WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON -- A Charleston woman is suing USAA Casualty Insurance Company after she claims it denied a 2010 claim.

In June 2010 there were multiple severe storms that damaged the roof of Brenda Hale's residence, according to a complaint filed May 31 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Hale claims on June 19, 2010, she became aware the roof of her residence was damaged and contacted the defendant regarding her claim of wind damage to the home.

USAA Casualty Insurance Company informed Hale it did not have an adjuster who could evaluate the damage, so she needed to get an estimate on repairs and then submit the estimate, according to the suit.

Hale claims she located two contractors to review and evaluate the damage and submitted the estimates to the defendant, who later told her it was attempting to locate a third independent contractor and adjuster to review the damage.

Following the third contractor's review, Hale received a letter from USAA Casualty Insurance Company that indicated her claim was partially denied, according to the suit.

Hale claims the defendant indicated the damage to the vent ridge was consistent with wind damage, but the damage to the shingles was not.

The defendant stated the amount of damage to the vent ridge was in the amount of $330.72, but no payment would be issued because the loss was below Hale's deductible, according to the suit.

Hale claims the defendant wrongfully denied her claim for additional damage to the roof and shingles.

The defendant breached its duty to Hale by not settling her claim in a reasonably prudent manner, according to the suit.

Hale is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Keisha D. May.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-897