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Business Interruption Claims Resulting from Wildfire Losses: What You Need to Know

As a result of the recent Lahaina wildfires occurring in Maui, Hawaiʻi, the question of what is covered under commercial property policies for business interruption claims has resurfaced.

Under most commercial policies, business interruption coverage is available to an insured whose business is closed as a result of a covered loss. Unfortunately, most policies require there to be direct physical loss or damage resulting in the closure of the business. For example, a fire destroying all or part of the business making it impossible for the business owner to operate.

During the Covid pandemic, hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world were closed due to governmental orders requiring businesses to shut down. As a result, billions of dollars arose from thousands of claims for business interruption coverage associated with these shutdowns.

Obviously, in the Covid context, businesses were shut down not necessarily as a result of direct physical damage, but rather by governmental order. As a result, coverage litigation ensued not only in the United States, but on a global basis in regard to these claims. Specifically, these Covid based lawsuits involved whether business interruption claims are viable as a result of a Covid governmental shutdown order. The vast majority of decisions worldwide found that there was no coverage for such shutdowns. Many insurance policies included business interruption coverage for closures resulting from governmental orders. Once again, however, most decisions from around the United States found that the governmental order had to be based upon a direct physical loss or damage to an adjoining property. Unfortunately, this resulted in there being no coverage. In addition, the final issue involved coverage for a partial suspension opposed to full suspension of the business. Specifically, certain commercial business policies provide coverage for a partial suspension. In other words, if the business is only partially suspended, there may be coverage available.

In regard to the Lahaina wildfires, a significant number of commercial buildings have been damaged or destroyed. In these situations, a business owner should have coverage for their business losses. Specifically, there is likely direct physical damage to the building. If the shutdown of the business is unrelated to a governmental order, the insurers will determine the amount of business interruption coverage owed based upon the income earned by the business and continuing expenses. Such claims are typically ascertainable through a review of a business’s financial records.

A more complicated issue involves how much time an insured may have to recover for business interruption. This is called the period of restoration. In other words, how long should it take for the business to be restored? In some policies, the period of restoration is defined as the shortest time necessary for a business owner to repair or relocate the business. However, there may also be a limitation as to the amount of time a business owner can collect on a business owner merchant claim. This is oftentimes limited to one or two years. In light of the very real possibility that restoration regarding the Lahaina wildfires will take more than two years, there is a significant potential for a number of business owners to find themselves in a situation where they will not have adequate business interruption coverage.

Even if the building has not been destroyed, an insured can still submit a claim for business interruption. For example, there are a number of businesses that have minor damage or that foreclosed as a result of governmental orders restricting access to the burn zone. To the extent there is any minor damage, there is still potential for coverage. By way of example, if there is smoke damage or exposure to hazardous materials, that type of damage may be sufficient to qualify as a direct physical loss or damage.

Moreover, if there is no damage whatsoever, the question will be whether the policy provides coverage for governmental shut down. Typically, in these instances the policy will say the insurer will provide coverage if there is damage to adjoining properties such that a local or state government has restricted access to the insured’s property. For example, if a neighboring building burns down and the insured’s business cannot reopen due to the business’s street being closed, there will be coverage. Accordingly, even though the insured’s building is arguably not damaged, there may still be coverage if the policy does provide coverage for the governmental order.

As a result of the above, here is what a business owner needs to know:

    • How long will my policy pay for business interruption?
    • What type of coverage do I have?
    • Do I have Governmental Order type coverage?

As always, if you have any questions regarding your insurance policy or any of the information provided above, please feel free to reach out to our office. Lether Law Group proudly employs attorneys who are born and raised on the islands of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. We are more than happy to provide you with guidance on understanding your specific policy coverages.

 

Hawaiʻi Wildfires: Understanding your Property Insurance Coverage

In light of the recent wildfires that have wreaked havoc across Hawaiʻi, Lether Law Group has received numerous inquiries from individuals seeking basic information on property insurance. The PDF  below will provide you with basic facts regarding homeowners, commercial, and rental insurance policies.

