In its decision, the district court found that the undisputed evidence showed that the wind-driven rain of Hurricane Irma had entered the property due to deterioration of the roof coverings and waterproofing sealants, deficient roof repairs, and a general lack of maintenance of the roof surface, as well as wear and tear, deterioration, and inadequate maintenance of window and door perimeter sealant and stucco finishes. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg) In its decision, the district court found that the undisputed evidence showed that the wind-driven rain of Hurricane Irma had entered the property due to deterioration of the roof coverings and waterproofing sealants, deficient roof repairs, and a general lack of maintenance of the roof surface, as well as wear and tear, deterioration, and inadequate maintenance of window and door perimeter sealant and stucco finishes. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg)

A federal district court in Florida has granted summary judgment in favor of an insurer in a case in which a property owner sought coverage for water damage to its building from Hurricane Irma.

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The case

GBS Investment Group asserted that property it owned in Miami had suffered water damage "due to a roof leak, caused by wind-driven rain." It notified its insurer, United Specialty Insurance Company, and sought coverage and payment for the damage in the amount of $175,045.01.

United Specialty retained an engineer, Estuardo Terraza, to inspect the property to determine the cause and extent of damage.

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Steven A. Meyerowitz

Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].