Fire Damages Vermont Ski Resort

Introduction

The Mountain Green Ski & Golf Resort in Killington, Vermont, suffered a devastating fire loss at the end of ski season. The fire began in an underground parking garage, burning so hot that it melted a portion of the structural steel supporting the seven–story condo resort.

Case Description

As a result of the high–intensity fire, the first floor collapsed two feet and the threat of a total collapse loomed. Damage was in the millions of dollars, and business for the following ski season was threatened if the property could not be repaired in time.

List of Issues

• Could Mountain Green repair the partially collapsed building and be back in business for the next season, or was demolition the only option?
• How would Mountain Green handle the interests of the 116 condo owners?
• What cleanup and mitigation efforts were covered in the policy?
• The elevator system was damaged, but according to the insurance carrier, replacing the elevators was not covered by the policy.
• The insurance carrier attempted to classify major damage to the property as pre–existing.

Solutions Applied

Determined to save the building from demolition, Adjusters International located an engineering firm specializing in structural repair to lift and suspend the building, repair the structural steel and the ground floor, and then reattach the building to the foundation. This approach saved money and time–critical for the resort´s reopening.

Adjusters International set up a hotline for the individual condo owners, and also handled the associations involvement in each owner claim. This streamlined the tenants´ claims processes with their various insurance carriers.

The insurance company was reluctant to pay to clean metal surfaces. Adjusters International argued that, without the cleaning, the stage would be set for the insurance company to later deny coverage for the rusting metal surfaces using the logic that damage was not mitigated as required.

State officials agreed with Adjusters Internationals experts that the elevators would not be safe if repaired. Since the state would not certify the repairs, the insurance company stated this was a codes and ordinance upgrade issue, and thus, not covered by the insurance policy. Adjusters International argued that since no upgraded standard was required, it was not a codes mandate.

Adjusters International proved that cracked tiles throughout the resort were not pre–existing. Since smoke covered all surfaces, and many cracks in the tile were clean and white, and not covered with soot, the cracks had to have occurred at the time of collapse.

Outcome

In a classic case of point/counter-point, Adjusters International executed a well-coordinated plan to resolve disparities throughout the insurance claim process. The resort was successfully re-opened–just nine months later–in time for the next ski season.

About the Author

ProFlex 1400 Universal Size Back Support Belt, Black $20.99 The Proflex 1400 universal size back support is designed to fit a range of common waist sizes. Use this back support for general material handling, construction, warehousing/distribution, freight/baggage handling, assembly, fabrication and landscaping. Fits most waists (28″-46″) 280D spandex body cloth Adjustable, detachable suspenders Rubber track webbing to hold belt in place Non-con…

X- Large Back Brace support suspenders adjustable $14.49 …

Klein Tools 60210B Nylon-Web Suspenders, Blue $14.01 Klein Tools 60210B Nylon-Web Suspenders Klein Tools, Inc. represents much more than Klein pliers. The company’s product line has broadened to include virtually every major type of hand tool used in construction, electronics, mining, and general industry in addition to the electrical and telecommunications fields. Klein Tools 60210B Nylon-Web Suspenders Features: Clips and slides are nickel-plated …

Back Brace Support Weight Lifting Belt w/ Suspenders ~ Large Size(38-47) $7.99 Helps to reduce lower back discomfort.Smooth glide adjustable clips.Easy adjust elastic outer panels for added lower back support.Tapered abdominal support panels.1-1/4″ extra wide support elastic suspenders.Fully enclosed spring steel stays for flexible, contoured support.Size: Large (38″-47″)…

Liberty Glove-Durawear Back Support Belt With Adjustable Suspenders, Black, Lg $6.99 Durawear Back Support Belt With Suspendersadjustable Suspenders For A Custom, Snug Fit! Comfortable, Durable Back Support At An Affordable Price. Extra Wide Elastic Suspenders. Contoured Shape Allows Flexibility And Complete Freedom Of Movement. Tapered Abdominal Support Panels For Your Lower Back And Abdomen. Smooth Glide Adjustable Clips For A Snug, Secure Fit. Made In China. Sizesmmdlgxl2Xl3Xl …

Liberty Glove-Durawear Back Support Belt With Adjustable Suspenders, Black, 3Xl $6.99 Durawear Back Support Belt With Suspendersadjustable Suspenders For A Custom, Snug Fit! Comfortable, Durable Back Support At An Affordable Price. Extra Wide Elastic Suspenders. Contoured Shape Allows Flexibility And Complete Freedom Of Movement. Tapered Abdominal Support Panels For Your Lower Back And Abdomen. Smooth Glide Adjustable Clips For A Snug, Secure Fit. Made In China. Sizesmmdlgxl2Xl3Xl …

Swarovski Optiks Binoculars Suspenders (Black) $37.00 Binocular neck straps are extremely handy, but they’re not exactly designed for ergonomic comfort. Enter the Swarovski Bino Suspenders, which disperse weight throughout the upper body area to provide relief for the neck area. Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and any other activity where you need your binoculars in a ready position for long stretches, the Bino Suspenders are comfortable and lightwei…