We know these waters®

(Insurance Claim Case Study)

Major Fire Damages a Honolulu High–Rise Condominium


Fire damages a Honolulu high-rise condominium

Introduction

A major fire swept through a 20–story office condominium in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. It was one of the most extreme fires in the city´s history. Fire forces from across the entire island came to the site to battle the eight–hour blaze, and numerous firefighters were injured in the process.

Case Description

Floor after floor of the office complex were gutted by fire and inundated with water. There was extensive damage and the growing threat of mold contamination. Early efforts to dry out the building used "labor from the streets,"setting up an "expert dilemma" for the course of the case.

List of Issues

  • Adjusters International observed the early stages of mold growth—a common problem in tropical zones—stemming from the huge quantities of water used to extinguish the fire.
  • The insurance carrier wanted to replace wallboard with ¼–inch sheets of drywall over existing wallboard, a measure that would save the insurance company millions of dollars.
  • The insurance carrier hired a consultant from New York to assess and estimate the damage, and refused to consider the cost of local labor.

Solutions Applied

Adjusters International hired an industrial hygienist to test for mold, determine a protocol to control the growth, and then estimate the repair. The two–part project required emergency stabilization of the mold growth using a thorough drying process, and then the estimation of damage and repairs.

Adjusters International coordinated a demo repair using ¼–inch drywall to illustrate the architectural disadvantage to this kind of repair. Ultimately, Adjusters International was able to prove that a full repair was the only practical measure.

Adjusters International prepared a per-diem analysis to demonstrate just how inefficient a plan it was to hire labor from the mainland.

Outcome

Adjusters International worked tirelessly to demonstrate the scope of damage, determine the best route for the repair, which included control of the mold, and ensure quality repair work throughout the building.


Interstate Building

During the days that followed, many people appeared. Some were public adjusters and others were contractors. They all suggested that they could help us. As the dust settled and it became clear that there was no one on our side, we began to think that maybe we could use some help. Maybe, just maybe, I was not as prepared for what lay ahead as I thought. I met with [your team]. I met with others who offered similar services and as a result of these early meetings, I set up interviews for the final contestants with our board of directors. It became clear during the interviews that Adjusters International was a cut above the rest. It was clear that you would assemble a team that would represent our interests unfailingly regardless of the fact that you were located on the mainland. It became evident from referrals and your intensity and conviction that you were clearly the best choice for us. We never looked back. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful job that you did. You were there for us every step of the way. You fought for us unwaveringly on difficult matters. You got us more than double what we probably would have gotten had we not hired you. You were worth every penny we paid you. We would never consider handling a claim of this size without you.

Calvin S. Oki
Building Manager
Interstate Building

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