Client: American European Insurance Group
Court: Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Norristown, PA
Trial Attorney: Christopher J. Hoare, Esq.
Brief Attorney: Christina M. Dewland, Esq.
**Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances**
This matter arises out of an alleged insurance coverage issue. Plaintiff, Francesco Satiro was the owner of a building located in Pottstown, PA (the “Property”). In February 2015, Plaintiff claims that the Property suffered water damage due to “frozen pipes.” Plaintiff’s insurance company, American European Insurance Group (“AEIG”) subsequently paid Plaintiff for his property damage claim due to the frozen pipes. AEIG informed Plaintiff in writing that it required additional documentation from Plaintiff in order to evaluate Plaintiff’s claims for lost rent and depreciation. For over 8+ years, Plaintiff had failed to provide the missing documentation necessary for any further payments to Plaintiff, despite numerous requests from AEIG and its defense counsel. Plaintiff’s Complaint had alleged that AEIG was in breach of contract (the Policy) in regards to non-payment for Plaintiff’s depreciation/lost rental claims, as well as Plaintiff’s claims of bad faith against AEIG.
Plaintiff’s breach of contract claim and bad faith claim were bifurcated. A jury trial was held for Plaintiff’s breach of contract claim. A bench trial on Plaintiff’s remaining bad faith claim will be held later this month.
After a three day jury trial on Plaintiff’s breach of contract claim, the jury had delivered a verdict in favor of AEIG. The jury found that AEIG did not breach the terms of its insurance policy with respect to handling, payment and communications with Plaintiff. Verdict for the Defense!
