Bacliff woman sues insurer over mobile home fire

GALVESTON - A Galveston County woman is suing Underwriters At Lloyd's, London; Gentry & Associates Claims Service Inc.; and individual adjuster Robert Von Dohlen to obtain compensation for her fire-damaged mobile home.

Deborah Peek's lawsuit says that defendant ULL failed to provide her full coverage after a blaze consumed her trailer two years ago. It insists the insurer's decision to deny her claim was based on Gentry and Von Dohlen's reportedly inaccurate reports.

Court papers were filed Jan. 24 in Galveston County District Court.

The fire in question caused significant damage to the plaintiff's mobile home and garage in Bacliff on Sept. 13, 2008. Consequently, Peek incurred additional living expenses, filing a claim with ULL.

The insurer turned the request over to Gentry and Von Dohlen for inspection. Peek says that Von Dohlen grossly undervalued the damages, but Gentry and ULL approved the report without thoroughly examining the report.

"As a result of this unreasonable investigation, the plaintiff was considerably underpaid on her claim and has suffered damages," the original petition states.

"The mishandling of the plaintiff's claim has also caused a delay in her ability to fully repair, which has resulted in additional damages. To this date, the plaintiff has yet to receive the full payment she is entitled to under the policy."

A jury trial is also sought.

Attorney W. Shawn Staples of Houston is representing the plaintiff.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia.

Case No. 11-cv-0115