FORT LAUDERDALE — Two Pembroke Pines homeowners are suing an insurance company, alleging breach of contract.
Jorge Castilla and Rose Castilla filed a complaint April 27 in the Broward County Circuit Court against St. Johns Insurance Company Inc., alleging failure to cover damages caused by a hurricane.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 10, 2017, the Castillas' property at 1581 SW 191 Lane, Pembroke Pines, suffered direct and physical damages due to Hurricane Irma. The Castillas allege they promptly reported the loss to St. Johns and made a claim for insurance coverage and benefits under their policy.
The suit says St. Johns investigated the claim and acknowledged coverage for the loss. However, the suit alleges, the defendant has failed to fully indemnify the Castillas for all losses from the covered claim, resulting in insufficient funds to perform necessary repairs.
The plaintiffs allege St. Johns Insurance failed to properly evaluate the loss or initially pay the amount of the loss, and it refused to pay any additional amounts. Additionally, the suit says, the defendant failed to respond to the Castillas' communications and ignored their multiple efforts to discuss deficiencies in its evaluation and the adjustment of the insurance claim.
The Castillas seek trial by jury, all damages exceeding $15,000, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees and all further relief the court deems fair and just. They are represented by Adela Z. Marcote of the Law Offices of Marcote & Marcote De Moya PLLC in Miami.
Broward County Circuit Court case number CACE18010200