Risk of 2009 Floods in South King County Presents Legal Issues
On March 15, 2009
By Scott Wolfe Jr
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The Seattle Times reported in its Sunday edition that four South King County areas – Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila – are at a high risk for flooding this upcoming fall and winter because of January damage to a flood-control dam on the Green River.
Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers and other authorities concede that there’s very little they can do to mitigate the risk, advising residents of these areas to buy flood insurance and be prepared for evacuations.
Having offices in New Orleans, LA, and experiencing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Wolfe Law Group brings a unique perspective to the issue.
Here are some legal considerations:
- Flood Insurance. The authorities recommend getting it, and there really isn’t a reason to procrastinate. Compared to other insurance products, flood insurance is fairly inexpensive, and in the event of a flood-loss, it will be very necessary. Your other insurance policies will very likely exclude flood damage, and flood damage – unlike earthquake or wind damage – usually completely ruins everything in its path.
- After a flood loss, document your damages and be very through in your insurance claim. Take pictures and inventories of everything, and offer your insurance adjuster the chance to see the damages first hand.
- Contractors: flooded areas bring a large amount of contracting work. Be careful of getting ahead of your company financially, however. While work may be in abundance, the money to pay for that work could get tied up in insurance disputes or just the length of the claim process. Be careful about doing too much work without payment.
- Property Owners: Be very aware of post-disaster fraud.
About the Author: Scott Wolfe Jr
Scott Wolfe, Jr. obtained his J.D. degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, and his B.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, Scott was recognized as a Leader in Law by CityBusiness Magazine. The son and grandson of general contractors, Scott is a construction litigator in the Pacific Northwest, and the founding member of the bi-coastal law firm, Wolfe Law Group. Scott is also the founder and CEO of Express Lien, Inc., a legal document preparation service for contractors. In 2008, City Business Magazine recognized Scott as one of its Innovators of the Year for the Express Lien concept. As an entrepreneur himself, Scott has a strong background in business and commercial transactions and laws. He focuses his practice on the legal issues facing the construction industry, and has represented clients in multi-million dollar construction disputes in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Scott is a LEED AP.
