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Hospital storm damage: commissioners ask insurer for extra time to document interior harm before final settlement
Summary
County leaders and hospital representatives said Dec. 18 they are documenting interior water intrusion from a June storm and will notify Travelers to request additional time under a 180‑day recoverable depreciation window while they remove cabinetry and inspect for mold.
County officials and hospital representatives told the Carter County commission on Dec. 18 that interior water intrusion from a June storm requires further inspection before the county signs any final insurance release.
A county staff member (S8) read standard claim guidance explaining an initial payment is based on “actual cash value” and that recoverable depreciation may be claimed by providing documentation within the policy timeframe. Commissioners and hospital maintenance staff noted that June 20 was the loss date and that the 180‑day window for making additional claims had nearly elapsed; the transcript records the meeting day as roughly the 181st day since the event.
Hospital staff said visible interior damage—bubbling paint, compromised ceiling and possible wet insulation—may require removing sheetrock and cabinetry to determine the extent of interior damage and any mold risk. Staff cautioned that pulling cabinets will itself cause damage but said it appears necessary to document the loss for the insurer.
Commissioner Judy (S5) said she would compose an email to the Travelers adjuster documenting that additional interior damage may exist and requesting more time to provide supporting invoices and photos; the board agreed staff would cc hospital leadership and other commissioners on the request. County staff said they had received an initial insurance check and would coordinate next steps with the hospital before authorizing remedial work.
Why it matters: opening interior finishes to document water penetration is necessary to establish whether additional recoverable depreciation or supplemental payments are owed under the policy; missing insurer deadlines could forfeit that recovery.
What’s next: county staff will email Travelers, include photos and descriptions of suspected interior damage, and request an extension or written acknowledgement to preserve the ability to claim additional recoverable depreciation while the hospital completes invasive inspection and contractor estimates.
