Image: HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Susie Osborne, in a July file photo.
Judge denies dismissal of Leilani homeowner’s lawsuit
News Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
For the second time in a month-and-a-half, a Hilo Circuit Court judge has denied a motion by Lloyd’s of London to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the insurer by a Puna homeowner.
The order filed Dec. 27 by Judge Henry Nakamoto allows the civil suit filed by Susie Osborne, founder and director of Kua o Ka La Public Charter School, to proceed. Lloyd’s had sought the dismissal of the bad faith, consumer protection, and conspiracy claims in Osborne’s lawsuit.
Osborne evacuated Leilani Estates on May 3, and on May 25, she learned her home had caught fire after it spread from neighboring homes, according to the suit. In a letter dated June 4, the county confirmed that the property had been destroyed.