Raizner Slania filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit on behalf of a local Texas car wash against Columbia Mutual Insurance Company and Texas Insurance Claims Service, Inc. after its hail damage claim was wrongfully denied under Texas law.
April 2015 Ellis County Hailstorm
In April 2015, a severe hailstorm swept through Ellis County and substantially damaged the plaintiff’s property. The hailstorm caused damage to the roof, exterior, and interior of the property. Immediately upon discovering the damage, the plaintiff filed an insurance claim with Columbia for the cost of repairs to be covered under its policy.
In response to the claim, Columbia assigned representatives, adjusters, consultants, and agents to the plaintiff’s claim that were inadequately and improperly trained to handle this type of claim. Specifically, Columbia assigned the claim to Texas Insurance Claims Services who in turn assigned it to an employee.
Both Texas Insurance and the employee failed to perform a thorough investigation of the property. The employee refused to hire any qualified experts to appropriately assess the damage. In addition, the employee delayed the claims process and failed to communicate with the plaintiff.
Columbia relied solely on Texas Insurance Claims Service and the employee’s haphazard investigation of the property to determine what amounts, if any, to pay on the plaintiff’s claim. As a result, Columbia wrongfully denied and grossly underpaid the plaintiff’s claim for property repairs.
Columbia and Texas Insurance Claims Service Violated the Texas Insurance Code
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 implement reasonable standards for the investigation of a claim, and failure to promptly provide a reasonable explanation for the denial of a claim.
Raizner Slania: Hailstorm Damage Lawyers
If your insurance carrier wrongfully denied a Texas hailstorm damage claim, you need an experienced team of insurance lawyers to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the hailstorm damage lawyers at Raizner Slania today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf.
