Grants Pass woman sues insurer over skunk damages

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A woman is suing a home insurance company after a skunk sprayed her dog and belongings inside her Grants Pass home.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Katherine Schaeffer in the lawsuit filed in Josephine County Circuit Court last month claims the skunk ruined more than $112,000 worth of her possessions last year.

The suit claims Safeco Insurance has only paid $2,000 for the damages.

Schaeffer’s lawyer, Scott Taylor, says the claims adjusters failed to grasp the extent of the stench, and a “special personal property rider” on his client’s homeowner policy should cover the damages.

Safeco spokesman Glenn Greenberg declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

Schaeffer is also seeking $38,000 for other costs, including cleaning and living expenses.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com