However, within 9 days of the claim, GEICO paid the Potts’ estate the $100,000 policy limit, but the Estate returned GEICO’s check and filed a wrongful death lawsuit instead.
The case went to trial and a jury awarded the Potts’ estate
$8.47 million. After the verdict was entered, Harvey filed suit against Geico to cover the excess judgment amount, alleging the insurer mishandled the claim and that the insurer’s conduct amounted to bad faith.
The lawyer who represented the Potts’ estate, testified at trial that he never received any communication from GEICO following his initial letter and that Geico ignored his request for relevant information.
Harvey prevailed at trial but lost on appeal. The case dragged on for years and ultimately ended up in front of the Florida Supreme Court, which sided with Harvey and upheld the $9.2 million judgment against Geico.
