Allstate Denies Insurance Claim To Murder Victim's Family.

[RatPak11]

*Webmaster's email is full. I felt this story was important enough to post to "General Discussions" Immediately.
Is This A New Low For Allstate?
Due to the negative response this article is receiving, there is no doubt in my mind this denied claim will end up being paid:

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... v=menu45_2


Insurance claim denied to family of mass shooting victim
Filed by Mary Kay Mallonee

Posted: April 23, 2008 04:24 PM PDT


VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. (WAVY.com) -- The heartache deepens for the family of a woman killed in the shootings at a Virginia Beach apartment complex.
The woman's parents are now left to raise her children, but the insurance policy she had to take care of the children in the event of a tragedy has been denied.
On March 19, Rebecca Hughes was shot and killed, along with another employee, at Thalia Gardens apartment complex.
Virginia Beach police say William Smith shot four employees before killing himself.
Now, Allstate Insurance is refusing to pay on Hughes' accidental death coverage citing the fact Hughes was murdered. They say that does not count as accidental.

So, Hughes' two little children are out of luck - claim denied.
Rebecca's parents have stepped in to raise the children. Diane Crowling is a Virginia Beach school bus driver. Her husband is in his 60's. Their income is very modest.
'There's things they (the children) need. Things I can't supply for them,' cried Crowling. 'It hurts. I promised Becky I would take care of her kids. We go payday to payday. I pick up all the extra runs and hours I can for the school system.'
Crowling figured her daughter's insurance policy would help -- $20,000. But Allstate denied the claim.
The company sent Crowling a letter that reads, 'We regret to let you know we will be unable to honor your request for benefits.'
On the phone an Allstate supervisor told Crowling her daughter's accidental death insurance does not consider murder an appropriate claim. The supervisor said, 'It's technically not considered an accident.'
Crowling responded, 'How is that so? Someone murdered my daughter and you say it's not an accident?'
The supervisor said, 'Yes ma'am, technically, based on our policy.'
Becky's mother was stunned. 'What do they call it?'
Her daughter's murder not covered -- Allstate saying her death was intentional -- not technically an accident.
'I hope they can sleep at night,' said Crowling.
WAVY.com is in contact with Allstate and one supervisor told us, 'I am really surprised by it.'
We also spoke with people higher up the ladder and they say they are looking into the claim.
WAVY.com will continue to work with the family to get the denial reversed.

Comments:



hhw
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#1
13 hrs ago

SHAME ON ALLSTATE!!! FOR SHAME FOR SHAME FOR SHAME!!!!
BOYCOTT ALLSTATE AMERICA!!!!!!!!
You gotta be kiddin me
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#2
13 hrs ago

Murder not an accident? Not an accident to who? Goodness me. It doesn't seem that the insurance company is playing fair.
Where is the father of these two children? Doesn't he also have some responsibility in their upbringing?
Hopefully a wrongful death attorney will step forward and offer to help this family (and decline his/her fee).
kathy
Norfolk, VA Reply »
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#3
13 hrs ago

I for one am going to write allstate on behalf of a family that i don't even know, but find how allsate has done is deplorable.
samhulatt
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#4
12 hrs ago

The situation shows me that it is always a good idea to read the fine print, and then get a maginfying glass to check the boarders for more of it before getting any insurance or signing any legal document. A sad state of affairs when good folks can't count on anyone. Blessings WAVY on trying to get the morally right thing done.
Patty
Clayton, NC Reply »
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#5
12 hrs ago

After watching this broadcast tonight, if i were still with ALLSTATE, i would call an cancel all my policies with them,first thing in the morning. Maybe if enough people thought this way, it might make them reconsider there decision and the current rules in regards to a person being murdered. Good Luck
graphix
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#6
12 hrs ago

Well so much for being in good hands. 20 K???? are you kidding me. Well I know this much, Allstate will not be insuring me for anything as of tommorow morning. This is so sad. Has there been any kind of endowment set up for the family or the children? I would love to see people cancel their policies and switch to other insurance companies.
Portsmouth Citizen
Norfolk, VA Reply »
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#7
12 hrs ago

Well, that just ends the idea 'You're In Good Hands With....' More like, 'You'll Be Lucky If We Pay Your Claim.' Allstate, you should be positively ashamed of yourself!!

