FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2014
Contact: Eric W. Boyer, Esq.
Managing Partner/Operations
305-670-1101 Ext. 1023
Email: eboyer@qpwblaw.com
QPWB GETS DEFENSE VERDICT – CARRIER RESOLVES SINKHOLE CLAIM
INVESTIGATION ACCORDING TO POLICY AND FLORIDA STATUTES
Breach of Insurance Contract / Sinkhole Claim
J. Andrew Talbert
Judd Goodall
HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida ― Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. trial attorneys Judd W. Goodall, a partner in the Tampa office, and J. Andrew Talbert, a managing partner in the Pensacola office, received a defense verdict on behalf of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) on allegations of breach of the insurance contract and for failure to pay benefits and monies due to the plaintiff under the insurance policy.
The plaintiff owns a home in Spring Hill (Hernando County) in which the carrier conducted a sinkhole investigation. The presence of a sinkhole loss was confirmed and coverage was provided to the plaintiff. As a basis of the breach, the plaintiff alleged that the carrier did not conduct a statutory compliant investigation, that the carrier failed to consult with the plaintiff during the investigation of the loss, that the carrier breached the policy by not accepting to pay for a repair protocol being advanced by the plaintiff’s lawyers, and that the carrier did not pay all benefits due.
After listening to testimonial evidence from both parties’ witnesses, reviewing the insurance policy, and considering photographs of the plaintiff’s home, the jury determined that the investigation into the plaintiff’s sinkhole loss complied with all provisions of the insurance policy and Florida Statutes. The defense demonstrated that the carrier openly and comprehensively consulted with the plaintiff on all aspects of the claim and was very proactive in the adjustment of the plaintiff’s claim. The carrier provided coverage to the plaintiff and agreed to pay for all repairs as required by the insurance agreement and Florida law.
QPWB defense presented evidence from a variety of experts and insurance representatives to provide the jury with a complete understanding of how the sinkhole claims process and Florida Statutes work together to make sure that the plaintiff’s home was fully repaired.
The jury quickly returned a verdict in favor of the defendant.