Rebuilding after the storm

By Adams and Reese. 

Our team at Adams and Reese is here to help your business recover in the aftermath of hurricane Helene. 

Hurricane Helene, a historic Category 4 hurricane, has left a trail of damage in its wake. As members of communities along the Gulf Coast begin the task of rebuilding and recovering, the Adams and Reese Disaster and Recovery team is ready to help and support. With experience in the recovery process of many different natural disasters, including previous hurricanes Ian, Ida, Laura, Sandy, Katrina, Rita, Ike and Gustav, our team knows how hard it is to get your business back on its feet after these storms. Here are some subject matter areas that our firm can help you and your business with as you rebuild. 

Insurance matters and applications for disaster relief 

Our team can help guide you through the process of obtaining the resources necessary to repair and rebuild your business. We monitor the status of various emergency rules issued by government agencies and the funding of relief programs to ensure that you are out in front of the recovery. 

At Adams and Reese, we have extensive experience with: 

• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation 
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners 
• Florida Division of Emergency Management 
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division 
• Applicable business interruption coverage 
• Relief programs through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
• Federal and state grants (FEMA and SBA) 
• Business disaster loans (SBA) 
• State and federal tax relief 
• Economic development incentives and tax credits 
• Counseling on proper documentation, including missing/damaged business and financial records 
• Single and multiple adjusters 

Personnel issues 

Even businesses with well-developed emergency policies will face many questions related to employee leave and safety during the recovery. Adams and Reese’s labor and employment team has advised clients on issues such as: 

• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage 
• Military (including National Guard) leave 
• Employee First Responders 
• 401(s) hardship loans 
• Unemployment compensation 
• OSHA considerations 
• Plant closures 

Construction matters 

As companies repair and replace property, Adams and Reese has assisted businesses with all types of construction and real estate matters and has a unique experience — some of it first-hand — with the rebuilding process following weather events. We advise on: 

• Construction contracts 
• Federal and state construction programs 
• Elevation and repair work 
• Warranty issues 
• Construction defect 
• Professional liability issues (engineers and architects) 
• Zoning and land-use 
• Licensure issues 
• Price gauging 
• Environmental permitting 

Maritime concerns 

Our team has extensive experience with hurricane-related maritime issues, including handling breakaways, collisions, allisions, property damage, pollution, salvage, wreck and removal and all related insurance claims. We are also familiar with coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB and other federal and state agencies involved in responding to maritime issues. We can handle: 

• Disaster response 
• Investigations 
• Insurance claims 
• Federal and state government reporting 
• Third-party damage 
• Crew issues 

Our Adams and Reese team will continue to provide updates on other areas of recovery as the process unfolds, along with the support you need to get your businesses back up and running. 

Original article source: Adams and Reese