Hmph!! In my opinion, Allstate isn't 'technically' a proper insurance carrier then. I hope those people get absolutely no sleep at night until they change this around to allowing the claim. Well, let's look at it THIS way Allstate, those children are 'accidentally' without a mom now,,,,how about that?!
shame
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#8
12 hrs ago

ALLSTATE,
The company needs to remove their symbol, and every ALLSTATE employee needs to turn and look at each other and ask:” ARE WE WORKING FOR A COMPANY THAT STANDS BEHIND THEIR CLAIM? Apparently not! ALLSTATE, stand behind your claim and take responsibility! I would not select Allstate as my insurance provider if they were the last insurance company on earth. SHAME ON YOU!!!
David
Elizabeth City, NC Reply »
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#9
12 hrs ago

Forgive me, I said nationwide, I ment allstate insurance.
a resident
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#10
11 hrs ago

this is a crying shame .my heart goes out to this family .lets hope this insurance company changes it policy .i for one will never go to alstate
Darryl Revoc
Washington, DC Reply »
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#11
11 hrs ago

I would really like to meet the adjuster... that made the final decision on this claim
David
Elizabeth City, NC Reply »
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#12
11 hrs ago

I wrote a comment earlier where I said nationwide instead of allstate, forgive me. Now to the real subject. What the hell is wrong with you Allstate??? If this wasn't accidential, what do you call it?, SHAME ON YOU ALLSTATE !! You always advertise that 'Your in good hands' Well you cant prove that by me now. If I had policies with you right now, they would be cancelled first thing in the morning!!! The very idea you denied this family the claim has done nothing more than just show what kind of company you really are. I hope the family takes up a lawsuit against you. You dont mind charging outrageous premiums, but when it comes time to pay off, its excuse time not to pay. I hope you get burned and I hope you cannot sleep at night. FOR SHAME SHAME SHAME
Fund for her kids
United States Reply »
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#13
11 hrs ago

Is there a fund set up anywhere for these kids? I think I remember there being a fund raising event at a restaurant but I am curious if there is a fund set up at a bank if people would like to donate.
Kenny
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#14
11 hrs ago

YOU ARE CRAZY.... Screw Allstate. Pay like you should... Wow why do we pay insurance??????
To get Screwed I see...
Sorry for your lose.
wow
Chesapeake, VA Reply »
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#15
10 hrs ago

It's so sad how companies like Allstate will promise to protect you and the moment you give them money it's theirs to keep. I'm very sorry for the family at this time. That's unbelievable. Is there a way to help out the victim's parents who are raising the children? Can there be a fund set up where people can donate money or old clothes? Help buy school supplies? If Allstate wants to horde the money then I know there are good people who would be willing to help. I hope there is a way. Shame on Allstate!
Goodbye Allstate
Norfolk, VA Reply »
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#16
10 hrs ago

I will cancel all my insurance with Allstate...I know there are better companies NOW!
Agent
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#17
10 hrs ago

As a licensed insurance agent in the state of Virginia I agree with Allstate denying the life insurance claim. Unfortunately the family is at a loss with the death of their family member. However the policy owner was given a copy of the life insurance policy and should have had the benefits explained clearly by the Allstate agent. If the agent did not provide the professional service expected by a licensed agent in Virginia then yes Allstate should pay the claim due to negligence on the agent. I also believe that Wavy TV since this has been brought to light can help get a message out to your viewers informing them to check their coverage. Let the community know that they can call your experts or visit their agent. It is far too often that I see consumers being sold insurance products that are substandard or just not issued to meet their needs for insurance. Consumers can also get direction from visiting the Insurance Bureau of Virginia.
Jamie
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#18
10 hrs ago

My mom was in a severe accident and severely injured. This was back in 2004. And they still haven't gave her the money. She can barely afford medicine she needs, and she can barely walk still. And Allstate REFUSES to do anything about it!! The drunk driver who hit her..the company wants to settle but allstate is being stingy. i think allstate is the worst insurance company.
Agent
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#19
10 hrs ago

On a second note; I do not nor would I ever work for Allstate. For the others that read this note. Your credit card life insurance coverage and mortgage life insurance kopst often reads the same. Accidental death is accidental. You have to essentially crash you car or fall of a ladder in order for the life insurance benefit to pay out.
TOYA D
Norfolk, VA Reply »
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#20
10 hrs ago

