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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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<img style="max-width: 100%;height: auto" width="564" height="267" src="https://www.thompsonhineinsurancerecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1029/2026/03/Mccormick_Sean.jpg">
			Shivam Gastonia, Inc. filed a verified complaint in Gaston County Superior Court against Accelerant Specialty Insurance Company alleging breach of contract for largely denying a tornado-related property and business interruption claim under a commercial policy covering a Quality Inn in Gastonia, North Carolina, effective May 1, 2023 to May 1, 2024, for which Shivam paid over $30,000 in premium.&nbsp;The complaint alleges a May 8, 2024, tornado with ~70 mph winds passed within 700 feet of the hotel, causing damage that even Accelerant&rsquo;s engineer identified as consistent with wind-related punctures and detached metal roof panels, yet Accelerant largely denied coverage despite wind being a covered cause.&nbsp;According to the complaint, Accelerant &ldquo;pigeonholed&rdquo; the loss into lower-limit policy provisions (wear and tear, collapse, hidden decay, leaking/seepage), offered only $11,000 instead of paying under the Blanket Covered Property limit of $5,205,096 on a replacement cost basis, and failed to pay the business interruption claim as well. The pleading further asserts the denial materials referenced a different hotel address in Yanceyville (approximately 150 miles away) and even attached an irrelevant Florida workplace injury report, which Plaintiff cites as evidence of an inadequate investigation.&nbsp;Shivam claims it satisfied all conditions precedent, alleges breach of contract, and seeks judgment, a jury trial, costs, and attorney&rsquo;s fees as allowed by law and contract.
Everyone hates insurance letters, but they always need to be carefully reviewed to ensure the insurer is conducting an adequate claim investigation and providing a reasonable interpretation and application of the policy terms.

Word to the Wise – Carefully Review Reservation of Rights Letters

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