How United Public Adjusters & Appraisers Can Help
The Manhattan parking garage collapse in April 2023 caused considerable concern for local residents and business owners. People are pointing to the building’s noted safety issues and they are now wondering how to best protect themselves moving forward. While many are still reeling from the traumatic event, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and you have resources on your side to help you rebuild.
Since 2019, New York State has mandated that owners of parking garages must obtain an operating permit, which requires an inspection of their premises by a qualified engineer every three years. Should any deterioration or unsafe conditions be found, these will be reported and must be remedied as per the direction of the engineer. Failure to comply within a designated timeframe will result in monetary fines. Also, the operating permit may be suspended or revoked.
In this posting, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers will address how local residents and business owners can protect themselves, and how responsible parking garage owners can take steps to maintain their premises to ensure the safety of their customers and their vehicles. By staying informed and properly protecting yourself and your assets, you can rest assured that an event like this won’t result in devastation.
How United Public Adjusters & Appraisers Can Help
To comply with New York State’s more stringent parking garage mandates, owners should make certain that their premises have been inspected by a qualified structural engineer within the required timeframe. Additionally, parking garage business owners should contact their insurance carrier to discuss increasing their Property and General liability insurance as well as look into obtaining collapse insurance, or building collapse insurance as it is also known.
This coverage would be specific to their industry, however, there are carriers who specialize in niche business coverage such as this. To determine if your business coverages offer sufficient protection, we urge you to contact the professionals at United Public Adjusters & Appraisers to make certain that your business and your customers are protected.
Reach out to our team to assist you with resolving your structure damage and business interruption concerns. You may not be aware, however statistically, property and business owners who prepare and submit a property damage claim without the assistance of a public adjuster receive considerably lower settlement offers from their insurance carrier. Not only will United Public Adjusters & Appraisers negotiate with your carrier on your behalf, but we will also reject any settlement offer that does not fully address your needs to the full extent that your policy allows.
Recovering From Business Disruptions
Local business owners need to be aware that a major building collapse nearby will impact their operations for weeks – possibly months – to come. What can be done to protect their business against revenue losses that could potentially put them out of business?
Again, we urge you to speak with our representatives now to learn how to return to get your business fully operational once again. Our team can help you get back to business as usual faster than you could imagine. Despite how your premises or employees may have been impacted by the damages, we can help you overcome it.
How Property Destruction Impacts Residents
In the wake of the recent parking garage collapse, many local residents were unable to return to their homes. When they were allowed to return, there was still the possibility that their electricity and/or gas would be shut off without notice. For some, this could happen indefinitely.
Having to pay for a stay in a hotel, then returning to a home where the utilities have been turned off causes a financial burden. Food in your refrigerator/freezer will have spoiled, and given the season, pipes may have burst causing additional damage.
Speak with your team at United Public Adjusters & Appraisers immediately. We can advise you on the steps to take to submit claims to substantiate your losses and to receive reimbursement/replacement value for your inconvenience and asset losses.
Property Owners and Landlords
It’s vital that landlords and property owners of surrounding structures near the building collapse consider the potential for damage to their premises. This includes damage to the facade, fire stairs, sidewalks, windows, etc. Here again, our team can assess your situation and assist in documenting damages, and preparing and submitting a property damage claim as required.
If your building is over a century old, it is worth considering collapse insurance or building collapse insurance for your premises. The City already mandates routine facade inspection and maintenance, so these additional coverages will provide an extra level of protection for you and your tenants. These coverages are well worth considering in light of the recent parking garage collapse.
Trust United Public Adjusters & Appraisers for Support
In the wake of a building collapse, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers will be with you every step of the way, regardless of your commercial or personal needs. This includes filing claims with collapse insurance, finding temporary housing, assisting with documentation and claim filing, and negotiating with your insurance provider. Learn more about how to protect yourself along with your family, property, and business by contacting our team today!
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