LAKE CHARLES — Three insurance companies are suing a former Amerisafe employee, alleging false representation and fraud.
Amerisafe, Inc., American Interstate Insurance Company and Hanover Insurance Company filed a lawsuit March 29, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division against Lisa H. Ernst, alleging violation of the bankruptcy code.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs suffered damages and financial losses in the minimum amount of $1,351,259.86. The plaintiffs allege Ernst stole money from Amerisafe's funds and moved those directly to her joint bank accounts with her husband, William Ernst, and their son Mitchell Ernst.
The suit says Lisa Ernst fraudulently forged and falsified bank documents to facilitate the transfer.
The plaintiffs seeks a trial by jury, judgment of at least $1,351,259.86, plus non-dischargeable interest, attorney fees, costs and all other relief the court deems just. She is represented by attorneys Joel P. Babineaux, Camille Bienvenu Poche and Karen P. Nordelon of Babineaux, Poche, Anthony & Slavich LLC in Lafayette, and Harold L. Dominguez Jr., also of Lafayette.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division Case number 16-02002