Shame on allstate that is the most stupidest thing i have ever heard of. We sit and put our lives on the line to make a payment on time and this is how you turn down a family that thought that they would be okay if anything were to happen like this tragedy. I also have a policy with allstate but i gaurentee tomorrow they will be making my name off there billing cycle because by seeing this tragedy and they just denied that claim i don't know if i can trust allstate with my life insurance policy anymore.




graphix
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#21
9 hrs ago

I think anyone who is not an insurance agent would describe accidental as something happening by chance or something not planned. I doubt this poor lady woke up that morning and planned to be murdered. Anyone including other insurance agents who understand or agree with Allstate on this should really reinventory their life. If you can honestly say you agree or understand that her MURDER is not considered an accidental death then oviously you care more about money then human life. I'm sorry but this is just another legal scheme to defraud people hard working people. It is obvious what the right thing to do here - pay the claim. Of course this is the same company that is canceling home owners coverages if they live in catastrophe-prone areas to reduce the amount of liability the company will have to pay out in an effort to raise profits.
Kris
Helen, MD Reply »
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#22
9 hrs ago

AGENT... so you're saying that we should all expect and plan to be murdered? That murder is a death that each of us should see coming? Anymore than we'd see a car accident coming? or falling off a ladder? Those two things are far more easily avoidable than murder.

As far as I'm concerned, this woman was just in the wrong place at the wrong time... like most 'accident' victims are. Shame on ALL insurance companies that have such a gray definition of 'accident' that they can manipulate each and every claim to pay out in their favor, instead of taking care of the claimant, as they should.
NAAWP
Clinton, SC Reply »
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#23
8 hrs ago

I knew it was allstate insurance before i even read the whole story. allstate is one of the worst insurance companies out there. It is known that they will deny almost all claims just to try and get you to cave. They are one of the reasons that washington state passed a law this year that requires insurance companies to pay TRIPLE damages if they deny a valid claim. I hope allstate rots.
Hampton Roads Citizen
Richmond, VA Reply »
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#24
7 hrs ago

While I understand that everyone is upset.....her death is a homicide not an accident. It sounds to me like the mother of these children did not have the proper insurance (whole or term life). It is unfortunate that the children will now suffer, but their mother did not have a proper policy in place and unless this was not clearly explained to the mother....Allstate has done nothing wrong. What if the mother had a naturally occuring fatal event? Allstate wouldnt pay then either. It is a sad situation that probably could have been avoided with proper education on life insurance.

Another point to think about....Would you want her death to be called 'accident' and not 'homicide' if the man who had murdered her was still alive to be punished?

My heart goes out to the family.
hhw
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#25
4 hrs ago

Agent wrote:
As a licensed insurance agent in the state of Virginia I agree with Allstate denying the life insurance claim. Unfortunately the family is at a loss with the death of their family member. However the policy owner was given a copy of the life insurance policy and should have had the benefits explained clearly by the Allstate agent. If the agent did not provide the professional service expected by a licensed agent in Virginia then yes Allstate should pay the claim due to negligence on the agent. I also believe that Wavy TV since this has been brought to light can help get a message out to your viewers informing them to check their coverage. Let the community know that they can call your experts or visit their agent. It is far too often that I see consumers being sold insurance products that are substandard or just not issued to meet their needs for insurance. Consumers can also get direction from visiting the Insurance Bureau of Virginia.
Shame on you and Allstate!! Thanks for getting the messsage out that insurance companies including yours can't be trusted and are a huge waste of money!
hhw
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#26
3 hrs ago

Hampton Roads Citizen wrote:
While I understand that everyone is upset.....her death is a homicide not an accident. It sounds to me like the mother of these children did not have the proper insurance (whole or term life). It is unfortunate that the children will now suffer, but their mother did not have a proper policy in place and unless this was not clearly explained to the mother....Allstate has done nothing wrong. What if the mother had a naturally occuring fatal event? Allstate wouldnt pay then either. It is a sad situation that probably could have been avoided with proper education on life insurance.
Another point to think about....Would you want her death to be called 'accident' and not 'homicide' if the man who had murdered her was still alive to be punished?
My heart goes out to the family.
I bet it feels like an accidental death to her family!! I am sorry but no one will smooth talk there way out of this one with me! For the most part I feel like most insurance companies are really just wolves in sheep clothing! Gangsters are everywhere!
Sheena
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#27
3 hrs ago

