CHARLESTON – A Charleston property owner is seeking damages from his home insurer after a fire destroyed the residence.
Frank E. Mullins filed a complaint Sept. 6 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Encompass Insurance Co. of America alleging breach of contract, violation of the West Virginia Unfair Trade Practices Act and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 11, 2015, his insured property and personal effects were destroyed by fire while the insurance policy issued by defendant was in effect. More than two years after the fire destroyed his properties, he alleges he has not received the insurance benefits to which he is entitled.
The plaintiff holds Encompass Insurance Co. of America responsible because the defendant allegedly has breached the provisions of the insurance contract by failing to pay the benefits and coverages due.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks actual, compensatory and punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees, costs and such other just and appropriate relief. He is represented by Cynthia M. Ranson and J. Michael Ranson of Ranson Law Offices PLLC in Charleston and G. Patrick Jacobs of Jacobs Law Offices in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 17-C-260