Prompt Payment of Appraisal Award Bars Plaintiffs’ Lawsuit Against Insurer, Texas Federal Judge Rules

SHERMAN, Texas — An insurer’s prompt payment of an appraisal award issued in a hailstorm property damage dispute bars the plaintiffs from asserting breach of contract and extra-contractual claims against the insurer, a Texas federal judge has ruled.

On Oct. 17, Judge Amos Mazzant of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas awarded State Farm Lloyds summary judgment, finding evidence that the insurer timely paid the appraisal award and properly followed the appraisal procedure set forth in the policy.

Travis and Carolyn McEntyre’s property, including their roof and fencing, sustained damages during a wind and hail storm. …