Farmers sued for not paying underinsured motorist benefits

Area resident Earl Hurels is suing Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance, alleging the company denied his claims for underinsured motorist benefits.

The suit was filed Jan. 11 in Jefferson County District Court. 

According to the lawsuit, on Sept. 3, 2011, Hurels was stopped at a Beaumont intersection when a woman ran a red light and violently struck his vehicle. Hurels required surgery following the collision.

The offending driver’s insurance company compensated him for some of his damages.

Hurels then made a claim with his insurer, Farmers, for underinsured motorist owed under his policy, the suit states.

“On Dec. 5, 2012, Farmers, despite having all the information and documentation necessary to pay the plaintiff benefits under his policy, declined to offer any payment,” the suit states. “

The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages.

Houston attorney Derrick Parker represents him.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B193-815