A Motion for Summary Judgment was denied against an insurer that sought a ruling it was not in bad faith in investigating a wind damage claim by its insured. In this case, the insured sustained wind and flood damage from Hurricane Isaac. Specifically, plaintiff contended the insurer conducted an inadequate, 30-minute inspection of the home on the wind damage claim, paid the claim on that inspection ($2,857.73), but refused to reinvestigate the claim when plaintiff submitted an estimate over $50k after the insurer’s inspection. Based on these facts, the district judge opined that a reasonable jury could find the insurer acted in bad faith.

Lockett v. American National Property & Casualty Co., 13-5407, 2014 WL 2768720 (E.D. La. 6/18/14)

Plauché, Smith & Nieset is engaged in the insurance defense practice, concentrating on insurance defense litigation and business litigation in Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Allen Parish, and Beauregard Parish.  Plauché, Smith & Nieset also engages in the insurance defense practice throughout the state of Louisiana.