A commercial property owner in Illinois is suing The Cincinnati Insurance Company in federal court. The lawsuit stems from a claim for wind damage that the insurer allegedly refused to pay. Lincoln Place Capital LLC, the property owner, filed the complaint on August 19, 2025, in the Southern District of Illinois.
The company owns a property located at 5917 North Illinois Street in Fairview Heights. They had an insurance policy with Cincinnati Insurance that was active from November 11, 2022, to November 11, 2025. This policy covered physical damage to buildings, business income, and extra expenses.
The issues began after a windstorm hit the area on March 14, 2025. Lincoln Place Capital claims they reported the damage promptly and paid all required premiums. Cincinnati Insurance assigned a claim number and sent an adjuster to inspect the property on May 9, 2025.
Despite the company’s cooperation and submission of a damage estimate totaling $215,450.83, Lincoln Place Capital states that they did not receive the expected payment. They even sent a Notice of Intent to Sue, which went unanswered by the insurer.
The lawsuit raises questions about whether Cincinnati Insurance conducted a proper investigation and paid the claim as required. The complaint alleges that the insurer failed to investigate reasonably, delayed payment for undisputed damages, and did not respond to the claim in a timely manner. Moreover, Lincoln Place Capital accuses Cincinnati Insurance of misrepresenting the damage’s cause and forcing them to hire their own experts, leading to additional costs.
The company argues that Cincinnati Insurance’s actions reflect a broader pattern of delaying or denying claims, which they believe violates the Illinois Insurance Code. They are seeking compensatory damages, pre-judgment interest, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the challenges faced in commercial property claims and the importance of efficient claims handling. With more than $215,000 at stake, the outcome could influence how insurers handle similar disputes, particularly those related to wind damage and business interruptions. The insurance industry will be closely monitoring the situation as it develops.