Snowfall of '00/01 in Chicago Area Engendered Mold-Related Insurance Claims, Lawsuits

CHICAGO - The winter weather and snowfall of 2000/2001 in the Chicago area and the resulting ice damming on residential roof structures, has generated a slew of water- and mold-related damage claims that are allegedly being denied or contested by insurance companies.

Lawsuits in response to these claims have been filed in December 2001 and January 2002 by homeowners for breach of contract, section 155 relief, negligence, and consumer fraud. Plaintiffs in the following winter-weather-caused mold complaints are represented by the law firm Childress & Zdeb, Ltd. of Chicago.

George and Alice Gialamas v. Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois, No. …