Eric Grinnell, a Partner in CRUG’s Cleveland Office, recently received a defense jury verdict in the case of Bilal Ataya v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company. Following a three-day trial in Cuyahoga County, a jury returned a verdict in favor of CRUG’s client (State Farm) on all counts, including claims for breach of contract, insurance bad faith, and punitive damages.
The Case: The Plaintiff alleged that a July 2023 storm necessitated a total replacement of the roof, siding, and windows, claiming approximately $172,000 in economic damages. Central to the “bad faith” claim was the fact that State Farm performed six separate inspections and had internal draft estimates that were not ultimately approved.
The Outcome: Despite testimony from the Plaintiff’s neighbors, contractors, and a window representative, Eric successfully demonstrated that State Farm’s handling of the claim met its contractual obligations and industry standards.
