Editor's Note: As part of an expanded editorial approach, Claims is offering first-run, feature-length articles on our web site before they appear in our monthly print issue. These articles will be clearly marked and are intended to expand the editorial breadth of the magazine while at the same time delivering even more useful and educational insights to our readers. We hope you find this extended coverage helpful.

The decision-making process and the corresponding actions following a medical facility fire loss must be carefully considered. As with many commercial losses in this technology-driven age, these losses can contain significant amounts of equipment.

However, it is important to understand the unique attributes of medical equipment losses. For example, there can be significant business interruption costs associated with hospital losses. It is not uncommon for business interruption costs to exceed $100,000 per surgery in a single surgical suite. Further, medical equipment in a hospital is typically under some type of warranty or maintenance contract. As a result, nearly every manufacturer associated with the hospital may attempt to sell new equipment, citing that the warranties or maintenance contracts are now null and void. Add in the amount of highly sophisticated equipment that is located in hospitals, and property damage costs can escalate quickly if replacement equipment is required.