N.Y. Judge Levies Sanctions as Altered Superstorm Sandy Flood Damage Reports Surface

NEW YORK — A U.S. magistrate judge overseeing Superstorm Sandy insurance cases in New York has blown the whistle on an engineering firm for what he called “reprehensible” and “widespread” practices aimed at preventing homeowners from getting fair consideration for their claim.

In a Nov. 7 order, Magistrate Judge Gary R. Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York sanctioned Wright National Flood Insurance Co. and its counsel after uncovering evidence that an engineering firm hired by the insurer doctored a report that ultimately led to the denial of a Superstorm Sandy flood claim.