State Farm sued by New Athens couple over fire loss

The owners of a New Athens home destroyed by fire are suing their insurance company over a denied claim.
Hugh and Kay Wacker filed a lawsuit against State Farm Fire and Casualty Company on Feb. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

The Wackers owned a house at 309 South Clinton Street in New Athens which they used as a rental property, according to the complaint. The couple says the home was insured against fire loss through State Farm.

On June 20, 2012, the Wackers say the South Clinton Street house was destroyed by fire. The couple filed an insurance claim but say they received a letter from State Farm in December informing them the claim would not be paid.

The Wackers contend State Farm's denial was "untimely, unreasonable, without basis in fact and vexatious." As a result of the denial, the property owners say they have suffered property damage in excess of $100,000, lost rental income and been forced to pay clean-up costs. They are asking to be awarded more than $50,000 in damages along with any other relief the Court deems reasonable.

Attorney John M. English of Belleville represents the Wackers.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-92