Firm Secures Jury Verdict of Over $1.75 Million against Church Mutual Insurance Company

Brandon McWherter and Clint Scott, of McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, completed a jury trial against Church Mutual Insurance Company in Albany, Georgia. The jury awarded $1.75 million, plus pre-judgment interest (which the court will calculate at 7%). Phase 2 of the case (for bad faith and recovery of attorney’s fees) will proceed later this year.

The case involved a December 2014 hailstorm damaged the roof (which included asbestos tiles), as well as other parts of the building. Even though the first adjuster sent by the insurance company recommended the roof be replaced, the desk adjuster directed a repair estimate be prepared and issues a minimum payment of approximately $2,300.

The church disagreed with the repair estimate and hired McWherter Scott & Bobbitt. The case was bifurcated, with phase 1 being breach of contract and phase 2 being bad faith/attorneys’ fees.

A jury trial was held in the Middle District of Georgia, from December 16-19, and the jury found in favor of the client, awarding $1.75 million, plus interest.

The case is Central Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia, Inc. v. Church Mutual Insurance Company. The docket number is 1:16-cv-00231-LAG.

Brandon McWherter and Clint Scott partnered with local counsel JL King, of Hudson King (Tifton, GA) to obtain this result.

McWherter Scott & Bobbitt represents policyholders. To speak with an experienced Tennessee-based insurance dispute attorney about your hail damage losses, please call 731-664-1340 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. Our attorneys are licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.