Hurricane Irma: $888,294.28

A Broward County residential community sustained damage from Hurricane Irma.  On the date of loss, the community was insured by a commercial insurance policy that provided coverage for windstorm damages.  The community was comprised of 8 separate buildings, and each of the structures sustained damages to the roof.  The roofs were damaged beyond repair and required complete replacement.  Moreover, the powerful windstorm created openings throughout each of the roofs and resulted in the units sustaining ensuing water damages the interior due to wind driven rain.  

The Insured, a Homeowner's Association (HOA) was initially represented by a Public Adjuster.  The carrier retained an engineering firm to inspect the roofs and based upon their inspection, only six of eight buildings were found to have damages.  Prior to engaging Steven C. Kletzkin, PLLC, the Insurance Carrier made an initial determination that the windstorm damages from the hurricane were under the policy deductible.  The total cost to repair the roofs was valued at $4,560.05 and no payment was made until after Steven C. Kletzkin, PLLC was retained to represent the Homeowner's Association.   

This was an exceedingly contentious claim where the insurance carrier initially refused to recognize the claim.  Upon being retained, the carrier initially contended that the insured had not complied with the insurance policy provisions which voided the insurance policy.  Moreover, the insurance carrier misstated the relevant law regarding the rights of the insured under the policy in an attempt to avoid the claim.   

After a formal lawsuit was filed against the insurance carrier to enforce the rights of the Homeowners Association.  Thereafter, the insurance carrier invoked appraisal, which was available under the policy, as a means to resolve the claim.  By using the reports of experts retained by Steven C. Kletzkin, PLLC, appraisal resulted in the insurance carrier paying the cost for replacement of each of the 8 buildings with additional insurance benefits being paid to permit the association to repair the related interior damages.