Johnson v. South State Insurance

Gregory, Justice:

Petitioner Melia R. Johnson commenced this action against Respondent South State Insurance Company [the Company] to recover fire insurance benefits. A jury returned a verdict for Johnson. The Court of Appeals reversed. Johnson v. South State Insurance Co., 286 S. C. 235, 332 S. E. (2d) 778 (S. C. App. 1985). This Court granted certiorari. We reverse the opinion of the Court of Appeals, and reinstate the jury verdict.

Petitioner contracted with the Company to insure his home in Cherokee County. In 1977,, the house was destroyed by fire. Johnson submitted a claim to the Company,…