Opinion ID: 76127
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Hurricane Irene

Text: 8 After the bench trial, the district court made certain factual findings when granting Security's motion for judgment as a matter of law. The following facts are undisputed by the parties. 9 On October 15, 1999, Hurricane Irene caused damage to Sanz' home in Dania Beach, Florida. During the hurricane, canals on both sides of his neighborhood converged, causing water to flood the area and enter his home. Although there was no immediate signs of damage, Sanz began to notice cracks in the walls of his house after approximately two months. Sanz' repeated efforts to repair the cracks were unsuccessful. On February 29, 2000, he notified Security, his insurance carrier, of the damage. 10 In April of 2000, adjustors and a structural engineer visited Sanz' home in an attempt to determine the cause and scope of the damage. Sanz contends that the adjustors informed him that he needed to submit estimates of the damage to Security. In June 2000, Sanz followed the advise and sent estimates of repair to Security. Sanz further contends that Security continued to reassure him that all paperwork had been filed and that Security would take care of him. Sometime thereafter, Security denied Sanz' claim. 11 On September 20, 2001, Sanz filed this lawsuit against Security claiming that Security breached the insurance contract when it refused to pay. Although Sanz was represented by counsel when the complaint was filed, he proceeded pro se during the bench trial. 12 After the bench trial, the district court granted Security's motion for judgment as a matter of law. 5 The district court reasoned that because Sanz did not file a proof of loss as required by his insurance policy, his claim must necessarily fail. The district court relied on decisions from the Eighth and Fifth Circuits and concluded that individuals insured via federal flood insurance policies must adhere strictly to all conditions precedent contained in their policies.