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An Oklahoma jury awarded a couple nearly $13 million dollars in a class action lawsuit against State Farm Fire & Casualty Company for intentionally denying or underpaying claims.
Donald and Bridget Watkins were among a number of families whose homes were damaged by tornadoes seven years ago. A judge granted class action status to the wronged policyholders in February of 2003. A total of 71 people have sued the company as part of the lawsuit.
According to the claim, State Farm of Bloomington Illinois “engaged in a wrongful scheme to delay, deny or underpay claims … by repeatedly and unilaterally engaging the services of Haag Engineering Co. to inspect brick and other structural damage to policyholders’ homes.”
The lawsuit alleged that Haag engineering was biased toward insurance companies in assessing damages, which is why State Farm used the company’s opinion.
State Farm denied the allegations, maintaining that it handled the policyholders’ claims “fairly and properly.”
However, the jury delivered their verdict in favor of the Watkinses, awarding them $9.9 million in punitive damages and $3 million in actual damages.
Jeff Marr, attorney for the couple, said the verdict could have implications for hundreds of Hurricane Katrina victims who have also sued State Farm over policy claims.
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