Insurance broker claims 20 percent commission has not been paid

An insurance broker from Missouri is suing a St. Clair County insurance company for allegedly failing to pay him commission.

Stephen J. LaHood filed a lawsuit in St. Clair County Circuit Court against American Heritage Life Insurance Co. and Allstate Corp.

LaHood says he was under contract with American Heritage as a broker to solicit and process applications for insurance policies since March 2004. He claims his agreement with the insurance company would pay him a 20 percent commission on all premiums he sold.

According to the complaint, LaHood was able to secure Walmart Stores as a buyer of a two-year group policy. However, LaHood says, he has yet to be paid his commission for the Walmart contract.

LaHood is suing Allstate and its subsidiary, American Heritage, for breach of contract and interference with a business relationship. He seeks more than $150,000 in damages, plus court costs.

Attorneys John G. Simon, Rachel L. Roman and Timothy M. Cronin, of St. Louis, are representing LaHood in this matter. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-139