SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s government is suing insurance companies that officials say have not responded quickly enough to claims filed after Hurricane Maria hit nearly a year ago.
Gov. Ricardo Rossello said Tuesday that the lawsuits aim to prevent companies from dropping claims because they have allegedly expired. He said insurance companies believe they can drop a claim if clients do not sue within a year.
The lawsuits also seek $2.6 billion in damages for those who have not been compensated since the Category 4 storm hit on Sept 20.
Government officials said some 16,000 claims remain unresolved.
Attorneys in Puerto Rico recently filed a class-action lawsuit addressing the same concerns.
