Hurricane Damage Suit Against FEMA, Insurance Agent Dismissed by Federal Judge

NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Louisiana couple that accused FEMA and an insurance agent of miscalculating the coverage requirements and value of a Hurricane-damaged residence.

Judge Helen E. Berrigan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana ruled Aug. 8 that neither defendant could be held liable for additional payments sought under the plaintiffs’ flood policy because FEMA is not a proper party defendant in flood coverage lawsuits and there exists no evidence that the agent breached any duty in procuring the plaintiffs’ policy.

Michelle and Stephen Lopez received …