North Pointe Insurance sued for allegedly not paying fire claim

A woman has filed suit against the insurance company that she claims failed to pay for damages caused to a deceased woman's property in a fire.

Gloria Hulsey claims the recently deceased Naomi Franklin purchased a fire and casualty insurance policy from defendant North Pointe Insurance for her home located at 404 Chevy Chase in Belleville.

On March 7, 2011, a fire erupted at the home. Hulsey made a claim for the more than $50,000 worth of damages caused to the home, but North Pointe refused to pay her the money, according to the complaint.

"North Pointe's conduct was unreasonable and vexatious as contemplated by 215 IlCS," the suit states.

Hulsey claims North Pointe failed to conduct itself in good faith, failed to pay Hulsey its full obligation and misrepresented Hulsey's rights and obligations, the complaint says.

In her two-count complaint, Hulsey is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus penalties, costs, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.

Michael L. McGlynn of McGlynn and McGlynn in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-122.