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