WHEELING — A Wheeling couple is suing an insurance company, alleging an unfair claims settlement.
Charles Neuman and Barbara Neuman filed a complaint Feb. 22 in Ohio Circuit Court against Westfield Insurance Company, alleging failure to provide insurance coverage for a vehicle crash.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 30, 2017, the Neumans were driving on U.S. Route 40 in Belmont County Ohio. The suit says they were crashed into due the carelessness of an uninsured motorist, John L. Baker. The plaintiffs allege Charles Neumann sustained injuries to his left hip, inner ears and other parts of his body, leading to pain, suffering and mental and emotional anguish.
The Neumans said they made a timely claim for payments of benefits under the Westfield insurance policy .As a result of the defendant's conduct, however, the suit says they have suffered aggravation, frustration, anxiety and worry because Westfield has failed to undertake a reasonable investigation, failed to make a reasonable offer and refused to compensate the plaintiffs' claim for coverage benefits to which they are entitled.
The Neumans seek trial by jury, compensatory damages, litigation costs and expenses and punitive damages to punish the defendant and to deter other insurers from behaving similarly. They are represented by attorneys Scott S. Blass and Erica A. Cross of Bordas & Bordas PLLC in Wheeling.
Ohio Circuit Court case number 18-C-48