By Devyn Lyon, FOX23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — A lawsuit accusing State Farm of underpaying or denying wind and hail damage claims is moving one step closer to trial and attorneys representing Oklahoma homeowners said the latest court ruling could have broader implications for many of the company’s policyholders across the state.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo ordered State Farm to produce additional internal documents and to make company executives available for depositions as part of the ongoing case referred to as Hursh v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (Case No. CJ-2025-2626).
The lawsuit was filed by Broken Arrow homeowners Billy and Lacy Hursh, who allege State Farm improperly handled their hail damage claim.
Attorneys with Whitten Burrage said the case is one of nearly 900 similar lawsuits filed against the company across Oklahoma alleging that wind and hail claims were systematically underpaid or denied.
FOX23 asked attorney Hannah Whitten what Tuesday’s ruling means moving forward.
“We certainly do believe that yesterday’s ruling has an impact on all cases against State Farm because Judge Amy Palumbo found this discovery relevant and proportional to the needs of the case,” Whitten explained.
State Farm remains one of Oklahoma’s largest homeowners insurers.
Attorneys representing homeowners argue the court’s decision could affect other pending lawsuits and potentially provide additional insight into how the company handled certain wind and hail damage claims.
When FOX23 asked what the average State Farm customer should take away from the case, Whitten said consumers should continue paying attention as the lawsuit moves through the courts.
“I hope consumers across the state know that we have an eye out on State Farm and we hear their complaints of raising rates and lower claim payments.”
FOX23 has previously reported on Green Country homeowners who raised concerns about their experiences with State Farm claims following storm damage.
Attorneys said homeowners who believe their wind or hail damage claim was improperly handled have several options.
“I think there’s a lot of different steps available to Oklahoma consumers who feel like they’ve been cheated by State Farm,” said Whitten. “You can reach out to an attorney, a public adjuster or the Consumer Protection Division at the Attorney General’s Office.”
State Farm denies the allegations made in the lawsuit.
FOX23 contacted State Farm on Wednesday requesting an on-camera interview or updated statement regarding this week’s court hearing.
State Farm responded with the following statement:
“We are aware of the discovery ruling in state court this week. We want to reiterate State Farm’s mission is to help people. Experiencing property damage can be devastating, and we work with our customers throughout their claim to help them recover. Our goal is to provide all benefits available through their policy. Our Homeowner’s Policy is designed to provide some of the broadest coverage offered in the insurance industry. Over the past two years, State Farm has paid more than $1 billion to Oklahoma customers for wind and hail damage to their homes and property. With 300 local independent contractor agents and hundreds of their team members dedicated to serving Oklahoma, we’re committed to helping people recover.”
The case remains pending in Oklahoma County District Court as attorneys work toward setting a trial date.
To view the full court docket for Hursh v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, click here.
