Three class actions in one week for Kaltenbronn, D.C.

A day after Bethalto chiropractor Thomas L. Kaltenbronn, D.C. filed two class action lawsuits against insurance companies--claiming they deceptively reduced payments to him and other licensed healthcare providers--he filed a third against Pekin Insurance Company on Dec. 29 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Kaltenbronn alleges Pekin improperly withheld payments from him and the class for valid insurance claims, and that they are not entitled to retain the money, nor is it otherwise entitled to any preferred provider organization (PPO) discounts from him or the class.

According to the complaint, this "improper" practice is known in the insurance industry as a “silent PPO.”

Kaltenbronn claims Pekin's misconduct increased their profits, while he and other class members suffered by being paid discounted fees for their services believing an increased flow of patients would come their way.

As in the other suits filed Dec. 28 against Liberty Mutual and Old Republic, Kaltenbronn is seeking individually and on behalf of the class for the court to award him and the class members their individual damages and attorneys’ fees and allowable costs, including interest, which in no event shall exceed $75,000.

Kaltenbronn is represented by The Lakin Law Firm of Wood River and Freed & Weiss of Chicago.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Philip Kardis in Granite City.