Couple says Allstate forcing them live in unhealthy home

William and Joyce Ford claim Allstate Texas Lloyds denied their Hurricane Rita damage claim, forcing the couple to live in their "home under dangerous and unhealthy conditions."

The Fords filed their breach of contract suit against Allstate and its agent Sissi Galloway with the Jefferson County District Court on July 11. Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

According to the plaintiffs' original petition, the Fords' home sustained damages to both its interior and exterior as a result of Hurricane Rita. The couple submitted a claim to Allstate, but the insurance company failed to perform its "contractual obligations," allegedly forcing them to live in a waterlogged home.

"As a result of this and their personal injuries, plaintiffs incurred damages in such amounts as the evidence may show proper at the time of trial, in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of this court," the suit said.

The suit faults the defendants with breach of contract, bad faith dealing, violating the deceptive trade practices act and violating the Texas Insurance Code.

The plaintiffs are suing for the damage to their home, plus the damage to their health and mental anguish.

The Fords are represented by David Starnes, Attorney at Law.

Case No. E179-641