As a service to our Maui Ohana, we are providing this free information without any obligations. We are here to help you. If you do require formal legal assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Hawaiʻi Wildfires and FEMA Assistance: A Guide from Lether Law Group

In light of the recent wildfires that have wreaked havoc across Hawaiʻi, Lether Law Group has received numerous inquiries from individuals, government agencies, and families seeking guidance on accessing/locating support. This guide is designed to address those questions by detailing the process to obtain assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Given the high demand for such aid, it is imperative for applicants to be well-informed about the process and eligibility criteria. Being prepared with the necessary information streamline your application and secure the assistance you need mor efficiently.

What is FEMA?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is a vital resource for citizens and emergency personnel across the nation. Its mission is to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards, including wildfires. If you’ve suffered losses that are not covered by your insurance, FEMA may provide reimbursement.

Am I Eligible for FEMA Assistance?

Becoming eligible for FEMA assistance requires satisfying specific criteria:

    • Identity Verification: You must be a United States citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen and have a valid Social Security Number.
    • Insurance Examination: It’s essential to understand that FEMA will not cover disaster-related needs if they are already covered by insurance or other programs.
    • Ownership or Occupancy Verification: You must confirm that the disaster-damaged home is your primary residence.

How Do I Apply for FEMA Assistance?

Applying for FEMA assistance is a process that takes approximately 20 minutes. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Prepare your Information: Gather your Social Security Number, annual household income, contact details, insurance information, and bank account details where the financial assistance will be deposited.
  2. Contact your Insurance Company: It’s advisable to speak with your insurance company to confirm your insurer and policy information. For more information on insurance documentation, click here
  3. Begin the Application: Start your application online at DisasterAssistance.gov OR use the FEMA mobile app.  If you need assistance with the application, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (open 24 hours aday/7 days a week – Multilingual operators are available)
  4. Submit and Track your Claim: Once your claim is submitted, you can follow the provided instructions to track its status.

How Lether Law Can Help

Lether Law Group has specialized in large first-party property losses for over 35 years, including multiple large fire loss and wildfire claims. Thomas Lether is approved as a FEMA Regional Counsel and has experience in significant natural disaster claims.

If you have any additional questions regarding your insurance policy or any of the information provided above, please feel free to reach out to our office. Lether Law Group proudly employs attorneys who are born and raised on the islands of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. We are more than happy to provide you with guidance on understanding your specific policy coverages.

Washington Landlords and Tenants: Remaining COVID-19 Eviction Protections Lifted

The National Response to COVID-19: A Brief Overview

In early 2020, the nation was in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the risk of mass evictions as a result of the pandemic, many state and local governments enacted a moratorium on residential evictions. These moratoria effectively denied landlords the right to pursue an unlawful detainer (eviction) action – the only legal means of removing tenants for failure to pay rent.

Washington State’s Eviction Moratorium and the ERPP Initiative

In Washington state, an eviction moratorium was in effect from March 18, 2020, through October 31, 2021. Following the end of the moratorium, the Washington state legislature passed E2SSB 5160 authorizing the establishment of an Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) in any county in Washington state. The ERPP was designed to facilitate dispute resolution between landlords and tenants, by connecting them with a dispute resolution specialist and resources such as rental repayment assistance. Once the eviction moratorium ended on November 1, 2022, six counties in Washington state elected to participate in the ERPP: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Spokane, and Thurston. Each program established a local Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) and operated pursuant to a standing order issued by the local superior court.

Pursuant to the ERPP, landlords in participating counties were required to provide tenants with an ERPP Notice, advising tenants of their rights under the ERPP, and a proposed repayment plan for outstanding rent amounts owed. Upon receiving an ERPP Notice and proposed repayment plan, tenants had 14 days to negotiate a proposed settlement with their landlord via the local DRC. In circumstances where the landlord and tenant failed to come to an agreement during the 14-day period, or the tenant breached the agreement, the landlord was then authorized to send the tenant a 14-day notice to pay or vacate.

The End of ERPP and Its Impact

The ERPP ended by statute on July 1, 2023. Dispute Resolution Centers statewide reported that over 78,000 cases were closed and completed during the life of the program, and 73% of these cases closed because the landlord and tenant reached an agreement. Now that the program has ended, landlords are no longer required to provide tenants with an ERPP Notice or a proposed repayment plan before proceeding with an unlawful detainer for unpaid rent.

