A number of industrial hygienists have expressed opinions that the use of ozone by restoration contractors is unsafe and should not be used. The issue is that many fire and smoke restoration companies use ozone to remove odors, even though they have been warned about these problems in their own trade magazine.
Continue Reading Fire and Smoke Restoration: Is Ozone Safe For Policyholders Following Smoke Damage?
April Hall asked me to give a speech at a one-day conference she is holding in Dallas next Thursday regarding smoke, soot, and ash claims. The science concerning smoke, soot, and ash removal following all types of fires is dynamic. Adjusters, restoration contractors, and especially policyholders need to be aware that their safety is at risk in post-fire and smoke damaged structures.
All homeowners in wildfire areas should carefully view the video, 5 on the Frontline with Dawn Bolstad-Johnson. As part of their training, all property insurance adjusters should do so as well.
I have bought the paperback and eBook versions of Dawn Bolstad-Johnson’s book, Exposed Carcinogenic Exposures on the Fireground and 11 Work Practices
April Hall has it going on when it comes to cannot-miss restoration contractor conferences. While discussing her plans for the upcoming Storm Restoration Conference Seminar that will be held in Texas on January 29th to the 31st, she and I discussed the dangerous nature of smoke damage claims. This conversation was during the recent American Policyholder Association summit in Denver.
Continue Reading Smoke Damage Claims Are Dangerous! Attend the Storm Restoration Contractor Summit to Find Out More Details
Smoke damage claims are unique. Special claims training is needed to properly and safely adjust smoke losses. Most policyholders are entirely unaware of the personal dangers created by smoke. These claims are often overlooked and not reported due to ignorance.
Continue Reading Smoke Damage Claims—Are Insurers Handling Smoke Claims Properly and Trying to Reduce Smoke Coverage Through New Policy Language?
Significant losses make it difficult to quantify the amount of damage recoverable for personal property. Property insurance adjusters will sometimes find all the personal property was consumed in the fire. There is very little left over to view. Refreshing the policyholder’s mind with the types, amounts, and condition of personal property consumed in a major fire takes patience, time, and a great deal of expertise for the property insurance adjuster to evaluate the amount owed under the policy.
Continue Reading Personal Property Valuation In Georgia Following A Fire
The Rocky Mountain Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (RMAPIA) is holding a Spring meeting where I will discuss Safety and Valuation Issues Following Wildfire Losses. An article, Fire Investigator Health and Safety Best Practices,1 should be read by all adjusters and claims managers. While fire investigators will often be at the fire scene before adjusters and policyholders are allowed, most of the health dangers from a fire are still present for adjusters and policyholders after the fire.
Continue Reading Are Insurance Companies Doing Enough To Safeguard Adjusters and Policyholders Following Fire Losses?
Suppose a fire loss occurs. What happens if after the first fire loss and before repairs are finished, another fire loss occurs and burns down the structure? Should each fire loss be subject to a separate policy limit? Should an insurer pay one policy limit? Is the second fire a “total loss?”
Continue Reading Two Fires Means Two Potential Policy Limits
The Colorado Division of Insurance got an earful from Colorado policyholders dealing with insurance claim problems at a virtual town hall meeting last night. The event, Insurance Town Hall – Partial Losses in the Boulder Fires & Straight Line Winds, had panelists discussing the issues of soot, ash, and char claims following the recent Marshall Fire. Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway was obviously frustrated hearing how Coloradans are being treated with their claims. He stated that “his blood pressure was going up” and that he intended to call Liberty Mutual and Travelers. The event was recorded and will be on the Division’s website.
Continue Reading Soot, Ash, and Char Claims Are Hot Topic At Colorado Insurance Commission Virtual Town Hall Meeting
So, I have been in the property insurance claims business as an attorney for 16 years. During my time as a policyholder attorney advocate, I have helped thousands of claimants navigate the claims process that I have always described as a gauntlet.
Continue Reading Fire Loss At My Home Makes My Eyes Wide Open About The Emotions Our Clients Feel During The Claims Process—Empathy Through Agony