PITTSBURGH – A Rankin-based homeowner has initiated legal action against his insurance broker after the disputed coverage has not paid off in the aftermath of a residential fire.
Charles Woodward Sr. of Rankin filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Feb. 9 versus David Masters, of Pittsburgh.
According to the lawsuit, Masters, an insurance broker, agreed to obtain adequate insurance coverage on the plaintiff’s property, located at 331 5th Avenue in Rankin. On or about Nov. 29, 2016, during the term of said policy, a fire occurred at the premises, causing damages in excess of $35,000.
Woodward notified Masters of the loss and made a claim under his policy with State Farm for coverage and payment of plaintiff’s losses. Despite being a covered loss under the policy and related circumstances, Woodward says State Farm has refused to provide coverage, the suit says.
For counts of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence, the plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $35,000, plus costs, interest and such other and further relief as the Court shall deem necessary or appropriate.
The plaintiffs are represented by Martin A. Durkin of Durkin Law Associates, in Philadelphia.
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas case GD-18-002059
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nickpennrecord@gmail.com