Judge Senter Encourages State Farm to Settle Latest Wind vs. Water Trial
The Sun Herald reports on the ongoing Katrina wind vs. water trial pending before Judge Senter in Gulfport. Here is an earlier article on the trial. The plaintiff seeks policy limits of $650,000. State Farm offered $2,300 on the claim. The article states that after denying State Farm's motion for directed verdict, Judge Senter:
suggested State Farm consider making an offer to policyholder Reginald “Ed” Bossier that would end the trial.
Senter said the record so far includes “some pretty tough stuff” pertaining to the insurance company. “See what you can come up with,” Senter told the attorneys, “and everybody can come out of this with a degree of honor.”
In addition:
State Farm waited four years to compensate the Bossiers for an outbuilding that, according to an eyewitness, was gone after the roaring sound of a tornado passed and before the tide rose. The payment came as the case headed toward trial. Also, the company erred in calculating what was owed for roof and siding damage, correcting the $13,000 mistake with a check in January 2008.
I don't have any word yet as to whether State Farm took the hint from Judge Senter. The plaintiff is Ed Bossier of Biloxi and his attorney is Judy Guice of Biloxi. State Farm's attorneys are Ben Mullen and John Banahan.
