I read with some interest a story that ran December 28, 2006 in the San Antonio Express titled, “Mississippi Attorney General seeks to settle Katrina Lawsuit”. Michael Kunzelman of the Associated Press was reporting on Mississippi Atorney General Jim Hood’s lawsuit against certain insurance companies for denying coverage to Mississippi citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hood rightfully filed a civil lawsuit in September of 2005 against several inusrance companies that had written policies in that state. Apparently the Attorney General is attempting to negotiate a settlement for the thousands of Gulf Coast homeowners whose homes were damaged or completely destroyed because of the hurricane. Hood has vowed to take his fight to court if the settlement negotiations break down.
You may recall the pictures of the complete and utter devastation of Katrina. Where homes had stood there was nothing but sand. A personal friend of ours lost her family home and nearly every picture from her childhood. Boats, cars, mobile homes that once were on the waterfront were found miles inland or in some cases never seen again. As you sat in the comfort of your living room and looked at the poor souls on t.v. you probably thought, ” I hope they have insurance.” Your next thought might have been, “I’m glad I have insurance!” But, wait a minute, why is the Attorney General of Mississippi suing these insurance companies? Find out why tomorrow…