Man says American Heritage Life Insurance wrongfully denied coverage

HUNTINGTON – A man is suing American Heritage Life Insurance Company for allegedly wrongfully denying him coverage after he suffered a stroke.

Joseph A. Alessandrini purchased an insurance policy from the defendant on Jan. 1, 2012, according to a complaint filed Jan. 29 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Alessandrini claims on Jan. 7, 2012, he suffered a stroke, which was a covered benefit under his insurance policy.

The defendant denied Alessandrini coverage, according to the suit.

Alessandrini claims the defendant’s denial of coverage was arbitrary and capricious and in violation of the express terms of his contract of insurance.

Because of the stroke, Alessandrini has suffered from paralysis and general right side deficit, which he has been advised is permanent in nature and not a transient ischemic attack, according to the suit.

Alessandrini is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by Walton S. Shepherd III.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 13-C-68