PA man wants insurer to pay fire claim on home

A Port Arthur man claims his insurance company refuses to pay for the destruction of his home after it was ravaged by fire.

Brandon Allen filed a lawsuit April 5 in Jefferson County District Court against Allstate Texas Lloyds.

Allen claims he owned a single family residence at 2600 1/2 22nd St. in Port Arthur. With the home, Allen claims he purchased a Texas homeowner's insurance policty through Allstate Texas Lloyd's to cover loss in case the home should be destroyed by fire, according to the complaint.

On Oct. 25, 2006, a fire totally destroyed Allen's home, the suit states. However, despite Allen's claim, Allstate Texas Lloyd's refuses to pay Allen damages and rejected his claim May 5, 2008, the suit states.

"As a result of Defendant's breach of contract, plaintiff has been damaged in the amount of $336,000 for the policy limits on the structure ($240,000) and $96,000 for the loss to the contents of the residence," the complaint says.

Allen claims Allstate Texas Lloyd's refusal to pay his claim constitutes violations of the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.

Allen seeks a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus exemplary damages, attorneys' fees, pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Nathan Reynolds Jr. of Port Arthur will be representing him.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: E186-449.