Weather Data alone will not Settle Claims

{"time":1691639788130,"blocks":[{"id":"gnHHeJT5AV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Forensic meteorology encompasses the scientific analysis of weather conditions, specifically applied to the process of reconstructing weather-related incidents at specific times and locations. This is achieved through the collection and analysis of data derived from local weather reports. Government websites, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are highly reliable and credible sources for such information. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that relying solely on weather data cannot fully replace the confidence that adjusters derive from a professional property assessment when making decisions about claim settlements. Here are three key reasons why weather data should not be the sole resource for claims assessment:"}},{"id":"xvfvy-5XOD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Variability in Weather Data Sources "}},{"id":"OxyaJZyk1C","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weather data typically originates from two primary sources: weather stations and eyewitness reports. Weather stations provide objective data, continuously measuring factors like precipitation. However, the accuracy and equipment sensitivity can vary among different stations. On the other hand, eyewitness reports are subjective, influenced by the personal experiences and perceptions of the witnesses. Reports may come from various sources, including trained weather observers, first responders, or the general public. While such reports can offer insights, they might not always be entirely reliable or based on professional expertise, particularly when estimating factors like wind speeds. Despite their limitations, these reports can complement the evidence gathered during a property assessment, providing additional context and corroboration."}},{"id":"OjgpCiwQHq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Limitations in Identifying Property-Specific Events "}},{"id":"IRIV7_51qT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NOAA compiles wind and hail event data primarily through the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and the Storm Events Database (SED). While the SPC's main focus is meteorological forecasting, it typically provides recent storm information within a few hours. In contrast, the SED might delay publishing data for several months, allowing for the removal of duplicate or inconsistent reports. Additionally, the SPC's preliminary data might only include larger hail sizes, while the SED could encompass smaller-sized hail reports. While these sources offer a retrospective view of weather events in a general area, typically within 10 miles of a property, they may not precisely pinpoint the specific hail or wind events at a particular loss location."}},{"id":"W5x8PekZ5f","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Inability to Confirm Structural Damage "}},{"id":"rCrmzM_JUR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Weather data has inherent limitations when it comes to investigating storm-related claims. For instance, weather data cannot determine the condition of a roof prior to a weather event. Mere reports of damaging winds and hail in the vicinity do not automatically attribute roof damage to those factors alone. Aging, human activities, or installation errors could also contribute to reported damage. Determining the actual cause of loss requires the expertise of a qualified roof inspector who can discern if any damage predates the recent storm event. Assessing structural damage is complex, with numerous factors to consider beyond weather events. While weather data serves as a valuable initial reference or supporting evidence, it is insufficient by itself to establish the root cause of loss."}},{"id":"mAV9Hz4ffG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sigma Structural's licensed forensic engineers leverage cutting-edge technology, credible data sources, and extensive experience to provide scientific insights into various property losses caused by perils like hail, wind, lightning, fire, flood, and water damage. Sigma Structural's expertise spans the entirety of a property, from its roof to its foundation. Adjusters can gain greater confidence in their claims decisions by consulting with our nationwide team, benefiting from our efficient turnaround times, exceptional customer service, and comprehensive reports founded on the scientific method."}},{"id":"CAVPwUidv8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Importance of the Scientific Method"}},{"id":"1yLwS5EodY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The scientific method is a proven approach for scrutinizing evidence to arrive at an objective conclusion grounded in facts. In essence, it eliminates presumptions made by policyholders, contractors, and even experts, resulting in a report that is both precise and defensible, enhancing the effectiveness of claims resolution."}},{"id":"tBesdRbLeA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If it's been some time since your last encounter with a science laboratory, here's how the application of the scientific method pertains to your claim:"}},{"id":"u-K6VZmTM9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Pose a Question/Identify an Issue: The process commences when a policyholder reports property damage. To confidently settle a claim, essential questions must be addressed, such as: \"Is the observed condition considered damage, or is it a result of normal wear and tear? If it is damaged, what caused it? When did the damage occur? What is the extent of the damage?\" When engaging a forensic expert, these questions delineate the scope of work, outlining what the expert needs to address for a claim resolution. Forensic engineers are equipped to tackle inquiries concerning residential, commercial, and industrial properties, encompassing structures, electronics, and machinery. The scope of work should be accompanied by property-specific details to guide the assessment. For instance, if a policyholder asserts that their roof covering has hail damage and necessitates replacement based on a contractor's evaluation, the core questions are straightforward: \"Is the roof covering indeed damaged?\" and, if so, \"What is the cause and extent of the damage to the roof covering?\""}},{"id":"QpynxLCoO4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Formulate Multiple Hypotheses: The expert employs the provided information, witness interviews, on-site observations, personal experience, expertise, and established scientific knowledge to generate testable explanations (hypotheses) concerning the cause of loss. The body of scientific knowledge encompasses established facts. Each hypothesis is subjected to the steps of the scientific method until the one best supported by evidence emerges. This selection process adheres to a systematic approach. For instance, an engineer might hypothesize that imperfections on roof shingles resulted from hail, influenced by the contractor's report and the observation that neighboring roof coverings were replaced due to hail damage. However, it remains the expert's responsibility to critically evaluate alternate hypotheses and gather ample facts and data to determine the most strongly supported hypothesis. This stage entails the physical inspection and meticulous documentation of evidence collection. In cases of product failure, it might involve recreating the conditions hypothesized to have led to the failure."}},{"id":"jsrt4hK8Rd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Test the Hypothesis with Collected Data: Continuing the example of a roof reportedly damaged by hail, the engineer may uncover damage limited to eaves and ridges. These specific areas do not align with typical hail strikes since they are only present in easily accessible regions, clustered together, and absent from other collateral elements like fences and gutters. The available evidence does not substantiate hail damage, prompting the consideration of an alternative hypothesis."}},{"id":"jUKUrZd0I3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Analyze Data and Reach a Conclusion: Ultimately, the conclusion must be supported by data, evidence, and established scientific knowledge. This often involves subjecting multiple hypotheses to rigorous testing until one is scientifically and conclusively confirmed. Given the evidence in the aforementioned example, the engineer can contrast their observations on the roof with documented hail size and direction from weather reports on the date of loss, while also consulting the body of scientific knowledge. The data and damage characteristics align more closely with the hypothesis that the roof indentations are a result of human actions rather than hail impact. The expert has thus arrived at an unbiased conclusion using a dependable method. They can articulately elucidate the rationale behind the conclusion and defend it if challenged."}},{"id":"xYJlgKSgov","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Communicate the Conclusions: Of utmost importance for your claim is the documentation provided by the inspecting expert. Reports detailing the cause and extent should present information in a comprehensible manner that can be relayed effectively to policyholders. Should the claim necessitate review, even years later, the investigation can be reevaluated and, through the application of the scientific method, lead to the same conclusions."}}],"version":"2.27.2"}

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Weather Data alone will not Settle Claims

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