Our client, a veteran’s group and non-profit organization, was forced to file a lawsuit against Covington Insurance Company and Engle Martin & Associates after its commercial property damage insurance claim was wrongfully denied.
April 2016 Wind and Hail Storm
On April 26, 2016, a severe wind and hail storm struck Tarrant County, causing damage to the roof, exterior, and interior of the plaintiff’s property. Immediately upon discovering the damage, the plaintiff filed an insurance claim with Covington for the damages caused by the storm. In response to the claim, Covington assigned adjusters, consultants, and agents to the plaintiff’s file that were inadequately and improperly trained to assess this type of damage. Specifically, Covington assigned the claim to Engle Martin, who in turn, assigned the claim to an employee.
The Engle Martin employee inspected the property on May 4, 2016, but he performed a substandard inspection. Engle Martin and Covington failed to hire qualified experts to properly inspect the damage and did not prepare any estimates or scope of damages for the plaintiff.
Engle Martin and Covington performed an inadequate, incomplete, and unreasonable investigation of the claim, and Covington relied exclusively on this inadequate investigation to determine what amounts should be paid. As a result, our client’s claim was grossly underpaid.
Because of Covington’s delays, denials, and underpayment, the plaintiff remains unable to make the necessary repairs to its property, which has resulted in further interior and roof damage. The plaintiff suffered significant economic impact, worry, distress, and continuing economic and physical damage.
Covington Operated 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 implement reasonable standards for investigation of a claim, and refusal to pay a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation.
Texas Wind and Hail Damage Attorneys
If your insurance carrier wrongfully denied or grossly underpaid your Texas wind and hail damage insurance claim, the experienced attorneys at Raizner Slania can help. Our consultations are free and you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation. Call us today to schedule your consultation.