A major legal battle has erupted in Pinellas County, Florida, where an insurance company is seeking damages from a plumbing service provider over alleged negligence that led to significant property damage. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company filed a complaint on December 13, 2024, against Home Team Plumbing Inc., accusing the latter of failing to properly clear a drain line at a condominium building in St. Petersburg, resulting in water damage to their insured clients' property.
The case was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas County. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company, acting as subrogee for Ray and Sandra Berry, claims that Home Team Plumbing Inc.'s negligence on August 5, 2022, caused substantial water intrusion into the Berrys' condominium unit at 7310 Sunshine Skyway Lane South. The insurer alleges that Home Team Plumbing failed to perform its duties with due care and diligence while clearing a clog in the main drain line of the building.
According to the complaint, Home Team Plumbing was contracted by Hidden Bay Villas Association to address drainage issues affecting multiple units within the condominium complex. However, Universal Property & Casualty asserts that Home Team Plumbing did not execute its responsibilities adequately. "Defendant breached Defendant’s duty to Plaintiff's insureds," states the complaint, listing several specific failures including negligent work practices and inadequate supervision of employees or subcontractors.
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company is seeking $61,213.27 in damages from Home Team Plumbing Inc., which they claim covers the costs associated with repairing both real and personal property damaged by the water intrusion. This amount reflects what Universal paid out under an insurance policy issued to Ray and Sandra Berry for their covered losses and related expenses.
The lawsuit highlights several accusations against Home Team Plumbing Inc., emphasizing their alleged failure to clear a clog properly as well as other lapses such as negligent hiring practices and insufficient oversight of personnel tasked with resolving the plumbing issue. These actions are purportedly in violation of standard care expectations within their professional capacity.
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company is represented by attorneys Alyson Holob, Demi Halmoukos Sims, Beth E. Allen, Sean M. Wagner, Jed Cvejanovich, and David Cruz from Fort Lauderdale-based law firm Evolution Risk Advisors Inc. The case ID is 24-005467-CI and will be presided over by judges from the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County.