More than a decade later, Jackson wins millions in settlement with insurance company

The City of Jackson was awarded slightly more than $10.3 million after a lawsuit was settled with Zurich-American Insurance Group.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba made the announcement during a mayor's press conference Thursday at the Jackson Police Department's Real Time Command Center.

More than 100 buildings throughout the city were damaged during a hail storm in late 2013, Lumumba said. The city hired their own independent evaluator to assess the damage, but Zurich-American disagreed with the amount of money the city wanted for repairs.

A lawsuit ensued with the insurance company first offering the city $1 million to settle. Lumumba thanked the work of City Attorney Catoria Martin, who's last day in the position is Friday after resigning last week, and her office for fighting the lawsuit and bringing in more money for the city.

"We've been in a battle with Zurich for quite sometime trying to make sure that we got a proper settlement," Lumumba said.

Some of the money will be used to handle repairs for city buildings, but Lumumba said discussions will be had on how else to spend the money, including looking at what other city facilities need repairs. The city will receive the money within the next 30 days.

"I'm sure there will be conversations to look at other needs across the city, but I won't go ahead of that process and declare where this money will go," Lumumba said. "But it certainly is well needed and we're grateful for the work to get it."

City Spokesperson Melissa Payne said she was unsure how many city-owned buildings still need to be repaired.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson wins $10.3 million in insurance lawsuit