LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥� A federal jury in Los Angeles awarded $6.3 million to actor Shannen Doherty on Monday in a lawsuit alleging that State Farm failed to pay sufficiently for damage to her house in a 2018 California wildfire.
The jury found that the insurance giant's failure to pay policy benefits for Doherty's Malibu home were 鈥渦nreasonable and without proper cause.鈥�
The verdict covers damages to Doherty's house and property, emotional distress and attorney's fees.
鈥淲e thank the members of the jury for their thoughtful consideration of Shannen鈥檚 case,鈥� Doherty's attorney Devin McRae said in a statement. 鈥淲e are happy they saw the case the way we do. This should send a message to State Farm and other institutions that they should not forget they are dealing with human beings.鈥�
鈥淐harmed鈥� and 鈥淗eathers鈥� revealed in February 2020 that the breast cancer she had been diagnosed with in 2015 had recurred and progressed to stage 4.
Her attorneys said in court documents that 鈥渋nstead of living out her remaining years peacefully in her home, Ms. Doherty remains displaced and battling with her insurance company.鈥�
In its own statement Monday, State Farm said, 鈥淲e empathize with Ms. Doherty鈥檚 health and wish her the best. We are disappointed by the jury鈥檚 decision and respectfully disagree with it. We will explore all available legal options, including appealing the verdict.鈥�
The Associated Press
