Fidelity National Title Insurance Co. has filed a Title Company Attorney Malpractice Lawsuit $2.5M Refinancing against Connecticut attorney Thomas W. Calkins, alleging professional negligence that resulted in a $920,000 loss for the company. The complaint was filed in the Ansonia-Milford Judicial District of the Connecticut Superior Court.

According to the lawsuit, the dispute arises from a 2017 $2.5 million refinancing transaction involving two properties — a warehouse and an undeveloped lot. Fidelity claims Calkins issued a loan policy of title insurance without verifying the authenticity of a key mortgage release document, which was later discovered to have been signed by an unauthorized individual.

The company asserts that Calkins failed to provide Fidelity with a copy of the document for review and did not confirm that the signee was authorized to act on behalf of the lenders — Yeladim LLC, Cynthia Lois Selmon, and West Main Ansonia LLC. The alleged oversight came to light the following year when Yeladim challenged the release, asserting it was fraudulent.

Following an internal investigation, Fidelity determined the release had been improperly executed, directly leading to the company’s $920,000 settlement payment to the lender, Tov V’Chesed Foundation. The lawsuit claims these losses were a direct result of Calkins’ negligence in handling the refinancing process.

“Fidelity suffered significant damages due to the failure to authenticate critical documents and confirm proper authorization,” the complaint states.

Fidelity is represented by Frank B. Velardi Jr. of the Fidelity National Law Group. Attorney Calkins did not respond to a request for comment.