AUSTIN, Texas -- A jury here awarded Melinda Ballard and her family $32.1 million in a case involving extensive mold damage to their Dripping Springs, Texas home. The jury ruled that Farmers Insurance Group had improperly addressed Ballard’s water-damage and mold claim and committed fraud in its handling of her claim.
Farmers said it would review the verdict and appeal if necessary. The insurance company added that it expects mold claims to cost the company $85 million in 2001.