As reported in the Houston Chronicle Great American Insurance Company is trying to avoid paying claims for the deaths of multiple people killed in a fire in an office building by arguing that their deaths were actually caused by smoke inhallation which is “pollution.” This despite the fact that the policy undoubtably provides coverage for loss caused by fire.
The attorney for several of the families described the insurance company’s efforts to avoid responsibility as shocking. “It’s an extraordinary effort by an insurance company to avoid paying on a contract for insurance” Not surprisingly, the insurance company and its legal representative had “no comment.”
This is another classic example of the lengths to which an insurer will go to avoid responsibility. Profits over people.