Property insurer sued for allegedly not covering hailstorm damage to home

GRETNA – A property insurance company is facing a lawsuit after being accused of failing to properly calculate and pay an insurance claim on hail damaged home.

Eloudie P. Bingmon and Mary P. McCoy filed suit against American Security Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 23.

Bingmon and McCoy allege they are the owners of a home located at 1933 Estolate Ave. in Harvey that was covered under an insurance policy provided by American Security Insurance Company on Feb. 24, 2013 when a hailstorm struck the area and damaged their home. The plaintiffs contend the defendant’s policy covered the home itself as well as content and additional living expenses.

Bingmon and McCoy assert that despite documenting damage to both the interior and exterior of their home, including roofing water damage and alerting American Security Insurance Company, the insurance company has failed to adjust their claims promptly.

The plaintiffs claim that when they did receive an estimate on the home’s damage, it was underpriced and could not have been properly calculated beach the adjuster did not spend enough time nor assess damage to the entire property. Bingmon and McCoy allege the amount offered to them by American Security Insurance Company was not enough to repair the home.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract, bad faith claims handling, non-prompt payment, negligent misrepresentation and violation of state law.

Damages in excess of $50,000 are sought for diminution in property value, repaid and remediation expenses, full amount due under the policy, cost to hire investigation and engineering firms, consequential damages, damage to structure, loss of use, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interest and litigation costs.

Bingmon is represented by Tiffany R. Christian of New Orleans-based Binegar Christian.

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

Case no. 747-000.