Raizner Slania has filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit on behalf of a local hotel owner against AmRisc, LLC, Certain Underwriters of Lloyd’s, London, Indian Harbor Insurance Company, QBE Specialty Insurance Company, Steadfast Insurance Company, General Security Indemnity Company of Arizona, United Specialty Insurance Company, Lexington Insurance Company, Princeton Excess and Surplus Lines Company, International Insurance Company of Hannover PLC, and Vericlaim, Inc.
March 2016 Windstorm
On March 25, 2016, a windstorm swept through Nueces County causing substantial damage to the exterior, windows, and interior of the property. Upon discovering the damage, the plaintiff filed an insurance claim under the policy with the carriers. The plaintiff asked that the cost of repairs be covered pursuant to the policy. The claim was assigned to AmRisc, which in turn assigned the claim to Vericlaim as a third party adjusting firm.
Vericlaim assigned the claim to an internal adjuster who was given decision-making authority over the claim. Verclaim and its internal adjuster conducted an unreasonable and inadequate investigation and denied any wind and water damage to the windows, exterior, or interior of the property.
The internal adjuster ignored or rejected facts, physical indicators, photos, and historical building reports confirming reasonably clear coverage for the windstorm and water damage to the property. Additionally, the internal adjuster assigned unqualified and biased consultants to the claim and failed to do his own investigation of the damages.
The carriers relied on Vericlaim and its internal adjuster’s incomplete investigation to make coverage decisions under the policy and determine what amounts, if any, to pay on the claim. The plaintiff was forced to hire its own representative and demand re-inspections and re-evaluations of the obvious damages to the property that the carriers ignored.
Violations of the Texas Insurance Code
Our clients cites numerous violations of the Texas Insurance Code, including failure to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of a claim and refusing to pay a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation. Our client also alleges the carriers violated the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA).
Nueces County Wind Damage Lawyers
If you pay your premium, you deserve coverage under your insurance policy. Many insurance companies are less than honest when paying out claims, but property owners can make sure they get their full coverage by calling the Nueces County wind damage lawyers at Raizner Slania LLP. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
