Firm Secures Jury Verdict of Over $1.75 Million against Church Mutual Insurance Company

Case Update (2025): In August 2025, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the $1.75 million jury verdict in full, rejecting Church Mutual’s defenses and upholding the award plus 7% pre-judgment interest. This decision marks a final victory for our client after nearly a decade of litigation.

Brandon McWherter and Clint Scott, of McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, completed a jury trial against Church Mutual Insurance Company in Albany, Georgia. The jury awarded $1.75 million, plus pre-judgment interest (which the court will calculate at 7%).

The case involved a December 2014 hailstorm that damaged the roof (which included asbestos tiles), as well as other parts of the building. Even though the first adjuster sent by the insurance company recommended the roof be replaced, the desk adjuster directed that a repair estimate be prepared and issued a minimum payment of approximately $2,300.

The church disagreed with the repair estimate and hired McWherter Scott & Bobbitt. The case was bifurcated, with phase 1 being breach of contract and phase 2 being bad faith/attorneys’ fees.

A jury trial was held in the Middle District of Georgia, from December 16-19, and the jury found in favor of the client, awarding $1.75 million, plus interest.

The case is Central Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia, Inc. v. Church Mutual Insurance Company. The docket number is 1:16-cv-00231-LAG.

Brandon McWherter and Clint Scott partnered with local counsel JL King, of Hudson King (Tifton, GA), to obtain this result.

The second phase of the case was delayed as a result of COVID. However, after nearly a decade of litigation, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment in full, rejecting the insurer’s defenses and upholding the $1.75 million verdict plus pre-judgment interest.

McWherter Scott & Bobbitt represents policyholders. To speak with an experienced Tennessee-based insurance dispute attorney about your hail damage losses, please call 866-402-7548 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. Our attorneys are licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.