Breach of contract lawsuit filed against property insurer for allegedly not covering hail damage

GRETNA – A Marrero homeowner is suing her property insurer for allegedly not providing her with a proper insurance settlement following a hailstorm.

Lafonya Broussard filed suit against Centauri Specialty Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 23.

Broussard contends she owns a home located at 4216 S. Ridgeland Drive in Marrero that had a homeowner’s insurance policy provided by Centauri Specialty Insurance Company covering it when a hailstorm struck the area on Feb. 24, 2013. The plaintiff asserts the hailstorm damaged her home’s roof that subsequently allowed waster intrusion and resulting damage to the interior of the property and its contents.

Broussard claims Centauri Specialty Insurance Company hired an insurance adjuster to assess the damages, but that they did not spend enough time inspecting the property before offering a insurance settlement far lower than the amount of actual damages.
The defendant is accused of breach of contract, bad faith claims handling, negligent claims handling, non-prompt payment, negligent misrepresentation and violation of state law.

Damages in excess of $50,000 is sought for diminution in property value, repair and remediation expenses, amount due under the insurance policy, cost to hire investigative and engineering firms, consequential damages, loss of use and attorney’s fees.

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

The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner Jr.

Case no. 747-019.