Metairie family claiming they were forced to leave property due to severe water damage sues insurer

GRETNA – A family is suing their property insurer for allegedly not providing proper payment for severe water damage to their home that forced them out of the residence for a period of three months while it was repaired and remediated.

Ivan Kelly and Keith Kelly, individually and on behalf of their minor children, filed suit against Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 29, 2014.

The Kellys contends they had a policy with Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation covering their home located at 1201 David Drive in Metairie and that on Jan. 1, 2014, wind damage blew shingles off their roof which resulted in water seeping into a wall diving their master bedroom closet and another bedroom. The plaintiffs assert that also three months later on April 4, 2014 a pipe burst on the property which led them to discover the previous damage as well as new damages to the inner walls, sheetrock, floor and other parts of the affected area.

The Kellys claim they notified Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation of the damage when it was discovered, but after sending an insurance adjuster to the residence the insurer failed to substantiate any of the property damage and refused to provide full payment for their losses. The plaintiffs allege they had to leave the premises from the time the damage was discovered until three months later and that during that time they suffered severe hardship in part due to their treatment by the defendant.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

Damages not to exceed $75,000 are sought for inconvenience, mental anguish, emotional distress, fear, fight, anxiety, loss of use of home, repair costs and remediation costs.

The plaintiffs are represented being presented pro se by Ivana Kelly.

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

Case no. 745-409.