Insurer sued by property owner over breach of contract after HVAC system damaged

GRETNA – A property holding company is suing its insurer over a claim related to electrical problems at one of its companies.

Geocor Properties LLC filed suit against Lloyd’s of London, Equity Partners Insurance Services Inc., Synergy Inc. and Todesco Enterprize Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 14.

Geocor Properties asserts that on July 8, 2013, while its property was insured under a policy provided by Lloyd’s of London, a property at 4512-4548 S. I-10 Service Road in Metairie suddenly filled with smoke. The plaintiff claims that the fire department was called and discovered that there was not a fire, but an air conditioner unit motor failed resulting in the sudden release of coolant gas that resembled smoke. A re-inspection conducted by Synergy Inc. revealed an electrical junction box had melted due to a short or spark and several HVAC units were damaged in the process, however, Synergy Inc. allegedly did not make an adjustment to the insurance claim within 30 days.

Geocor Properties alleges that five months after the incident it received a letter from Synergy Inc. denying its claim.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, violation of duty of good faith and failing to pay fairly and promptly.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for statutory penalties and attorney’s fees.

Geocor Properties is represented by attorney Thomas Ainsworth Robichaux of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 735-553.