Editor's Note: This article has been contributed by Peter G. Rossi, a member in the Philadelphia, Pa. office of Cozen O'Connor's subrogation and recovery department. He may be reached at [email protected].

Superstorm Sandy crippled communities, caused billions of dollars in property damage, and resulted in hardship for thousands of people. Insurance claims have been pouring in. But how can insurance professionals make informed decisions regarding investigating flood claims? Which of the thousands of flood claims should be investigated for subrogation? 

There are several approaches, from investigating all flood claims to investigating none, or only investigating those with obvious potential such as dam breaks, pipe breaks, or collapses. The best solution is somewhere in the middle—a disciplined, incremental approach.