An forensic accounting expert witness advises on a case involving a hurricane that devastated a university hospital, despite the best efforts of FEMA to protect and mitigate damage to the building. It had multi-peril insurance coverage, for which it paid more than $200,000. After the hurricane, the insurance carrier refused to provide coverage for the hurricane damage on the grounds it was caused by floodwaters or storm surge. The university contended that wind damaged the roofs of several buildings, allowing water intrusion and damage to machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and office contents. The roof of one facility suffered catastrophic damage. The university sued for breach of contract, insurance code violations and bad faith insurance practices. It alleges that the unrepaired buildings resulted in lost students and, consequently, lost income.
