Smyrna Dentist's Business Claim Denied; Files Class Action Suit

SMYRNA, GA — A Smyrna dentist has filed a class-action lawsuit against an insurance company. The suit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. The insurers have denied the dental practice and other business owners’ claims for lost income because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the suit.

It is being pursued by Dr. Roy H. Johnson and his practice, Windy Hill Dentistry, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The suit is against The Hartford Financial Services Group and eight of its insurance subsidiaries.

Former Georgia governor and Marietta attorney Roy Barnes’ law firm is representing the dental practice. Barnes said he disagrees with Hartford’s position.

“The insurance company is saying that a business interruption has to be accompanied by a physical loss — like from a fire,” Barnes told the AJC on Saturday. “But there has been a physical loss here.”

A spokesman for Hartford told the outlet that the company won’t comment on the lawsuit.

Businesses across Georgia were ordered to temporarily close in March as the number of new coronavirus cases grew. Gov. Brian Kemp ordered bars, nightclubs and nonessential businesses to suspend operations. A statewide shelter-in-place was implemented last month. Georgia began reopening businesses and restaurants in late April.

In a news conference, Kemp emphasized that the reopening decision was made after much deliberation. He said if he hadn't done so, there would still be people who didn't agree with him. The governor said he gave people opportunities "who were on the verge of losing everything."