Raizner Law has filed a Hurricane Harvey bad faith insurance lawsuit on behalf of a Harris, County hospital against Valley Forge Insurance Company, CAN Insurance, and Engle Martin & Associates. Our client alleges numerous violations of the Texas Insurance Code.
The property consisted of 51,114 square feet of finished space, at three stories high, and had a porte-cochere at the main entrance. On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey came ashore along the Texas coast and caused devastating damage throughout the state. Hurricane Harvey’s wind and rainfall caused billions of dollars of damage in Fort Bend and Harris Counties alone.
As a result of Hurricane Harvey’s wind, the Harris, County hospital property suffered significant damage. Sizable portions of the roofs and exterior were compromised by wind. As a result, Hurricane Harvey’s rainfall was able to enter the building and cause damage to the interior.
Immediately upon discovering the damage, the plaintiff filed an insurance claim with the insurance carriers and asked that the cost of repairs be covered pursuant to its policy. In response to the claim, Valley Forge assigned internal adjusters with CNA to the claim. CAN then, in turn, engaged representatives to handle the claim who were improperly trained as to their responsibilities, and who were directed to and did minimize claim payments, delaying the reconstruction project. Sixteen months after Hurricane Harvey severely damaged the property, based on inadequate investigations, wrongful delays, and refusals to fully pay for reasonably clear damages, Valley Forge has not issued payment.
Valley Forge has unreasonably blamed the loss on “pre-existing opening/deficiencies” and has denied Hurricane Harvey played any role in the property damage. Valley Forge did this in an effort to avoid its contractual responsibilities and to save significant sums of money.
Valley Forge Acted In Bad Faith
Our client cites numerous violations of the Texas Insurance Code, including failure to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of a claim, failure to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation of claims, and the misrepresentation of the insurance policy under which it provides property coverage to the plaintiff.
Hurricane Harvey Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuits
Insurance lawsuits involving hospitals are always extremely complex. These claims involve structures that have specialized building systems and complexes and expensive medical equipment. Only an experienced insurance lawyer can help hospitals recover the true cost of repairs. Raizner Law is representing Hurricane Harvey victims in lawsuits against dishonest insurance companies including area hospitals. We have extensive experience handling hospital claims against some of the largest insurers in the country. If your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or outright denying your claim, contact us today for a free consultation to learn your legal options.
