The recent historic power outage in Northeast Ohio following severe storms has left a lasting impact on local businesses, with one business in particular facing significant financial losses. Happy Dog, a popular establishment on Detroit Avenue, has reported losses totaling nearly $45,000 due to spoiled food products and a week’s worth of lost business. Despite having insurance coverage with Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, the business’s claim has been rejected, leaving the owners struggling to recover from the aftermath of the outage.
Sean Watterson, Co-Owner of Happy Dog, expressed his disbelief and frustration at the insurance company’s decision to deny their claim. After 16 years of faithfully paying insurance premiums without any prior claims, the sudden denial has left Watterson questioning the integrity of the insurance provider. The reasoning behind the rejection, as explained by Watterson, seems to stem from the fact that the outage was caused by the storm itself rather than direct physical damage to the business.
The denial of the insurance claim has placed Happy Dog in a precarious financial situation, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watterson likened the experience to a form of PTSD, having already endured the hardships of shutting down during the pandemic. The loss of power, while seemingly temporary, has had a significant impact on the business’s ability to operate and generate revenue.
In response to the denial, Happy Dog has taken action by filing a complaint with Ohio’s Department of Insurance. The owners are seeking recourse and justice for the financial hardship they have endured as a result of the power outage. Watterson emphasized the importance of insurance companies honoring their commitments and providing support to policyholders in times of need, rather than backing out when faced with a crisis.
Despite the challenges faced by Happy Dog, the business was fortunate to receive assistance from the National Independent Vendor’s Association, which provided a grant to help cover immediate expenses. Without this support, Watterson acknowledged that the outage could have potentially led to the downfall of the business. The resilience and determination of the owners to seek justice and support in the face of adversity highlight the importance of standing up for one’s rights and holding insurance companies accountable for their obligations.
As the community continues to recover from the impact of the power outage, the case of Happy Dog serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable insurance coverage and the need for transparency and fairness in the claims process. The outcome of their complaint with the Department of Insurance will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how insurance companies handle similar claims in the future. In the meantime, Happy Dog remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice and financial recovery, determined to overcome this setback and continue serving their loyal customers in the vibrant city of Cleveland.