In a blow to an estimated 35,000-plus Connecticut households facing crumbling foundations due to defective concrete, a federal judge has granted a motion to dismiss a suit brought by a Tolland family against Allstate, marking the 14th of 15 cases in which the insurer has prevailed.

Insurance companies have been increasingly hit with lawsuits in recent years since it came to light that homes in the northeastern area the state are facing potential collapse due to the presence of a naturally occurring iron sulfide originating from a quarry in Willington. The mineral—pyrrhotite—causes the gradual deterioration of concrete when exposed to water and oxygen.