My collegues and I coined a new term in 2004, following Hurricane Ivan. We became co-counsel with the prominent Pensacola firm of Levin, Papatonio, Thomas, Echner & Proctor. They brought a brilliant attorney, Bobby Loehr, out of semi-retirement to work with me on their insurance claim litigation. We referred to hurricane cases where nothing was left of our clients homes or businesses as "slab cases." It was an important legal designation because of the anti-concurrent causation issues and the then applicable Florida Valued Policy Laws. Upon my arrival in Mississippi just following Katrina, it was obvious to me the same litigation was going to ensue; there were thousands of "slab" cases. We actually noted these cases because they generally had the most significant damage and the most unresolved legal questions.
In today’s world, information comes from so many sources. Blogs are increasingly providing significant information from those with particular expertise in various disciplines. Some blogs are very amateurish, including mine, and some are extremely commercial. Regardless of the format, they can be a useful additional source of information. One Blog in particular provides great information for policyholders faced with an insurance claim following a catastrophe. It is aptly called SLABBED. Recent posts have correctly noted some of the issues we have encountered in the McIntosh case. One particular post described how wind pulls, lifts, and sucks on the exterior of a building. It details the discussion of an expert, Dr. Sinno. I recommend Slabbed to anybody who has an interest in anything I write about–it is that good and from a policyholder perspective.
