuit said the insurer has paid nothing toward the case. More than 40 unindicted players from the 2006 lacrosse team have since sued the university.

The lawsuit said National Union breached its contract. The school said it repeatedly notified the insurance company about the details of the investigation and that National Union repeatedly acknowledged that its policies potentially covered the claims.

The lacrosse scandal began in 2006 after three former Duke players were accused of raping a stripper at a team party. State prosecutors later declared the men innocent and dropped all charges.

The three players involved reached a private settlement with Duke last June.

Related Links

1. See Lawsuit Paperwork