Dallas Tornado Property Damage Attorneys
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable for Legitimate Property Damage Claims
Tornadoes are one of the biggest threats to Dallas property owners. If a tornado hits your building, it can cause extensive property damage or even a total loss. Preparing for this kind of disaster and addressing the aftermath means understanding how insurance coverage works after a tornado and what steps you need to take to get your claim approved. Knowing what your policy covers, how to file a claim, and how long the process can take can ensure you have accurate expectations and know when it’s time to involve an attorney if your insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Whether you’re not sure if your claim is covered or the insurance company has already issued a denial, the attorneys at Stormlex Law Group can help you address any problems when submitting a tornado damage claim. Call our law firm at (877) 890-6372 to talk to someone who can help.
Will Insurance Pay for Tornado Damage?
Tornadoes are generally classified as windstorms for insurance purposes, and most homeowners’ insurance and commercial property insurance policies typically cover them. Many insurance companies have exclusions for wind damage for the coastal areas of Texas at high risk of hurricane damage, but this isn’t an issue for Dallas. However, individual policies can differ; what one company may cover, another may consider an exclusion. It’s always important to carefully review your policy to determine your coverage.
Insurance coverage for tornadoes typically includes:
- Damage to the structure of the building, including the roof, walls, and foundation
- Damage to other buildings on the property, such as a shed
- Broken windows from flying debris
- Damage to personal property inside the structure
One of the most frustrating aspects of a tornado is its unpredictability. It can leave your neighbor’s home untouched and yours leveled to the ground. It can also look like your property was left unscathed, but there could be hidden structural damage. The only way to determine what damage your home or business suffered is to have it evaluated by a professional contractor.
When Should You File a Tornado Damage Insurance Claim?
The aftermath of a tornado is chaos. Once everyone is accounted for, it can be overwhelming to look at the significant damage left behind, and many people feel frozen and unsure of what to do first. However, if you’re planning on filing a tornado damage insurance claim, it’s essential to work quickly. Your policy may require prompt notification of any damage and is likely to require you to make any necessary temporary emergency repairs, such as boarding up broken windows, to prevent any further damage to the property.
As soon as you’re safe and able to document the storm damage, it’s time to contact the insurance company. A natural disaster like a tornado often causes extensive damage, with storm paths sometimes being miles long. Insurance companies are inundated with claims after these events, and submitting yours as early as possible can help you avoid delays. Keep in mind that the insurance company will need to take the time to investigate the claim, determine the extent of the damage, and estimate the cost. This can take weeks or even months if there are delays. It’s essential to stay in frequent communication with the insurance company and let an attorney know if you feel the adjuster is purposefully delaying your claim.
How Long Does the Property Damage Claims Process Take?
You’ve submitted your documentation and filed your claim, and now, it’s up to the insurance provider to do the rest. In straightforward cases, without any issues or delays, this process can still take weeks at best. If your property suffered extensive damage or there are disputes about the cause or repair cost, it can drag on for months.
It’s essential to be aware of your rights and the insurance company’s obligations during this time. The insurance company must meet legal deadlines, such as acknowledging a claim within 15 days. While there are some legitimate reasons for delays, and the law allows insurance companies to have extensions when necessary, a claim that isn’t making any progress or an insurance adjuster who refuses to return your calls or emails is a sign that something bigger may be going on.
An experienced tornado damage attorney can hold the insurance provider accountable by tracking deadlines, advocating for your rights, and challenging any unnecessary delays. They can also handle any communication with the insurance company directly, so you can focus on rebuilding your life after a tornado hits your area.
How Does a Bad Faith Practices Lawsuit Work?
If an insurance company intentionally mishandles your tornado damage claim or engages in unscrupulous practices to avoid paying, you could have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit. Texas insurance laws protect both homeowners and business owners from unfair insurance practices, such as:
- Unreasonably delaying a claim past the appointed deadlines
- Denying a claim without a valid reason
- Offering a lowball settlement
- Failing to properly investigate the claim, such as not considering your repair estimates from licensed contractors
- Making threats or misrepresenting your policy coverage
Insurance companies that delay or deny valid claims can be held accountable. The Texas Department of Insurance investigates suspected bad faith practices, and property owners can seek compensation for damages in a bad faith lawsuit.
When tornado damage turns your life upside down, having someone on your side who has experience with these cases and can provide support can make all the difference. Call Stormlex Law Group at (877) 890-6372 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys and find out how we can help.