The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that Attorney General Gentner Drummond cannot intervene in an ongoing lawsuit against State Farm involving a dispute over hail damage coverage.
In a decision issued June 23, the court granted a writ prohibiting enforcement of a district court order that had allowed Drummond’s office to join the case. The court determined the attorney general’s claims would significantly expand the scope of the underlying lawsuit and should instead be pursued separately.
The justices noted that the underlying case involves a private dispute between State Farm and policyholders Billy and Lacy Hursh. The court said allowing the state to intervene would transform the case into a broader proceeding involving allegations under consumer protection and racketeering laws.
The ruling does not prevent the attorney general from pursuing claims against State Farm in a separate lawsuit.
Following the decision, Drummond said his office plans to move forward quickly.
“I thank the Oklahoma Supreme Court for bringing clarity to the appropriate forum where the case needs to be filed,” Drummond said. “We will be filing a new lawsuit in the morning to hold State Farm accountable for the massive fraud perpetrated on Oklahomans.”
