Farmers amends answer in underinsured motorist benefits suit

Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance has amended its answer in a suit brought by area resident Earl Hurels, who sued the company alleging it denied his claims for underinsured motorist benefits.

As previously reported, the suit was filed Jan. 11 in Jefferson County District Court.

Court records show Farmers amended its answer on May 23, asserting the plaintiff has not met all conditions precedent in making an underinsured motorist claim.

Farmers further maintains that the plaintiff was not injured as a result of the occurrence or to the extent claimed, the answer states.

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. “

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

Houston attorney Derrick Parker represents him.

Farmers is represented by Manpreet Singh, attorney for the Houston law firm Soule Baldwin & Fanaff.

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

Case No. B193-815