Raizner Slania LLP has filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit for fire damage against Blackboard Insurance Company (formerly known as Hamilton Insurance Company) and Texas General Insurance on behalf of a local restaurant owner.
Catastrophic Restaurant Fire
On September 9, 2017, a catastrophic fire broke out at the restaurant and caused significant damage to the business equipment, which in turn resulted in an extensive loss in income. Soon after the fire, the plaintiff filed an insurance claim and asked that the cost of repairs be covered pursuant to the policy. At the time of the fire, the property was being used in accordance with the plaintiff’s customary operations and business design, the same way the property was being used when the insurance policy was applied for and sold to the plaintiff.
Texas General and one of its agents sold the policy to the plaintiff. However, Texas General and its agent falsely represented to the plaintiff that damages caused by fire, among other things, would be, and indeed are covered by the insurance policy based on the known facts about the business, including the lack of an internal fire alarm system. The plaintiff trusted and relied upon the experience of Texas General and its agent to procure the appropriate coverage for its specialized business needs, and Texas General acted as the agent of Blackboard in connection with the procurement of coverage. Texas General and its agent led the plaintiff to believe the insurance policy secured would cover their business personal property and business income in the event of standard perils, including a fire loss.
Blackboard conducted an unreasonable and inadequate investigation of the damages to the restaurant and looked to find policy exclusions in order to deny the claim. Blackboard wrongfully denied and delayed the plaintiff’s claim for damages to contents and lost business income. Blackboard has chosen to continue to deny and delay timely payment of the damages. Because of Blackboard’s refusal to the pay the claim, the plaintiff has suffered significant economic loss.
Violations Of The Texas Insurance Code
Our client alleges Blackboard violated the Texas Insurance Code by failing to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of the claim and by failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation for the denial of a claim. Additionally, Texas General and Blackboard misrepresented the policy under which they provided coverage to the plaintiff.
Restaurant Insurance Lawyers
At Raizner Slania LLP, we have extensive experience handling litigation against insurance companies. We provide aggressive, efficient, and effective representation. If you are facing a dispute over a restaurant insurance claim, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
