Are you looking at serious property damage in the aftermath of a major storm? Trying to repair the premises without interrupting everyday operations and spending more than you can afford is hard enough as it is. The legal side of things only complicates matters, but you’re not alone.
Instead of trying to decipher an insurance policy, prove the full extent of your losses, and fight for a settlement that reflects what you lost, contact Barcus Arenas, PLLC. As your storm damage lawyer in The Woodlands, we’ll advocate for you throughout the process.
With nearly two decades of combined experience, we can handle responsibilities on your behalf. Our insurance claims lawyers in The Woodlands will review the policy, look into the extent of the damage, collect relevant evidence, and pursue the coverage you deserve.
Your Insurance Policy Controls the Coverage Question
After a storm, the physical damage is usually obvious, whereas the legal side of your claim is likely not. Here’s what your insurance policy determines:
- Which losses are covered
- Which exclusions apply
- How damage is valued
- What duties you have as the policyholder
- What procedures apply if you and the insurer disagree
A commercial policy can have provisions concerning wind, hail, roof damage, fire, exclusions, appraisal, and other forms of coverage. But an insurer’s interpretation is not the final answer. Storm damage lawyers in The Woodlands representing the policyholder can review the actual policy language and compare it with the insurer’s explanation for denying or limiting payment.
This can be particularly important when the insurer points to an exclusion. The Woodlands storm damage attorneys can examine the precise wording, the surrounding provisions, applicable Texas law, and the facts surrounding the loss. For a property owner, that means understanding whether there is a legitimate basis for challenging the insurer.
For a free legal consultation with a storm damage lawyer serving The Woodlands, call (800) 941-1041
Storm Damage Can Affect Several Types of Coverage
A single storm can result in several different categories of damage:
- High winds can impact a roof or exterior walls.
- Hail can affect roofing materials, metal structures, and mechanical equipment.
- Heavy rain can enter through storm-created openings and damage interior areas.
- Lightning can cause electrical or fire losses.
Ultimately, the insurance analysis depends on the policy and the cause of each particular loss. A storm damage attorney in The Woodlands can look at the relationship between the storm and the damage that you experienced. Your storm damage lawyer in The Woodlands might involve these professionals when conducting their investigation:
- Engineers
- Contractors
- Meteorologists
- Former insurance adjusters
- Public adjusters
- Other people who can help establish what happened
This is especially important when an insurer argues that a particular condition resulted from age, wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, construction defects, or another excluded cause. Ultimately, the policyholder deserves an opportunity to support the claim with evidence showing the actual cause and scope of the loss.
The Woodlands Storm Damage Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041
Texas Law Sets Standards for Insurance Claim Handling
Texas law provides protections for policyholders dealing with insurance companies. Chapter 541 of the Texas Insurance Code addresses unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the insurance business.
More specifically, Section 541.060 addresses unfair settlement practices. Among other things, it prohibits an insurer from misrepresenting material facts or policy-related provisions. It also stops insurers from failing to attempt in good faith when the insurer’s liability is reasonably clear.
This means insurers are expected to reach a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement under these conditions. The Woodlands storm damage law firms can review the insurer’s conduct throughout the claim, including these components:
- Communications
- Inspections
- Estimates
- Coverage decisions
- Payment decisions
- Explanations for delays or denials
The purpose is to determine whether the facts support a legal claim under the Texas Insurance Code or another applicable law.
Click to contact our Insurance Claims Lawyers in The Woodlands today
Legal Representation Can Take the Insurance Fight Off Your Plate
Insurance disputes require a lot of time and effort, which many property owners don’t have. You are likely already dealing with contractors, employees, tenants, residents, vendors, customers, lenders, and other parties who have been affected by the storm.
Repeated calls and lengthy disputes over estimates can make an already difficult situation even harder for you. That’s where professional representation can make all the difference. You can lean on your storm damage attorneys in The Woodlands to handle the legal side of things, including:
- Reviewing the policy
- Investigating the loss
- Coordinating evidence
- Communicating with the insurer
- Evaluating settlement offers
- Addressing coverage disputes
- Pursuing litigation when necessary
Legal representation does not mean every case needs to end up in court. Some claims can be resolved through negotiations after the insurer receives stronger evidence supporting the policyholder’s position. When negotiations fail, however, the attorney can be prepared to pursue the available legal remedies rather than leaving the policyholder with an inadequate settlement.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
For Legal Representation From a Storm Damage Law Firm in The Woodlands, Call Barcus Arenas, PLLC
At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, our storm damage lawyers in The Woodlands take a family-oriented approach to insurance disputes because we know that the consequences of a property loss affect the people who depend on those premises.
That’s why our firm is committed to protecting clients, holding insurers accountable, and making a difference in the lives of those we represent. Our storm damage attorneys in The Woodlands also know professionals who have worked on both sides of the insurance process.
This provides us with a broader perspective that can help us when an insurer challenges the cause, scope, or value of a storm-related loss. Contact us today for representation from a law firm that offers strong advocacy when you need someone willing to stand up for your interests.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