WHAT? Not an accident? Allstate should be ashamed of their denial. I'm shocked! I honestly can't believe insurance companies can get away this crap like this. And yes, this it total crap. I would never have Allstate due to this specific story. Some 'hot runnin' hungry lawyer needs to get his/her hands on this case and get the parents the money for the children. Amazing. Terrible - but truly amazing. As Crowling said, 'I hope they can sleep at night.'
Rachel
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#28
3 hrs ago

I just wanted to say I really hope you (WAVY) keep looking into it, because to me that is just outrageous. That poor woman did not intentionally walk into a bullet! My opinion of Allstate just took a major nose dive.
Can you belive it
Pensacola, FL Reply »
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#29
3 hrs ago

Once again an insurance company that claims they care deny a claim saying murder is not covered by life insurance that is meant to provide some kind of helping hand for 2 kids. They are crooks, these kids lost thier mother, doesn't that count for anything. Aren't we as people suppose to help those that are in need. If I had this 'insurance' I believe I would drop them after reading that. Plain and simple , murder is bad enough for those that it touches, then these people get this slap in the face. I just pray this get resolved, and the person who denied this claim learns there is more to life then a profit margin.
Karen
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#30
3 hrs ago

It is sad that ALLSTATE would act as a determiner that murder is not an accidental death. Imagine if these grandparents didn't have a WAVY TV 10 to go 'further up the ladder.' ALLSTATE should be ashamed of themselves. This should also be a wake up call to anyone who has that same coverage by ALLSTATE to find someone else to assist their loved ones in case of an accident.
Bess
Yorktown, VA Reply »
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#31
2 hrs ago

You pay for insurance for years. You miss a payment they cancel your policy. Then when you need it they won't pay up because of some technicality. I hate insurance companies. They are the worst people in the world to deal with, but you better have coverage. In some cases (car) it is against the law not to.

Give those children their money that grandmother is a God sent to take those kids to raise. She needs help.
BKLYN NEW YORKER
Norfolk, VA Reply »
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#32
2 hrs ago

What a way to make money these days. Allstate must be the richest insurance company! What is an accident anyway? By car? Bus? She didnt choose to get shot am I right? Don't give up the fight and let these insurance companies get away with this.
COCO
Hornell, NY Reply »
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#33
2 hrs ago

Goodbye Allstate wrote:
I will cancel all my insurance with Allstate...I know there are better companies NOW!
Just canceled all my policies with allstate!! What a bunch of jerks!! Be late on a payment to them they will cancel you... Then it comes time for them to pay up, and SORRY THAT DOESN'T QUILIFY AS AN ACCIDENT!!! No one goes out and says ' I think i will go out and get murdered today'.. THIS IS BULL S HIT!!!
r w johnson
United States Reply »
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#34
2 hrs ago

I wish that I were an Allstate policy holder so that I could call and cancel my policy. The $20,000 that they may save I hope they lose 100 fold from bad publicity.
Boom
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#35
2 hrs ago

My co-worker and I have just finished debating this. While I do not agree w/ him, I understand what he's saying: Of course the murder was an accident, I say. No, says he...that man INTENTIONALLY shot her, meant to shoot her, therefore, it's not an accident. Wow...is this the way Allstate is looking at it? To the victim, it was an accident but since the perpetrator MEANT to shoot her, it becomes NOT an accident, therefore, no claim. That is crazy. By that logic, NOTHING would be an accident as there would always be some loophole the insurance companies could use. Drowning? Nope...the victim should've know not to swim at high tide w/ strong currents. Claim denied. Falling off a ladder? Nope...the ladder was over a year old & unsafe. Claim denied. And it goes on and on...
U THINK
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#36
1 hr ago

U THINK UR IN GOOD HANDS, BUT UR REALLY NOT.'YOUR IN GOOD HANDS WITH ALLSTATE' RIGHT.
DMA
Mahwah, NJ Reply »
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#37
1 hr ago

Who plans on getting murdered? What kind of insurance do they have for that? Hmmm let me check... OOPS no insurance available for 'accidentally murdered.' In my opinion, Allstate is too busy paying actors to tell us how great the insurance is. And shouldn't everyone have learned from Katrina that Allstate, along with other carriers will find every loophole known to man to not have to pay a claim.

