Beaumont man sues insurer over workers' comp denial

A Beaumont man claims an insurance company wrongfully denied his workers' compensation claim after investigation by one of its adjusters.

Alan Lundmark says Texas Mutual Insurance Co. wrongfully denied and delayed payment of workers' compensation benefits.

According to the complaint filed May 29 in Jefferson County District Court, Texas Mutual denied his claim after adjuster Mary D. Vavrine investigated the claim. The complaint does not specify the nature of the claim or why the claim was denied.

"Texas Mutual is preparing a response to the lawsuit," the company stated in an e-mail to the Record. "Our company is confident that the facts are on our side in this case, and that Texas Mutual will prevail in court."

Because of the insurance company's denial, Lundmark claims he suffered mental anguish, a loss of physical capacity, loss to his credit reputation, economic calamity, loss of consortium and loss of opportunity for healing.

He is seeking actual damages, plus attorneys' fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Ethan L. Shaw and John P. Cowart of Moore Landrey in Austin and Joe K. Longley of the Law Office of Joe K. Longley in Austin will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E184-177.