Two Puna Victims File Suit for Deceptive Practices
HILO, HAWAII—After the catastrophic eruption of the Kilauea Volcano and an ensuing forest fire that devoured homes in the Puna area of Hawaii, Lloyd’s of London failed to honor local homeowners’ certificates of insurance, according to a lawsuit filed in Hawaii State court today.
“As one of the few home insurance providers in the Puna area near the Kilauea Volcano, Lloyd’s of London, their underwriters, their agents, their adjusters, and affiliates have utterly failed to honor commitments and assist homeowners. Lloyds has failed to pay even basic living expenses promised in their policies in the aftermath,” said Jeff Foster, an attorney representing homeowners allegedly ignored by Lloyd’s.
The lawsuit lays out in graphic detail the negligent treatment of two senior citizens in failing health who were victims of Lloyd’s alleged deceptive practices. Philip J. Haysmer, 77, and his wife Lanell D. Haysmer, 70, are now living out of a neighbor’s garage and have yet to receive even the emergency living expenses promised to them by Lloyd’s in exchange for their years of premiums.
The day before the eruption, Lanell Haysmer suffered a stroke resulting in a coma. While attending to his wife at Hilo Memorial Hospital, Philip Haysmer learned his home and all of their possessions had been destroyed by fire. With the exception of a water tank, the Haysmer’s home and all its contents, including their vehicle, were completely destroyed by the fire.
The Haysmers filed a claim with their home insurance agent on May 23, 2018 and, as of the filing of their lawsuit, have received very little information and none of the benefits they paid for when they purchased the policy that was supposed to protect them and their home.
An email to the Haysmers from their Lloyd’s adjuster acknowledged the negligence, declaring, “I have heard from 3 others with the same policy as yours and all 3 have informed me they have yet to receive any denial letter, that tells me something is going on at Lloyd’s ….”
Foster added “Lloyd’s London has done nothing in over two months to help these displaced homeowners. Filing our action today, we hope, will bring Lloyd’s foot-dragging to an end.”
Highlighting Lloyd’s inaction, the lawsuit outlines a vivid difference.
Within days of the event, Geico adjuster Mr. Victor Heung, contacted the Haysmer, traveled to Pahoa and presented them with a total loss check for the Philip’s burned pickup truck; money they desperately needed to buy clothes and other essentials.
Homeowners seeking further information can reach Foster by visiting Punaclaims.com or calling toll-free 1-800-481-2505.
Click to view the Complaint: Haysmer- Filed Complaint and Summons (1)