CLEARWATER – A property owner in Clearwater alleges that his insurer has failed or refused to cover a loss to his property caused by a sinkhole.
Bryon Epperson filed a complaint on May 17 in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Pinellas County against Citizens Property Insurance Corp. alleging breach of contract.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that while plaintiff's property's insurance was in full force and effect, the insured property suffered progressive structural damages caused by a sinkhole. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant's engineer opined the absence of sinkhole loss, while a neutral evaluator found that sinkhole loss had occurred. The suit states the defendant rejected the neutral evaluator's claim.
The plaintiff holds Citizens Property Insurance Corp. responsible because the defendant allegedly breached the policy of insurance by failing to perform tests sufficient to determine the presence or absence of sinkhole loss.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks damages for the full costs of the repair of the insured dwelling, interest, court costs and attorney's fees and such other just and proper relief. He is represented by Morgan Barfield of Corless Barfield Trial Group in Tampa.
6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Pinellas County case number 17-003044-CI