The end of the ERPP marks the end of all remaining COVID-19 eviction protections for tenants. However, some counties in Washington state still maintain permanent eviction moratoriums during parts of the year. In Seattle, City Council Ordinance 126041 creates a defense to eviction for tenants who would have to vacate their housing between December 1 through February 28 each year. Additionally, Seattle City Council Ordinance 126369 creates a defense to evictions for anyone in school, with children in school, or working at a school during the City of Seattle Public school year, which is generally the beginning of September through mid-June.

Need Legal Assistance? Contact Lether Law Group

Lether Law Group has attorneys licensed and actively participating in eviction proceedings in Washington state. To the extent that you have any questions about Washington landlord-tenant law or eviction moratoria, please feel free to contact us by phone at (206) 467-5444 or via email at info@letherlaw.com.

Standing Together for Maui: Lether Law Group’s Commitment to Wildfire Relief

 Aloha Friends, Families, and Clients,

 As a native of Maui and a resident of Lahaina, witnessing the devastation caused by the recent wildfires has deeply affected me, the landscapes now scarred by the flames are the places I grew up in and the home that I now share with my own Family. When the land you’ve grown up on faces such adversity, it’s not just news – it’s personal.

 Growing up on Maui, I was surrounded by a community that lived and breathed the values of unity, resilience, and the Aloha spirit. Today, more than ever, these values guide our response to the challenges faced by our beloved Homeland.

 I am proud to say that several Attorneys at Lether Law Group are from the State of Hawaii. For them, and for me, this initiative is more than just a fundraiser; this is a heartfelt effort to give back to the communities and lands that have given us so much.

About the Maui Strong Fund

The Maui Strong Fund, an initiative spearheaded by the Hawaii Community Foundation, has been established to provide rapid resources in times of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. As Maui faces the brunt of devastating wildfires, this fund is currently channeling its efforts to support the affected communities and the recovery of the Island’s cherished landscapes. The Hawaii Community Foundation, through the Maui Strong Fund, collaborates closely with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and philanthropists to ensure immediate and effective response to emerging needs.

 Our Commitment

 Given my deep-rooted connection and the ties of our attorneys to Hawaii, we felt the call to action. As the founder of Lether Law Group, I pledge to match every donation you generously offer, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. This initiative ensures that your support has double the impact, fortifying our collective efforts for the Maui Strong Fund. Based upon my national and international business relationships within the insurance industry, we are confident that we can obtain significant contributions.

 Beyond our donation initiative, myself, our Hawaii licensed Attorneys, and our Lahaina office are providing Pro Bono (free advice) to residents seeking assistance from FEMA, government agencies, and property and auto insurers. During my 35 years of practicing law, I have handled several significant wildfire claims and hundreds of other fire losses. I am approved as a FEMA Regional Counsel and regularly represent national and international insurers in natural disaster claims. 

Lether Law Group combines the financial commitment of Lether Law Group with our extensive expertise in disaster claims and legal counsel. This makes us able to provide comprehensive support. Through both direct monetary aid and Pro Bono services, our collective endeavors ensure that those affected in Maui receive timely, effective, and compassionate relief in their moment of need.

Your Role 

Each donation, no matter its size, can pave the way for monumental change. By contributing, you’ll be directly aiding disaster relief, supporting families as they rebuild, and playing a part in restoring the captivating allure of Maui and its surrounding islands.

I urge you to share this fundraiser with your acquaintances and loved ones, for in unity lies our strength. Together, we can reinforce the unyielding spirit of Maui and contribute to its rejuvenation.

Every penny raised will be wholeheartedly donated to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s ‘Maui Strong Fund’. 

With utmost gratitude and on behalf of everyone at Lether Law Group, I thank you for your magnanimity, compassion, and shared devotion to Hawaii’s splendor.

Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much), 

 For further information about the endeavors of the Hawaii Community Foundation’s “Maui Strong Fund,” please visit their official website:

https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Thoughts and Prayers to our Maui and Big Island Ohana

The Lether Law Group ohana sends our thoughts and prayers to our family, friends, clients, and all those affected by the fires on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Witnessing the devastation and seeing those who have been affected is truly heartbreaking. Hawaiʻi is home for many of us and will always hold a special place in our hearts. We send our aloha to the people of Hawaiʻi. Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina I ka Pono – The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

For those who are willing and able to support our Hawaiʻi ohana, please see the resources linked below on how to help. Mahalo nui loa for your support.