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Doyle LLP has filed suit against Nationwide Property and Casualty (“Nationwide”) and its assigned claims adjuster for multiple violations of the Texas Insurance Code and related laws protecting consumers against fraud and other deceptive business practices.

Our client owns a wholesale distribution store and purchased insurance from Nationwide whereby the company agreed to provide coverage for the building, warehouse, inventory, and lost business income resulting from burglary.

On or about January 21, 2014, five suspects broke into the Property by smashing the glass with sledgehammers, threatened the employees with guns, and stole a substantial amount of money, inventory, and other items from the building. Plaintiff immediately filed an insurance claim for damages to the building, along with lost inventory, items and cash from the register, and more.

Nationwide responded by assigning consultants to Plaintiff’s file that were inadequate and improperly trained. These actions violated the Texas Insurance Code’s requirement to conduct an adequate investigation. Further, Nationwide utilized biased consultants that overlooked the extent of loss and grossly undervalued the damages it did accept. The insurance company also violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and committed fraud by representing that certain damages were not covered under the Policy when in fact they were.

Given the repeated delays of payment, our client has been subjected to significant economic impact, worry, distress, and continuing economic and physical damage. In addition, this commercial business owner suffers continuing financial harm and damage as a result of the repeated delays.

If you believe you have endured improper delay or denials of a Texas commercial property insurance claim, contact Doyle LLP today for a free consultation.