Homeowner sues after property insurer allegedly undervalues hurricane damage

GRETNA – A local homeowner claims her property insurer grossly undervalued damages to her home caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Penny Pierre filed suit against Lexington Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 28.

Pierre alleges she held a property insurance policy issued by Lexington Insurance Company on her home located at 2438 North Ashland Place in Gretna when Hurricane Isaac struck the area on Aug. 30, 2012. The plaintiff asserts her home was covered in various areas for up to $289,800 for which she had paid $3,956.20 for the period of May 30, 2012 through May 30, 2013. Pierre claims the hurricane resulted in roof damage, water damage, exterior and interior damage and other problems.

The plaintiff alleges she asked the defendant to cover the damages to her home experienced during the hurricane. However, Pierre asserts the adjuster Lexington Insurance Company sent to her home did not spend enough time at her home to properly assess the damage and said the damages to the home were only in the amount of $5,300. The plaintiff claims her actual damages were much higher.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, bad faith, breach of duty of good faith, non-prompt payment action, failing to make proper payment in a timely manner, negligent misrepresentation and violation of state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for repair and remediation expenses, diminution in the value of property, the unpaid amount, cost to hire investigative and engineering firms, mental anguish, loss of use, attorney’s fees and litigation costs.

Pierre is represented by Shelly R. Hale of New Orleans-based Speights & Worrich.

The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.

Case no. 738-902.