Fungi and Sewage Contamination
in Water Losses

Mold and sewage contamination in water damaged buildings present problems to the restoration specialists and the insurance industry that are different from ordinary water losses. Inherent in these situations is the potential health effects caused by microorganisms to the building occupants. Scientific research has clearly identified that excessive contamination from both mold and sewage can cause severe and lingering adverse health effects. Up until recently these losses have not been adequately addressed or downplayed by adjusters in the field. This has resulted in numerous lawsuits filed by claimants. In a growing number of cases, large punitive damage awards have been won against the insurance carriers. By adhering to certain principals these types of problems can be addressed and lawsuits can be prevented or successfully defended. 

These principles are as follows:

• Take microbial contamination in buildings resultant from water losses seriously
  In cases where microbial contamination exists, or as a byproduct of the loss, the bigger picture of health and safety concerns along with potential litigation issues need to be considered carefully. Simply getting the loss completed in the cheapest and most expedient manner by sweeping the microbial problem under the proverbial carpet can and has backfired.
• Follow written guidelines established for microbial mitigation
  Mitigation of sewage backups into buildings should follow guidelines established by the restoration industry governing bodies such as the International Institute of Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC). They have created industry wide standards for mitigation that have been peer reviewed by leading experts and scientists in this field. Also, the American Red Cross and FEMA have similar criteria.
  Protocols for the abatement of mold contamination have also been published by the IICRC, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). By reviewing some of this literature the field adjuster will know what to expect from contractors conducting these types of remediation. Following these protocols insures that these losses are remediated properly and that defensible standards of practice have been utilized.
• Consult with an environmental professional experienced with these losses
  Having an environmental professional experienced with writing specifications for remediation and conducting microbial testing of these losses is essential for making sure the job is completed properly and in a timely manner.
• Certain individuals require special attention
  Microbial contamination in structures that are occupied by individuals, who are elderly, immune compromised and infants require special consideration for decontamination. Removing these people during the mitigation will protect them from potential health effects.
• Communications with all the involved is important throughout the mitigation process
  Mitigation of these losses requires more attention to detail and a greater amount of time for completion of the loss. All parties need to be periodically informed of the status of the remediation. Unforeseen problems can and do arise during these kinds of remediation. These problems need to be addressed immediately so as to keep the mitigation of the loss on track. Developing realistic timetables for remediation will reduce frustration for involved parties as to when the job is completed. These losses take extra time to complete.
• Experience, experience, experience
  These losses require restoration by experienced personnel only. The use of special protective equipment may be required. Without proper experience these losses can go sideways and become major headaches for all concerned and will require additional cleaning as they may not pass clearance testing. Improper mitigation can come back to haunt all parties involved.
• Policy
  The molds and fungi clauses in the insurance policy needs to be spelled out and understood by all involved at the onset so that everyone's expectations as to who is responsible for mitigation of the loss is well understood. The adjuster needs to be completely sure of his or her position on the policy so they can make a proper decisions on whether or not the costs of this type of mitigation are covered. Finding out later that the initial position taken by the on site adjuster was incorrect regarding coverage has cost carriers both time and money.
• Knowledge Goes a Long Way
  Know what you are getting into. Educating yourself on the subject of microbial contamination is essential for effectively dealing with these losses. Doing things the old way does not work in this arena.

By adhering to the above principles you can be assured that these types of losses can be handled properly, safely and cost effectively.

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