Two words no property owner ever wants to hear is the phrase “sewage
contamination.” If it occurs, it can cause extensive damage to a property and
create serious exposure concerns for anyone who lives or works in the building.
There are a number of scenarios that can result in sewage contamination in
a building. Some of the most common causes include a backed up or broken sewer
line, malfunctioning septic system or as a result of a flooding event that
brings sewage from the outdoors into a home or building. In addition to the
unpleasant nature of sewage contamination, it can also destroy building
materials, furnishings and belongings. Some nonporous materials can potentially
be cleaned and disinfected, but most porous materials will need to be
discarded.
Sewage contamination can expose people to a wide range of pathogens,
including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Standing water and
wet materials will allow many of these organisms to multiple and the introduced
moisture can result in the rapid growth of mold on many materials throughout a
property. In some circumstances, there could even be potentially hazardous
chemicals mixed in with the sewage.
“Contact with any of these contaminants or pathogens could result from
direct contact, ingestion or inhalation,” said Tom Allen
from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “All building occupants could be at risk, but this is especially true for
anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system. Due to the health concerns
and complications associated with properly assessing and remediating sewage
contamination, most property owners faced with this scenario in their
residential or commercial property should consider expert advice and help. For those filing an insurance claim, an
experienced public adjuster can make all the difference to ensure that no
damage is overlooked and that the property is safely remediated and repaired.”
The insurance claims and property damage experts at Hudson Douglas Public
Adjusters offer help to residents and business owners faced with sewage
contamination in their property. Their
professionals will manage, file and resolve the insurance claim to
make sure all damages are recognized, documented, repaired and settled fairly.
Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters also recently sponsored an educational video about sewage contamination, property damage
and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/XBRUJEwnVMo
