EDWARDSVILLE - An insurance company is accused of failing to abide by the provisions of an occupational accident policy taken out by a trucker.
Charles Doss filed suit against Schaumburg-headquartered Zurich American Insurance Company over claims it failed to provide coverage following a crash on June 26, 2018.
Doss, in the suit filed June 25 in Madison County Circuit Court, claims that he has suffered "tremendous financial losses" and has been forced to sell his truck, which was his sole source of income.
The plaintiff claims he took out a "Truckers Occupational Accident Insurance Policy" and that the premiums were fully paid up at the time of the collision.
Zurich, under the policy, promised to provide disability and medical coverage in compliance with Illinois law, the suit states.
However, Doss alleges the company failed to provide coverage following the work-related injuries suffered by the plaintiff.
According to the suit, the company countered that the injury was "not directly and independently" the result of a work-related incident "to the exception of all other causes."
The plaintiff states that the company is simply manufacturing "improper bases for denial of the claim," which is "clearly and unequivocally" against Illinois law. Doss argues the insurance company refused to reconsider.
Zurich is further accused of "unreasonable, unjustified and vexatious" behavior and therefore is liable for greater damages. Doss claims the defendant's own medical experts refuted the defendant's claims.
The plaintiff is seeking more than $50,000, plus punitive damages. He is represented by Brian W. Wendller of Wendler & Zinzilieta of Edwardsvillle.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-877