Main MenuFollowing the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Italy this week, questions are being raised regarding the structural integrity and building practices too many of the structures in the affected areas.
While the affected area is historical in nature, and certainly would have contributed to extent of the damages and susceptibility to damage of the regions properties; questions are being raised as to the regions construction practices. In a USA Today article released this week, questions are being raised about the effect of the loss of 290 lives attributable to construction practices and contractors doing work “on the cheap” in an effort to avoid the prohibitive and costly compliance standards of the government’s building departments.
According the article, “Prosecutor Giuseppe Saieva said the quake that killed at least 290 people may have been more than an unavoidable natural disaster. A quake in the region seven years ago killed more than 300 people and alerted authorities to the need for earthquake-resistant construction. Saieva said property owners who contracted shoddy work could be held responsible for contributing to the damage.
“If the buildings had been constructed as they are in Japan, they wouldn’t have collapsed,” he told La Repubblica.”
The adherence to proper construction requirements and prevailing buildings codes is paramount to any property, in any location based on the specific needs and expectations of the structure. This is a staple of our practice as Public Adjusters, and we strongly encourage any property owner dealing with any type of loss to scrutinize, evaluate, demand and ensure that their property is built back to the standards of the prevailing building code, in accordance to approved manufacturers installations specifications and with consideration for all best construction practices.
The USA Today article in its entirety may be accessed here.
For property owners looking for a Colorado Public Adjuster to assist in ensuring their property is built to the proper standards, please call us today to evaluate the specifics of your claims.