Best wishes to the family. Is anyone taking donations? I would like to see WAVY TV broadcast a bank that is accepting donations on behalf of the children. They have to be taken care of.
Submariner
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#38
1 hr ago

Allstate?? I always heard it pronounced allSNAKE.
When you purchase a life insurance policy you kind of expect that if your are killed or die for whatever reason, your benificiary will receive the benifits. Insurance agents are no better than used car dealers. Sell the crap and run hide. There are more exclusions in an insurance policy than you can shake a stick at. Buyer beware.
JHARRIS
Portsmouth, VA Reply »
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#39
1 hr ago

I wrote an email to Allstate regarding this...It is ridiculous...INTENTIONAL? What good is life insurance? I told them I would never get their kind of insurance (which really isn't insurance) if they didn't reverse it!!! A family shouldn't have to fight for what is legitimately theirs!!!
puhlease
Baltimore, MD Reply »
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#40
1 hr ago

So Agent, tell me, is there a MURDER POLICY that ALLSTATE (or any other 'INSURANCE' company) can sell to the 'consumer' (aka VICTIM IN NEED, WHO PAID THEIR PREMIUMS)?????? I need to check into Murder Insurance, I suppose.

This makes me sick.




Peggy Baxter
Newport News, VA Reply »
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#41
39 min ago

I sm in the insurance business and have been for 29 years - I have never heard of anything life this before.

Several years back we had a similiar incident, 2 young people had policies with MassMutual Life Insurance Co., the husband shot his wife and he was then killed by police officrs. MassMutual paid the claims on both.

Someone needs to step in on this and the claim paid as quickly as possible, this family has been through enough.
Hopefull
United States Reply »
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#42
28 min ago

NOW THAT IS SAD. I HOPE SOMEBODY IS ABLE TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE CHILDREN. ALLSTATE IS A RIP OFF BECAUSE BASICALLY THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING MONEY EVERY MONTH FOR HER POLICY AND NOW HER CHILDREN CANT HAVE ANY OF WHAT SHE HAD PAID FOR, SO WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY THAT SHE PAID INTO THAT POLICY THE INSURANCE COMPANY POCKETS IT?
Co-Worker
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#43
24 min ago

It's truly a disappointment to see how an insurance company handles such a tragedy. Fortunately though, there have been other means of assitance available to the victims and their families.

If you haven't already done so, please remember to contribute to the:

Thalia Gardens Victims Fund
c/o Wachovia Bank, World Trade Center 101 West Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510


DAllen
Chesapeake, VA Reply »
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#44
22 min ago

No one plans to get murdered and one has limited control on being murdered (if it happens, it happens). I believe AllState has to clearly define what 'accidental' death means. If the policy clearly defines what 'murder' and 'accidental' deaths mean, then the company is correct to deny the coverage. I think this is a good time for all of us to review our coverage to verify that if we happen to die, our loved ones will reap all the benefits you worked so hard to do.
Valerie Langer - Ms Val
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#45
18 min ago

With everything that is going on right now in their lives, I think that it is horrible that Allstate is dening her claim. How in the world do they expect her to care for Becky's children with out it... It was not Becky's fault that she was murdered. I hope that this matter gets taken care of the right way and that is for Allstate to change it to an appropriate claim..
K Gocek
Virginia Beach, VA Reply »
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#46
9 min ago

I am sickened by this. S. L. Nussbaum had better step up to the plate and fight this. They are ultimately responsible for the actions of the complex manager in pursuing the inspection. Who in their right mind would return to the apartment when it was clear the man appearing at the door naked was not mentally stable. Shame on the training that this manager was or was not given.

[webmaster]

Thanks RatPak,

I have been gone for a few weeks, and you can't imagine the amount of email I have. I will try to get it sorted out over the next couple of days and will get caught up with the articles needing posting.

[ClaimHawk]

Common knowledge definition of "Accidental Death"--

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl ... n&ct=title

As for murder being considered 'an accident'-

http://www.millerandzois.com/Fister.html

[webmaster]

That last web site has to be the worst site I have ever seen. I hope you guys had better luck reading it than I did.

[julier]

Murder in this case is consider an accident to the victim according to the definition in Claimhawk's link.
It is sad Allstate dosent see it that way.

[ClaimHawk]

Allstate supporters may not want to "see" the obvious.

[julier]

They must be using a different dictionary.

[anonymousGal83]

When she bought the policy she was no doubt explained what accidental means. Murder is not an accidental death. No insurance company would pay for this in their right mind.

Google the definition of "accidental death." Or if you are too lazy...I did it for you:

"When the death of an individual is ruled to be the result of an accident and not the result of murder or suicide."