Insurer sued for unpaid storm damage claim

Swansea home owner Ronald L. Eilering is suing his insurance carrier for not paying the full value of a loss he suffered Sept. 15, 2005, when a 12-ton tree collapsed on his home during a storm.

Eilering claims MetLife Auto & Home Insurance offered him $8,242 to settle damage to his home at 168 Twin Lake Dr., when in fact he suffered $72,000 in unrepaired damage, according to a suit filed Dec. 5 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

He also claims that concealed damages will increase the amount he seeks in settlement of his loss.

A smaller tree also fell onto his residence during a severe thunderstorm and wind storm, the complaint states.

Represented by P. Michael Read of Belleville, Eilering also seeks costs of the suit and attorneys fees.