Attorney sues insurer over alleged delay in payment for fire and water damage to home

GRETNA – A local attorney is suing his property insurer for allegedly not providing timely payment for fire and water damage to his home.

George R. Riess Esq. filed suit against Scottsdale Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 27.

Riess claims that on Dec. 28, 2013 he noticed smoke coming from the back of the fireplace at his home in Marrero after which he immediately called the local fire department who put out the blaze in a matter of 45 minutes. The plaintiff asserts that the day following the fire he filed a claim against his property insurer, Scottsdale Insurance Company. Riess alleges that independent contractor Buzz Armbruster assessed the repairs on the home to be $111,679.11. The plaintiff claims the adjuster for Scottsdale Insurance Company assessed the damage at a much lower rate of $76,249.71.

Riess asserts that he and his wife both emailed the defendant’s adjuster to point out several omissions on his assessment. The plaintiffs allege that a second adjuster sent by Scottsdale Insurance Company slightly increased the assessed damage to $81,673.04. Riess claims he and his wife received a call on March 10 in which they were told they would receive payment on the damage within two weeks. However, 16 days later the plaintiff alleges he still had not received the payment.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract and failing to make payment with 30 days of receipt of satisfactory written proofs.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress and penalties.

Riess is representing himself pro se in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 736-920.