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Asika Patel, Esq., Partner in the Miami hub of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB), recently presented alongside Manuel Matus and Krishna Sai Vutukuru of DDA Forensics on the complex intersection of wind and flood causation in Florida property insurance claims.

Mr. Vutukuru provided a scientific overview of wind and flood forces, highlighting the distinguishing characteristics of wind related and flood related damage and the methodologies used to differentiate between the two. Mr. Matus then walked attendees through a real world case study involving a structure allegedly swept away during a hurricane, explaining the investigative process used to determine whether wind, flood, or a combination of both caused the loss. His presentation explored the use of historical and aerial imagery, site inspections, engineering principles, and damage pattern analysis to evaluate causation.

Ms. Patel presented a comprehensive analysis of Florida property insurance law governing hurricane losses, with a particular focus on the legal framework carriers must navigate when evaluating and litigating wind, flood, and wind driven rain claims. Drawing on decades of Florida appellate precedent, Ms. Patel guided attendees through the evolution of the Valued Policy Law, the Concurrent Cause Doctrine, Anti Concurrent Cause (ACC) provisions, and Ensuing Loss principles, explaining how each doctrine impacts coverage determinations in complex catastrophe claims. Designed specifically for claims professionals, adjusters, engineers, and coverage counsel, Ms. Patel's presentation offered practical litigation strategies for investigating, documenting, and defending high exposure hurricane claims. She demonstrated how carriers can strengthen coverage positions, identify key evidentiary issues early in the claim process, and effectively defend causation and coverage disputes through appraisal, litigation, and trial. Her experience handling complex first party property litigation enables her to provide carriers with strategic guidance from the initial investigation through resolution of some of the most challenging catastrophe related coverage disputes.

Together, the presenters demonstrated how legal, scientific, and forensic disciplines work in tandem to resolve some of the most challenging coverage questions arising from catastrophic storm losses.

Update from:

Asika Patel - Miami Partner

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.