Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance sued by homeowner for alleged breach of property insurance contract

GRETNA – A property insurer is being sued by a Marrero homeowner who claims it failed to properly adjust and pay for his home’s damages from a hailstorm.

Alfred Griffin filed suit against Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 23.

Griffin claims he had a property policy in effect on his home located at 1340 Garden Road in Marrero provided by Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation when a hailstorm struck the area on Feb. 24, 2013. The plaintiff alleges his home’s roof was damaged that resulted in interior and exterior water damage as well as damage to the contents of his home. Griffin contends that while the defendant sent an insurance adjuster out to his property, an accurate assessment of the home’s damage could not be properly calculated because not enough time was spent there. Subsequently, the plaintiff asserts the property insurance claim he was offered was far less than the actual damages to his home.

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

Damages in excess of $50,000 is sought for diminution in property value, repair and remediation costs, amount due under the policy, costs to hire investigative and engineering firms, loss of use, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interests and legal costs.

Griffin is represented by Tiffany A. Binegar of New Orleans-based Binegar Christian.

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

Case no. 747-042.