RICHMOND HILL, Queens (WABC) — A devastating fire destroyed a home a Richmond Hill where a local family has lived for the last 44 years.
In a double blow, their insurance claim was delayed.
Homeless, without even insurance funds to pay for a hotel, they turned to Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side.
Just after the stroke of midnight, the Rampersad family’s new year’s celebration turned from a happy celebration into screams of sheer terror.
The fire broke out in the in the attic, where sisters Sofia and Zaara shared a bedroom.
“Thank god they were downstairs,” said father Jeremie Rampersad.
The Rampersads have homeowner’s insurance, but ever since that devastating night, they have not been permitted to touch anything inside.
Obstructing their claim is the question of whether there’s an illegal apartment in the attic, which could negate the claim.
“If there was a kitchen or bathroom, you would see a kitchen or bathroom,” said Philip Maltaghati of United Public Adjustors.
The family hired Maltaghati to help with their insurance claim.
The Rampersads were ordered to be examined under oath, despite an inspection which revealed no apartment on the third floor.
The family also hired an attorney in an attempt to get their insurance payout.
7 On Your Side went directly to the insurance company. By the time we hung up with the COO, the Rampersads had temporary housing, living expenses, and a check for half a million dollars to begin repairs on their home.
The Rampersads are now just waiting for inventory adjustment to finally begin salvaging and rebuilding.
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