Woman sues insurer over payment for lightning strike to home

A woman claims her insurance company failed to pay her an adequate amount for damages caused to her home after it was struck by lightning.

Valetta Cartwright filed a lawsuit Feb. 9 in Jefferson County District Court against Texas Farm Bureau Underwriters and Jared Carter.

In her complaint, Cartwright alleges her home on Glen Oaks Circle in Beaumont was struck by lightning on Sept. 29. As a result, a large number of her electronics, including her computer, television, DVD player and hot water heater, were destroyed, according to the complaint. In addition, a pipe burst because of the lightning strike, the suit states.

Following the incident, Cartwright submitted a claim to Texas Farm Bureau Underwriters for contents, structural and water damages, the complaint says.

The insurance company then sent an adjuster, Carter, to inspect Cartwright's home. It subsequently failed to pay Cartwright an adequate amount for her damages, she claims.

Cartwright seeks an unspecified judgment, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

J. Steve Mostyn of The Mostyn Law Firm in Houston will be representing her.

Case No. A191-891