Mississippi Jury Returns Verdict in Favor of Pascagoula Couple

A Jackson County, Mississippi jury returned a $900,000 verdict for a Pascagoula couple who sued their insurer for unpaid Hurricane Katrina damages.

Retired Navy Admiral James Lisanby and his wife sued USAA insurance for damage to their Pascagoula beach front home, as well as their rental cottage, garage and other losses. They also asked the jury to award an unspecified amount for emotional distress.

The jury returned the verdict June 27. It will consider punitive damages in the case on June 30.

USAA lawyers had argued the San Antonio company did not owe more than the about $45,000 it already paid because the Lisanbys’ homeowners insurance policy did not cover water, even wind driven water.

The Lisanbys’ attorney said USAA failed to properly and fully investigate the claim on the couple’s home before denying coverage.