La. Appeals Court Upholds $43,342 Verdict in Water Damage Coverage Action

LAFAYETTE, La. — A Louisiana trial court has upheld an award of $43, 342 to a woman whose home sustained extensive water damage caused by a broken pipe, finding her damages estimate was reliable and that the costs of asbestos abatement and plumbing re-routing were not excluded from coverage.

However, in a Jan. 3 opinion, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 3rd District, found the trial court erred in refusing to award the policyholder deposition costs and expert witness fees. As such, the appellate court awarded the policyholder $6,500 in such costs and fees.

Alfrieda Mason alleges she discovered water on …