Hammond resident sues insurance company over Hurricane Gustav

After receiving a small percentage of insurance benefits for the damage to her property from Hurricane Gustav, a Hammond resident has filed a lawsuit against her insurance company.

Joyce Williams filed suit against Foremost Insurance Co. June 21 in Tangipahoa Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on July 12.

Williams states her property at East Green Street in Hammond was severely damaged by Hurricane Gustav's winds in September 2008. She claims Foremost Insurance has only paid $21 of a $92,000 benefit for damage to the structure of the property, paid none for code upgrades or mold damage and only paid $562 of a $20,000 benefit for damage to her personal property.

Williams argues Foremost has acted arbitrarily and capriciously in the handling of her damage claim.

Williams is asking the court for an award of $131,417 plus interest, court costs, penalties and attorney fees.

Williams is represented by New Orleans attorney Kevin C. Schoenberger.

U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv01945