Homeowner contests insurer’s opinion on property damage

A Galveston Island homeowner has sued her insurance company, alleging negligence.

Linda Grayson filed a lawsuit April 23 in Galveston County District Court against Lexington Insurance Co. of Austin, alleging breach of duty in a 2009 insurance matter.

According to the complaint, Grayson’s house on Galveston Island was struck by lightning in 2009, resulting in a fire which created significant property damage. The plaintiff filed a claim with Lexington Insurance, the suit says, and Lexington’s inspector appraised repair costs at a lower value than Grayson’s contractor due to a difference of opinion on the extent of repairs needed.

The suit says the defendant neglected to provide further appraisals ordinarily done in the case of a dispute, and Grayson notified the insurer in writing in November 2014 in an attempt to spur action but received no response.

Grayson seeks declaratory judgment compelling the defendant to participate in the appraisal procedure, and compensation as deemed appropriate by the court, plus attorney fees, expenses and costs. She is represented by attorney Craig Eiland of The Law Offices of A. Craig Eiland in Galveston.

Galveston County District Court case number: 15-CV-0405.