[StBernard] Council to Discuss Possible Lawsuit Against Insurance Industry Over Post-Katrina Problems

[Westley Annis]

Council to Discuss Possible Lawsuit Against Insurance Industry Over
Post-Katrina Problems

November 11, 2005

By: Steve Cannizaro


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St. Bernard Parish Council members will discuss in a meeting Tuesday whether

to try to sue insurance companies that write homeowner policies, claiming 
they have been unresponsive to many parish residents with legitimate claims 
of damage in Hurricane Katrina.

Council member Craig Taffaro Jr. said he supports asking the state Attorney 
General’s office to file suit against insurance companies for failing to 
provide reasonable coverage and benefits on homeowner policies in St. 
Bernard Parish.

“I’m not sure we have standing (to sue) but it’s time to find out,’’ Taffaro

said at a meeting of the Council’s executive/financé committee..

He also said parish residents with video footage of wind causing damage 
during Katrina should bring it to parish officials as proof that the flood 
wasn’t the only source of damage to homes and businesses.

Many residents are being “stonewalled’’ by insurance companies who claim all

damage is flood-related and, therefore, not eligible for payment under 
homeowner policies.

Denying homeowner claims has also cut off policy-holders from provisions 
involving loss of use of their home that might provide money to live 
elsewhere, Taffaro said.

“I’m not looking to financially penalize the insurance industry,’’ Taffaro 
said. “I’m trying to find a way to financially compensate property owners 
for legitimate claims.’’

Many residents have complained of not being able to get homeowner insurance 
adjusters to come to their homes, he said.

Residents can file complains with state Insurance Commissioner Robert 
Wooley’s office in Baton Rouge.