Rick Friedman Wins $3.5M Jury Verdict Against Continental Western Insurance

Denver CO

A Denver federal court jury today concluded that Continental Western Insurance Companybreached its obligations under the insurance policy and acted in bad faith when it failed to timely pay benefits following a fire which destroyed a grain elevator and feed mill in Johnstown, Colorado in 2005. The owners, Wayne and Rhonda Spreng, were unable to rebuild due to delaying tactics used by the insurance company that also provided coverage to welders who had accidentally started the fire. The evidence demonstrated that Continental Western put its own financial interests ahead of its policy-holders when it withheld payment to the Sprengs. The jury awarded $3.5 Million dollars in compensatory damages and Continental Western may also be required to pay up to $1.5 Million in interest on the award as well as court costs.