Why should adjusters call structural engineers?

Insurance adjusters should call structural engineers when evaluating claims involving structural damage to ensure accurate assessments, informed decision-making, and fair outcomes. Structural engineers provide the technical expertise needed to evaluate the severity, cause, and necessary repairs for structural issues. Here’s why adjusters should involve structural engineers:

1. Accurate Damage Assessment

• Reason: Structural engineers evaluate the extent of damage to a building or structure, including issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.

• Benefit: Ensures all damage is identified, including hidden or long-term risks, enabling comprehensive claims evaluations.

2. Determine the Cause of Damage

• Reason: Claims often involve disputes about the cause of structural issues (e.g., natural disasters, poor maintenance, design flaws).

• Benefit: Engineers provide unbiased, expert analysis to determine whether the damage was due to covered perils like storms or earthquakes or excluded causes like neglect.

3. Develop Repair Recommendations

• Reason: Engineers specify the appropriate methods and materials needed to restore structural integrity.

• Benefit: Adjusters receive a clear, professional scope of repairs, helping to estimate costs accurately and prevent over- or underpaying claims.

4. Prevent Further Risks

• Reason: Unaddressed structural issues can worsen over time, leading to increased liability or safety hazards.

• Benefit: Engineers identify immediate and long-term risks, ensuring repairs address the root cause and protect occupants.

5. Support Dispute Resolution

• Reason: Structural claims often lead to disagreements between insurers, policyholders, and contractors about the extent or cause of damage.

• Benefit: Engineers provide objective, evidence-based reports that support fair resolutions and reduce the potential for litigation.

6. Verify Repair Quality

• Reason: After repairs, engineers can inspect the work to confirm it meets structural standards and complies with codes.

• Benefit: Ensures the repairs are sufficient and that claims are closed with confidence.

7. Evaluate Pre-Existing Conditions

• Reason: Damage claims may involve disputes about whether an issue existed before a covered event occurred.

• Benefit: Engineers differentiate between old and new damage, helping adjusters determine the validity of claims.

8. Handle Complex Claims

• Reason: High-value or technically complex claims, such as those involving large commercial buildings or specialized structures, require advanced expertise.

• Benefit: Engineers provide the detailed evaluations needed for these challenging cases.

9. Ensure Compliance with Building Codes

• Reason: Repairs must meet current building codes, which may have changed since the structure was built.

• Benefit: Engineers design solutions that comply with modern codes, avoiding liability for non-compliance.

10. Build Credibility

• Reason: Policyholders are more likely to trust claims decisions supported by professional engineering expertise.

• Benefit: Involving engineers enhances the credibility of the insurer and reduces disputes.

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