GRETNA – A longtime customer of a local bank is suing the institution after it allegedly withheld her ability to transfer her savings account to another bank without providing information as to why monies were being withheld.
Angela Helwig filed suit against Metairie Bank and Trust in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 25.
Helwig, a 91-year-old woman, alleges that she had been a customer of Metairie Bank and Trust for more than 50 years when due to health problems, including the loss of her vision, she had to have her account administered by her children. The plaintiff asserts that when her son attempted to have her savings account containing more than $20,000 transferred to another bank, Metairie Bank and Trust informed her son that the account had been frozen due to a dispute. Helwig claims when her son questioned the bank’s lawyer over the decision it refused to tell him why the account had been frozen and barred him from reentering the bank.
The defendant is accused of depriving the plaintiff of her assets, intentional infliction of emotional distress, conversion of funds and failing to appropriately steward the account.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for emotional distress, inconvenience, accountant fees and attorney’s fees.
Helwig is represented by attorney Sharry Handler of New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.
Case no. 737-802.
Local bank sued for allegedly withholding account of elderly woman with no explanation
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