Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends:
Along with all of you, over the past week we were saddened to witness the residents of the City of Houston and surrounding areas of south and southeast Texas experience incredible devastation.
At the same time a light has shined on Houston as observers from around the world are realizing Houston is a model for the future…the most diverse city in America…a place where diversity and inclusion are a way of life. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houstonians have demonstrated what it means for a diverse population to lean on each other's unique strengths and join together with common goals.
For those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including many members of the Gray Reed family, we offer you positive thoughts and continuous prayers. Gray Reed is also here to help you. We want to be a facilitator and a partner in your recovery efforts.
In the coming weeks and months many of you will be required to navigate a myriad of legal issues such as insurance claims, force majeure provisions in contracts and employee welfare requirements. Our attorneys have already begun to address some of the issues associated with a natural disaster of this magnitude. Below are three links that may provide important guidance as you begin to deal with the aftermath of the storm. As more articles and resources from this firm become available, we will add them to this list.
Two Storms: Hurricane Harvey and HB 1774
This legal alert written by Gray Reed’s Skyler Stuckey provides clarity regarding the potential impact of HB 1774 on insurance claims filed on and after Sept. 1, 2017.
Softening a Hurricane’s Blow: Force Majeure and Builder's Risk
Written by three Gray Reed construction law attorneys, this alert discusses two primary tools owners and contractors in the construction industry have at their disposal to mitigate the effects of such an devastating storm: (i) contractual force majeure provisions; and (ii) builder’s risk insurance.
Hurricane Harvey and Oil and Gas Operations – What To Do
In light of the adverse effects the storm, floods and tornadoes will have on oil and gas production, transportation and processing operations, Gray Reed’s Charlie Sartain offers several valuable tips.
As we move forward through the recovery process please share specific needs and requests. As so many have already recognized, working together we will assure Houston and southeast Texas respond to the challenges we are facing and end up stronger than ever.
J. Cary Gray
Managing Partner