Prevent Mold by Controlling Moisture

Molds can grow on virtually any substance, wood paper, carpet, etc; provided moisture is present. There are 100,000 types of mold; but only a few dozen are toxic and can cause health problems. Insurance company delays in fixing minor water problems can result in mold disasters. Mold problems are on the rise, newer houses have walls of cellulose where mold can thrive.

Richard Rizk has resolved many mold-related claims. Ask him to evaluate your insurance policies for mold and/or water damage coverage.



An Environmental Pollution Example

A business or homeowner has contaminated property that may be affecting surrounding land or ground water. The owner receives a letter demanding the site be cleaned up. Richard Rizk helps the owner negotiate a resolution with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or USEPA who made the demands. Richard also addresses claims made by adjoining landowners.

In all cases, Richard determines all sources of available insurance coverage for the loss and pursues those insurance claims. Most general liability policies are "occurrence-based." Under an "occurrence" based policy, claims can be made long after the policy period as long as the "occurrence" took place during that time and the claim was made with the insurer "As soon as practicable."

Sorting out who is responsible for clean up at a site requires an investigation to identify the prior operators, their activities, and their insurers.



Help Ensure Our Underground Water Supply Safety

State and Federal governments combined spend about $1 billion annually to clean up soil and groundwater contaminated by leaks from USTs ( underground storage tanks). Still, many Oregon USTs remain unclean.

We all have lots of work to do to ensure that underground storage facilities in our nation are secure, that they are operated correctly and releases are cleaned up quickly and properly. If we do this, we will make giant progress in ensuring the safety and quality of our nation's drinking supply.

Richard Rizk has resolved UST claims involving Unocal, Dairygold, Leathers Oil and other well known companies. Let Richard help you maximize insurance coverage for Underground Storage Tank leaks.



Chemical Contamination

Chlorinated solvents are chemicals commonly used as cleaners and degreasers in industrial application. Triclorethylene (TCE) is effective for degreasing surfaces, dissolving impurities and cleaning metal pieces and brushes. Methylene chloride is used for stripping paint.

Chlorinated solvents are hazardous when in contact with the skin, the respiratory or the digestive tracts. In the event of concentrated exposure, even of short duration, chlorinated solvents can impact health and may cause coma in extreme cases. Some experts have linked exposure to chlorinated solvents to cancer.

You may have been exposed to chlorinated solvents if you obtain water through a well near a location where chlorinated solvents are or were once used. If you suspect that your water may be contaminated in this way, contact Richard Rizk. He can arrange for water testing and conduct an investigation to determine contamination sources and available insurance for any resulting property damage and personal injury.

To Report a Spill or Release of Contaminants:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/forms/cu/SpillReleaseReportForm.pdf