Allstate sued for allegedly not covering hail damage to home

GRETNA – A property insurer is being sued by a customer over a hail damage claim.

Annie B. Bell filed suit against Allstate Insurance Co. in the 24th Judicial District Court.

Bell asserts she was the owner of a home located at 2041 Pailet St. in Harvey that was covered by a property insurance policy provided by Allstate when a hailstorm struck the area on Feb. 24, 2013. The plaintiff claims that her roof was damaged in the storm which allowed water to seep into the home and cause further damage to the interior and its contents. However, Bell alleges Allstate failed to properly adjust the damages to her home resulting in underpricing her insurance claim. The plaintiff contends because of the defendant’s failure she has been unable to properly repair her home and subsequent damage has occurred.

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

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for diminution in property value, repair and remediation expenses, loss of use and attorney’s fees.

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

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 747-025.