Helping a senior center recover from a lightning strike
Natural hazardsVideoMarch 1, 2020
CEO of senior care facilities talks about how #ZurichDelivers after lightning sparks a blaze at a memory-care residence.
When lightning struck a power line in Florida, the surge ran to a transformer outside a senior memory care facility. It blew a hole through the facility’s roof and started a fire in the kitchen, just as residents were gathering for dinner.
All the occupants were safely evacuated, but the building suffered significant fire damage. Residents would have to be relocated for months during repairs. Zurich’s claims adjuster arrived promptly to help expedite rebuilding and recovery.
“The adjuster was able to make an immediate claims payment right on the spot, and several more throughout the process,”said Peder Johnsen, Chief Executive Officer of Concordis Senior Living’s Hampton Manor community.
“He also was very compassionate and understood the complexities involved for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He was there to help.”
The Zurich adjuster had experience with contractors in the area.
“We had a choice of who to use, but I was really happy I took our adjuster’s suggestion,”Johnsen said.
“He also was very helpful working with us on our business interruption insurance. Throughout the recovery, he got everything expedited to get payments out to the contractor, and the communication was great.”
Today, the building is repaired, complete with a more functional kitchen and laundry area, Johnsen noted.
More importantly, the center’s residents have returned to reassuring surroundings, familiar faces, and the support systems that they and their families count on.
Another great example of how #ZurichDelivers.
