In a legal battle that could have significant implications for insurance practices, Rodey Bell Dortly has filed a lawsuit against State Farm Fire & Casualty Company and Life Insurance Company of North America. The complaint was lodged in the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, on January 9, 2026, before being removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on February 20, 2026. Dortly accuses these insurance giants of multiple violations including discrimination and bad-faith claim handling.
The case revolves around allegations that State Farm and LINA engaged in discriminatory practices against Dortly, who claims violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Additionally, Dortly’s amended complaint filed on February 16, 2026, expands these accusations to include wrongful termination and interference with disability benefits. “These actions by the defendants were not only unlawful but have caused significant emotional distress,” Dortly argues in his filing.
Dortly’s lawsuit also includes state law claims under Georgia law for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, fraud and misrepresentation among others. He asserts that these actions were carried out with malice or reckless indifference to his rights as an employee and policyholder. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 along with punitive damages to deter such conduct by these corporations in the future.
Representing State Farm are attorneys Terri R. Stewart and Joseph G. Lee from Fisher Phillips LLP while Alexandra Garrison Barnett and Danielle N.H. McWaters from Alston & Bird LLP are defending LINA. The case is presided over by Judge MHC-RDC under Case ID: 1:26-cv-01010-MHC-RDC.
Source: 126cv01010_Rodey_Bell_v_State_Farm_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
