CHARLESTON — A Kanawha County medical professional is suing a licensed insurer, alleging breach of an insurance contract.
Dr. Michael Covelli filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against West Virginia Mutual Insurance Company, alleging violation of the West Virginia Unfair Trade Practices Act.
According to the complaint, Covelli had a professional liability claim made against him and presented that claim to West Virginia Mutual for appropriate defense and coverage. As a result of the defendant's bad faith, the suit says, a board of medicine complaint has been opened, a public lawsuit was filed against Covelli and his medical professional liability has been canceled.
The plaintiff alleges West Virginia Mutual Insurance refused to settle the first claim at mediation and refused to settle the second claim within the policy limits and before a public lawsuit was filed against Covelli.
Covelli seeks trial by jury, compensatory damages greater than the jurisdictional limits of the court, with interest, court costs, attorney fees and punitive damages. He is represented by attorney Scott H. Kaminski of Kaminski Law PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number WV 18C 1250