Companies Suing West Va. Insurer BrickStreet Over Agent Commissions

December 17, 2007

Two companies are suing West Virginia's workers' compensation writer BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co. over agent commissions.

Aero-Fab Inc. and The Bunch Co. allege that Brickstreet is billing companies for the commissions as part of their workers' compensation premiums, even if they don't have agents.

The companies want BrickStreet to refund the payments. Their lawyers are seeking class-action status for the lawsuit, which was filed in Cabell County Circuit Court.

BrickStreet denies the allegations and says it is following regulations established by the state Insurance Commissioner's Office.

By law, BrickStreet has the exclusive rights to provide workers' compensation until next year. After that, companies can seek coverage from other insurers.