Property insurer accused of lowballing repair estimates after hailstorm, sued by homeowner

GRETNA – A property insurer is being sued by a Marrero homeowner who claims his hail damage claim came in far lower than it should have been.

Alfred Griffin filed suit against Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 17.

Griffin contends he had a contract in place with Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to provide property insurance for his home located at 1340 Garden Road in Marrero when a hailstorm struck the area on Feb. 24, 2013. The plaintiff asserts that his home’s roof was damaged in the incident that led to water intrusion that damaged the inside and outside of the home and its contents.

Griffin claims the adjuster employed by Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to inspect his property and assess the damages did not spend the appropriate amount of time at the home to fully record the damages it received. Subsequently, the plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to provide an appropriate insurance claim.

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

Damages in excess of $50,000 is sought for diminution in value of property, repair and remediation expenses, amount due under the policy not previously paid, costs to hire investigative and engineering firms, breach of contract, loss of use, attorney’s fees, prejudgement of interest and litigation costs.

Griffin is represented by attorney David A. Binegar of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Nancy A. Miller.

Case no. 747-042.