N.J. Judge: Superstorm Sandy Fraud, Breach of Contract Claims Preempted; Trespass Claim May Proceed

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey man has been given the green light to pursue his claim against Selective Insurance Co. of America for coverage of Superstorm Sandy flood damage and may similarly proceed with allegations of trespass after an insurance adjuster entered his residence under false pretenses.

In a Jan. 16 decision, Judge Stanley R. Chesler denied a motion to dismiss what he said was an undisputed, valid claim for flood coverage and ruled that plaintiff Humphrey Uddoh’s common-law trespass cause of action was supported by evidence that the adjuster falsely identified himself as a structural engineer in order …