The Hurricane Law Group Announces Class Action Lawsuits Against Allstate Floridian Insurance Co., Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and State Farm Florida Insurance Co

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2007

Lawsuits Seek an Estimated $100 Million in Payments for Building Permits for Floridians Whose Homes Sustained Hurricane Roof Damage

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The Hurricane Law Group today announced that it has commenced class action lawsuits against Allstate Floridian Insurance Co. ("Allstate"), Citizens Property Insurance Corp. ("Citizens") and State Farm Florida Insurance Co. ("State Farm") on behalf of Floridians whose homes were insured by these providers during the past five years and who suffered roof damage caused by a hurricane or other natural disaster.

While similar in nature, a separate suit was filed against Allstate, Citizens and State Farm (three suits in total) in Florida State Court. The common allegation in each lawsuit is that the named insurance provider failed to pay and/or properly adjust claims in Florida by ignoring requirements to obtain a building permit prior to commencing roof repair or replacement. The result of this failure is that policyholders were undercompensated for their losses by not being paid for permitting costs. The three suits combined will impact an estimated 200,000 policyholders who were not paid for building permits for damages suffered during the various hurricanes which ravaged Florida over recent years. A copy of each suit is available at www.hurricanelawgroup.com.

"It is common knowledge that a building permit is required for roof replacement in Florida," stated Paul Berger, Managing Attorney of the Hurricane Law Group. "A building permit can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more. By failing to pay for 200,000 building permits, we estimate that Allstate, Citizens and State Farm have profited perhaps as much as $100 million at the expense of the citizens of this state."

"It is unconscionable that these insurance providers are not paying for building permits as required under the terms of their policies," continued Berger. "Allstate and State Farm are enjoying record profits at the expense of Floridians who are still recovering from years of devastating natural disasters. They spend millions telling us that `we are in good hands' or `like a good neighbor' they are there when we need them, however, as alleged in the suits, we believe that their actions are the exact opposite and that they are putting corporate profits ahead of policyholders."

Allstate, Citizens and State Farm are the three largest homeowners insurance providers in Florida. Collectively they insure millions of Floridians across the state and collect billions in annual insurance premiums. While these suits were brought in Florida on behalf of Florida policyholders, the Hurricane Law Group believes that Florida may be just the tip of the iceberg, and it is likely that similar non-payments were made in other states costing policyholders perhaps as much as $1 billion in lost insurance proceeds. The firm is currently conducting an investigation into practices in other states.

The Hurricane Law Group strongly suggests that all Floridians who suffered hurricane or tornado damages review their insurance claim summaries to see if they were compensated for their permit costs. The firm is offering a free consultation with an attorney to review damage evaluations for anyone who believes that they were underpaid or has any questions on their claim or how the lawsuits may impact them. Floridians can call toll free 1-888-FLA-CLAIM (888-352-2524) to arrange an attorney review.

About Hurricane Law Group

The Hurricane Law Group is a Boca Raton, FL based law firm that exclusively represents policy holders in natural disaster claims. The firm's attorneys have handled hundreds of hurricane and flood claims. The firm offers a wide range of legal services including damage evaluation, claim supplements, mediation, appraisal and litigation. Firm information is available at www.hurricanelawgroup.com.