EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County property owners allege their insurer delayed handling and response to their claim after their property was destroyed by a fire.
Tim Patterson and Dawn Patterson, now know as Dawn Ward, filed a complaint Jan. 7 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Country Mutual Insurance Company, doing business as Country Financial, and Travis French, alleging breach of contract, consumer fraud and deceptive practices and other claims.
According to their complaint, the plaintiffs purchased home and property insurance from Country Mutual on April 7, 2011, that included a detached building and personal property contents. They allege that on Feb. 5, 2017, a fire destroyed the detached building and its contents, but Country Mutual allegedly breached "its contractual duty" by failing to pay their claim "within a reasonable time."
The plaintiffs allege they have suffered "great monetary loss" due to Country Mutual's failure to "communicate promptly or regularly" regarding their claim and for failing to pay or to properly investigate the claim.
The plaintiffs claim the insurance carrier has also failed to "affirm or deny" their coverage in a "reasonable period of time" despite their proof of loss.
The plaintiffs seek compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. They are represented by Eric Kirkpatrick of The Kirkpatrick Law Offices PC in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-0000014