Cole
Baucom
Monumental Life on May 25 removed a Madison County suit involving a death policy to federal court.
Gregory K. Stockard of Georgia filed suit against Monumental Life in October claiming it failed to pay him a life insurance policy following his mother's death.
In his complaint, Stockard alleges his mother, Laura J. Caffey, died on Oct. 14, 2008. Before her death, Caffey took out a life insurance policy on April 21, 2008, according to the complaint. She paid $120.50 each month for the policy, the suit states.
After Caffey's death, Stockard attempted to collect the benefits from Monumental. The insurance company denied his claim, saying he failed to provide complete medical records of his mother's history, the suit states.
"Defendant's attitude toward Plaintiff in this claim has been cavalier and biased," the complaint says.
In his complaint, Stockard is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus other relief the court deems just. In addition, he seeks damages of more than $50,000 but less than $75,000 and attorney's fees.
Rodney D. Caffey of LakinChapman in Wood River will be representing him.
Defendant Monumental Life Insurance Company states that since the plaintiff is from Georgia and Monumental Life Insurance is from Maryland, complete diversity exists.
Monumental Life states that venue is proper in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The defense also demands a trial by jury.
The amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
Clark H. Cole and Christopher D. Baucom of Armstrong Teasdale represent the defense.
Rodney D. Caffey of the Caffey Law Group represents the plaintiff.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1039.