Over a year has passed since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, but the island is far from achieving a complete recovery. Puerto Rico’s slow recovery has been surprising to many; and, now lawmakers will formally investigate the exact cause of the island’s slow-paced recovery process.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has reintroduced a bill that would establish a third-party investigation into the actions and response of the federal government after Hurricane Maria. Specifically, lawmakers want to know why the government’s estimated death toll is so far below other estimates, why there was a lack of disaster preparedness, and how the telecommunication system became so inadequate. The investigation would also look into other matters that slowed down Puerto Rico’s emergency response.
Considering the disparity between the government’s estimated death toll and the death toll estimated by independent researchers at George Washington University commissioned by the Puerto Rico government, there appears to be much to sort out. Researchers at George Washington University conservatively estimated that as many as 3,000 Puerto Ricans died in Hurricane Maria and her aftermath, but President Trump has refused to acknowledge this as an accurate death toll and has stated he believed it was a conspiracy created by the Democratic Party.
The investigation would also look into how ten trailers filled with supplies for Puerto Rico were left to rot at a state elections office. The supplies were discovered months after the storm and were deeply needed by victims.
Slow Recovery For Puerto Rico
While the government’s actions or inactions play a huge part in Puerto Rico’s recovery, it is only one part of the puzzle. Insurance companies in Puerto Rico have been slow to process and pay out on property insurance claims, meaning Puerto Rican business owners have been forced to pay for repairs themselves, or worse, close their doors. The Puerto Rico Commissioner of Insurance has already levied millions of dollars in fines against the insurance industry, but that has done little to encourage them to process claims.
Helping Hurricane Maria Victims
The experienced lawyers at Raizner Law understand that Hurricane Maria victims are still struggling. We are representing condominium associations, business owners and real estate investors in delayed and disputed insurance claims in Puerto Rico. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and see how we can help.
