Perschall v. Metropolitan Life Insurance

Disability insurance claim.

“Vexatious” delay in benefits?

The trial court so held.

We affirm.

Tresea Perschall brought this action for insurance benefits under a group disability policy issued by Metropolitan Life. In addition to the claim for disability benefits, she sought punitive damages for defendant’s alleged “vexatious and unreasonable” delay in meeting its obligations under the policy. Following a jury trial, the trial court entered judgment on the verdict against the defendant for $9,369.21 in actual damages, allowed attorney’s fees and ordered punitive damages equal to 25% of the…