Friendswood apartment owner sues insurer over Hurricane Ike damage

Lloyd’s of London is being sued over claims it refuses to pay for repairs at a Friendswood apartment complex damaged during Hurricane Ike.

Jose Ramos filed a lawsuit on Aug. 26 in the Harris County District Court against Lloyd’s of London, citing breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing, violations of the Texas Insurance Code and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Ramos says that on Sept. 13, 2008 Hurricane Ike stormed the Texas coast, causing the modified bitumen roof recently installed on his apartment complex, known as Wedgewood Village Apartments located at 15525 Blackhawk Blvd. in Friendswood, to weaken its adhesion on the seams.

According to the brief, Lloyd’s insures the property, but refused to pay for repairs after a roofer explained the weakened seams allowed water to seep beneath the roofing membrane, causing roof leaks throughout the complex.

Ramos is seeking damages, attorney’s fees and court costs. He is being represented in the case by Friendswood attorney W. David Torok.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2011-51102.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.