Judge Denies New Trial in North Dakota Fire Claim Case

A judge has upheld the verdict in the case of a North Dakota couple who were awarded more than $2 million in a lawsuit against an insurance company.

Timothy and Sylvia Moore of Mountain sued American Family Insurance after fire destroyed a vacant duplex they owned in Walsh County. The company blamed the Moores for the damage and refused to pay off a $50,000 policy.

A jury awarded the Moores $1.15 million for bad faith by the insurance company and $1.15 million in punitive damages.

Judge Rodney Webb turned down American Family’s motion for a new trial, saying the evidence presented at trial supports the jury’s verdict.