CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL

"News and Information for Construction Defect and Claims Professionals"

CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL - ISSUE 242749 - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Court Conditionally Grants Mandamus Relief to Compel Appraisal

House frame

Steinfeld sent a notice and demand letter, seeking $4.5 million for early settlement and asked for mediation within 90 days.

February 2, 2026
Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law Hawaii

The court conditionally granted the insurer’s writ of mandamus to compel an appraisal after the trial court denied the insurer’s motion to compel appraisal. In re Am. Zurich Ins. Co., 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 8932 (Tex. Ct. App. Nov. 20, 2025).

The insureds, Jay Steinfeld and Barbara Winthrop (Steinfeld) ,hired Southhampton Group to build their home. Construction began in 2021. Southhampton Group obtained a builder’s risk policy from Zurich which named Steinfeld as an additional insured. Shortly before completion of the home, Sheet Metal Crafts, a subcontractor working on the home’s roof, caused a fire that substantially damaged the home.

Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com


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