Continuing Education

Equipment Breakdown Claims Sudden Failures vs. Gradual Deterioration

Date/Time

June 11, 2026 - 2:00 – 3:00 PM Central Time

Presenter

Jim Carides, Sr. Machinery Consultant, ILC

Two large, weathered industrial boilers with exposed control panels and wiring. The metal surfaces are worn and rusted in areas, with motors, gauges, pipes, and access ports visible on the front. Both control boxes are open, showing electrical components inside. The scene suggests aging mechanical equipment in an industrial facility.

Course Description

Machinery and equipment failures can arise from a variety of causes — some sudden and unexpected, others developing gradually over time. Understanding the distinction between abrupt breakdowns and slow deterioration is critical for accurately analyzing loss conditions and repairability.

This one-hour course provides claim professionals with a clear framework for recognizing the signs of sudden failure versus wear-related degradation. Using practical case studies and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to interpret damage evidence, identify contributing factors, and effectively document findings in equipment breakdown investigations.

State Approval Status

Pending:

  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Indiana
  • North Carolina
  • New Hampshire
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • Wyoming

What You Will Learn:

  • Distinguish between sudden equipment breakdown and gradual deterioration.
  • Identify cause of loss, loss type, failure modes, and contributing factors in machinery claims.
  • Evaluate maintenance records, inspection data, and repair history for key insights.
  • Apply effective methods for documenting findings and supporting claim resolution.
  • Recognize technical considerations that may assist with subrogation.

Don't Miss Our Next Webinar

View All 2026 Webinars