Ford v. Alfa Mutual Insurance Co.

L. CHARLES WRIGHT,

Retired Appellate Judge.

On April 24,1989, Frances Ford was walking by Blondie Fluharty’s house when Flu-harty’s dog ran up to Ford, causing Ford to fall and injure her hip. Stephen Brannon, Fluharty’s nephew, took Ford to the hospital.

*20On April 28, 1989, Fluharty notified her homeowner’s insurance carrier, Alfa Mutual Insurance Company, of the incident. The claim was referred to a claims adjuster. Within the week, the adjuster unsuccessfully tried to contact Ford. On May 11, 1989, the adjuster learned that Ford had retained counsel. On May 22, 1989, the adjuster requested…