LOUISIANA RECORD

GRETNA – A Kenner church is suing its property insurer for allegedly not covering damage that occurred during Hurricane Isaac.

Verbo of New Orleans filed suit against Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 3.

Verbo of New Orleans, a Kenner-based church, contends the church’s property was covered by Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the amount of $597,221 for the building along with $50,000 for its contents and with an $11,944.42 deductible for hurricane damage for which they paid $3,490 per year.

The plaintiff claims that Hurricane Isaac struck the property on Aug. 29, 2012 and damaged the building’s roof, exterior and interior. Verbo of New Orleans alleges that when it adjusted the property damage Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation did not spend an adequate amount of time to evaluate the damage and vastly undervalued the true damage to the property.

The plaintiff asserts it was unable to properly repair the property due to the defendant’s actions.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, bad faith claims handling, negligent claims handling, breach of duty, non-prompt payment, failing to abide by state law and negligent misrepresentation.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for diminution in value of property, repair and remediation expenses, amount due under policy not previously paid, cost to hire investigative and engineering firms, consequential damages as a result of breach of contract, mental anguish, loss of use, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interest and litigation costs.

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

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.

Case no. 739-082.