Business

Puerto Rico sues insurance companies amid unresolved claims

18 of September 2018

FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2017 file photo, three containers for holding corpses, right, sit parked outside the Institute of Forensic Science, brought to give support in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the institute press spokesman confirmed their facilities no longer provided enough space to store bodies, and that several hospital morgues are also full. Along with post-storm conditions, each death has a complex mix of causes that can include serious pre-existing conditions and individual decisions by patients, caregivers and doctors, making it difficult to definitively apportion blame in every case. But critics say many could have been saved by better preparation and emergency response. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File),FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2017 file photo, three containers for holding corpses, right, sit parked outside the Institute of Forensic Science, brought to give support in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the institute press spokesman confirmed their facilities no longer provided enough space to store bodies, and that several hospital morgues are also full. Along with post-storm conditions, each death has a complex mix of causes that can include serious pre-existing conditions and individual decisions by patients, caregivers and doctors, making it difficult to definitively apportion blame in every case. But critics say many could have been saved by better preparation and emergency response. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s government is suing insurance companies that officials say have not responded quickly enough to claims filed after Hurricane Maria hit nearly a year ago.

Gov. Ricardo Rossello said Tuesday that the lawsuits aim to prevent companies from dropping claims because they have allegedly expired. He said insurance companies believe they can drop a claim if clients do not sue within a year.

The lawsuits also seek $2.6 billion in damages for those who have not been compensated since the Category 4 storm hit on Sept 20.

Government officials said some 16,000 claims remain unresolved.

Attorneys in Puerto Rico recently filed a class-action lawsuit addressing the same concerns.