Opinion ID: 802961
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Breach of Good Faith Claim

Text: Because Styron was not entitled to additional insurance payments for the damage to his home’s roof and interior, he cannot establish that he is entitled to 7 Case: 12-30031 Document: 00511896894 Page: 8 Date Filed: 06/22/2012 No. 12-30031 damages under La. Rev. Stat. § 22:1973.1 The statute provides that any insurer who breaches his “duty of good faith and fair dealing” or fails to “adjust claims fairly and promptly [or] to make a reasonable effort to settle claims . . . . shall be liable for any damages sustained as a result of the breach.” La. Rev. Stat. § 22:1973. Styron claims that State Farm breached its good faith duty to timely and adequately adjust his claim. State Farm conducted its first inspection of the house three days after Styron filed his insurance claim, and a second inspection the following day. State Farm provided Styron with payment for the covered damages, along with a partial denial and covered damages letter, less than one month after Styron first filed his claim. There is no evidence that State Farm breached its duty of good faith with regard to the covered damages. Because we conclude that there is no genuine issue of material fact for trial as to whether State Farm owes additional payment for the remaining damages, we further conclude that State Farm cannot be held liable for penalties and attorney fees under this statute.