After the Disaster

Excerpted from Toxic Mold Litigation, Second Edition

By Raymund C. King

Once the disaster is over, the real work begins for the property owner. Insured property owners should do the following:

• File a claim immediately, regardless of certainty about coverage. Insurance policies generally require prompt assertion of claims; delay may cause claim denial. Many insurers have established emergency claim-reporting hotlines and locations.

• Photograph damages to preserve evidence for adjusters.

• Confirm the identity and licensure of any insurance adjuster who contacts you by checking with state departments of insurance online or by phone. Be especially cautious of insurance adjusters offering to be advocates in insurance claims. Unfortunately, disaster and chaos situations tend to bring unscrupulous individuals out of the woodwork.

Sponsoring Entity:

The ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section