Industry Experts Address Wind vs. Storm Surge Damage and Soft Fraud in Water Claims
ORLANDO — DDA Forensics sponsored the 34th Annual Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee (FIFEC) Conference and presented two sessions on wind and water damage claims. The conference was held July 20-22 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.
DDA Forensics Director of Engineering Dr. Ziad Azzi presented “Wind vs. Storm Surge Damage: Case Studies from Helene” on July 20. Azzi examined the distinct damage patterns associated with wind and storm surge and discussed the technical evidence used to evaluate causation after a major hurricane.
The course provided claims professionals, investigators, and attorneys with practical insight into differentiating between competing causes of property damage. Azzi also highlighted the importance of comprehensive site inspections, accurate documentation and sound engineering analysis when evaluating complex hurricane losses.
DDA Forensics Managing Partner Jonathon Diego and Building Consultant Sebastian Franco presented “Identifying & Addressing Soft Fraud in Water Claims” on July 22. They were joined by Zumpano Castro attorneys Sidney Needelman, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Insurance Defense Department, and Stephen R. Machin, Junior Partner.
The multidisciplinary presentation explored how soft fraud can emerge during the handling of water damage claims and identified potential warning signs within estimates, documentation and reported scopes of loss. The speakers combined claims, construction, building consulting and legal perspectives to help attendees recognize questionable practices, evaluate supporting documentation and address potential claim inflation more effectively.
“Insurance fraud can be difficult to identify when questionable items are embedded within an otherwise legitimate claim,” Diego said. “Bringing together professionals from the claims, construction, engineering and legal fields helps provide a more complete understanding of the warning signs and the documentation needed to make informed, defensible decisions.”
Drawing on extensive real-world experience in forensic engineering, building consulting and claims investigations, the DDA Forensics team provides timely, practical courses designed to help insurance professionals navigate complex claims and emerging industry challenges. To learn more about the Continuing Education Program or to schedule a presentation for your organization, please email Jamey Bennett, Director of Education & Strategy Development, or call 786-772-5643.
The FIFEC Conference featured more than 65 classes and 75 speakers, along with continuing education and continuing legal education opportunities for insurance professionals, attorneys, fraud investigators, law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders involved in detecting, investigating, and preventing insurance fraud.
About DDA Forensics
DDA Forensics provides forensic engineering, building consulting and expert witness services for attorneys and insurance carriers throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. We specialize in evaluating and determining the cause of property damage and failures for residential and commercial structures. With over 20 years of experience, the most advanced education, certifications, and technologies, we provide objective and accurate forensic investigations that yield clear, concise, conclusive results. Learn more at www.DDAForensics.com.
About the Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee (FIFEC)
FIFEC is a joint effort between the Florida Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) and the Special Investigation Units of the Insurance Industry to facilitate communication and education. FIFEC offers continuous training seminars for DIFS and SIU investigators, law enforcement, prosecutors, insurance adjusters and management, and insurance defense in the ongoing fight to combat insurance fraud. Learn more at www.FIFEC.org.
Media Inquiries:
Angela Delmedico
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386-243-5388
Em: info@elev8cg.com
Web: www.elev8cg.com
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