Forensic Causation Analysis of Wind and Storm Surge Damage in Coastal Residential Structures

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimates that over the past 40 years, flooding and wind have caused an average of $4.5 billion and $45 billion in annual damages across the United States, respectively. Flood damage is typically excluded from standard property insurance policies and instead covered under separate flood insurance policies. Misidentifying the source of damage can lead to disputes and delays in recovery.

In this session they will highlight how to evaluate direct physical evidence observed during site inspections, which is essential for determining the origin of storm-related damage. Three recent case studies from Texas, Florida, and South Carolina will illustrate the complexities of attributing the cause of damage on such projects. Each presents unique challenges due to overlapping storm impacts and varied terrain. This article emphasizes the critical role of forensic engineers in accurately attributing storm-related damage and provides the tools and case studies to help engineers distinguish between wind and flood damage.

• Differentiate between wind and flood damage using forensic engineering techniques: Attendees will understand how to identify and distinguish storm-related damage sources through site inspections and forensic analysis.
• Evaluate direct physical evidence from site inspections to determine damage origin: Attendees will learn how to assess structural damage indicators and environmental clues to accurately attribute damage to wind or flood forces.
• Apply forensic methodologies to real-world case studies involving overlapping storm impacts: Attendees will explore case studies from Texas, Florida, and South Carolina to understand the complexities of damage attribution in diverse geographic and regulatory contexts.
• Recognize the role of forensic engineers in resolving insurance disputes and guiding recovery efforts: Attendees will appreciate the importance of accurate damage attribution in insurance claims and the value forensic engineers bring to post-disaster investigations.

1.5 PDHs