Natural Disasters

A design/build contractor was retained to design and re-construct an aging/deteriorating dam and related outflows. Following re-construction of the dam by the contractor, a 200+ year storm affected the area. The design specifications did not address a storm of this magnitude and the storm resulted in excessive erosion around a dam outflow. The outflow failed as a result of the erosion causing debris to enter a nearby river system. Claims arose for both professional liability for negligent design and also for pollution due to the debris in the river system.

A retail store which had an underground parking garage beneath the store was in the path of a severe hurricane. As a result of the torrential rains, the lowest level of the parking garage was completely flooded. As a result of the water intrusion there was sewage backup as well as gasoline and other automotive fluids released from vehicles left in the parking garage during the storm. Cleanup was required for both the petroleum impacts and the sewage. In addition, a business interruption claim was made due to the odor impacting the ability to operate the retail store above.

A general contractor was building a multi-building wood frame apartment complex. After framing had begun and before the building envelope could be completed, a series of rainstorms affected the area. Over the course of several months rain impacted the site numerous times per week, in an area where this had historically not been an issue. As a result of the constant rain impacts, mold developed throughout the project. Due to the constant rains, not only was the building envelope not able to be completed, but dry out became difficult. The mold spread throughout the building impacting the building materials and structural members. A claim was made for cleanup and business interruption.