Lawsuit seeks replayment of funds stolen from couple

A couple’s estate administrator is suing the insurer of a home health care business seeking repayment of funds that were allegedly embezzled.

Everett Jett, as special administrator of the estate of Adolph Laschober, individually, and as assignee of insured, Morning Star Home Health Care, Inc., filed suit against Columbia Casualty Company of Chicago on Feb. 11 in Madison County Circuit Court.

The suit claims that Columbia Casualty was authorized as a general and professional liability insurer for Morning Star, located at 705 S. Moreland Rd., Bethalto from Feb. 9, 2009 through Aug. 30, 2010. Helen Laschober and Adolph Laschober were clients of Morning Star.

According to the filing, an employee who worked with the couple gained control of their assets and allegedly stole approximately $228,663 from them. A suit was originally filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County July 29, 2013.

The current suit states that Columbia Casualty Company denied insurance coverage on Sept. 13; that Morning Star retained an attorney to defend them from the plaintiffs on Sept. 25; and that Columbia Casualty has breached its duty to properly defend their client.

Everett Jett seeks damages of $228,663, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. He is represented by Bob L. Perica of The Perica Law Firm, Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-170