WHEELING — A public university near Wheeling accuses an insurance company of shirking its duties to provide a defense to a slip-and-fall lawsuit lodged against the school.
West Liberty University filed a complaint in Ohio Circuit Court against Hartford Fire Insurance Company, alleging that the insurer breached its duty of good faith.
According to the complaint, a student sued the university after suffering two falls in an area cleaned by WFF Facility Services. The university sought indemnification and defense from the insurance company, who has a policy with WFF. However, the insurance company denied the university's claim.
West Liberty University alleges Hartford Fire breached its contractual obligations to provide insurance protection and legal defense to the school.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant in the amount of the costs and fees incurred, plus punitive damages, interest, attorney's fees, and further relief as the court deems just. They are represented by Mark A. Kepple in Wheeling.
Ohio Circuit Court Case number 18-C-166
