Could You Be Victimized After a Texas Weather Disaster?
After a catastrophic weather event in Texas, if your property is damaged and your insurance company denies your property damage claim, schedule a meeting with a Texas storm damage attorney who can challenge the insurance company and help you obtain the payout you need.
Severe storm damage is common in Texas, and a denial of your property damage claim may not be the only difficulty you face if your property is damaged. Weather disasters create opportunities for criminals to exploit property owners with storm damage repair scams.
What scams and con games are common after a Texas weather disaster? How can you spot a scam and avoid exploitation? When will you require the legal advice and services of a Texas storm damage lawyer?
How Severe is Texas Weather?
Texas experiences more severe weather than any other state. In 2022, for example, tornadoes caused significant wind damage in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other large Texas cities. A 2021 winter storm caused billions of dollars in damages and power outages throughout the state.
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused more damage and death than any storm in Texas history. Harvey was responsible for at least 68 fatalities and over $125 billion in damages. In 2021, a Texas winter storm dropped temperatures in several cities to almost zero.
After a weather disaster, criminal activity against property owners isn’t limited to dishonest repair contractors. People are also victimized by phony disaster relief representatives, fake charities, and scams involving fraudulent relief applications.
What Do Texas Property Owners Need to Know?\
Criminals use telephones, mail, emails, texts, and sometimes go door-to-door to take advantage of those affected by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other storms. Fake contractors, for instance, may make home repair offers that seem too good to be true.
Con artists also know how to “hijack” telephone numbers and send a fake number to your caller ID. After a catastrophic weather event, be aware that anyone who claims to be with the government and asks you for money is an impostor.
If anyone calls about your property insurance policy or property damage claim, do not give that person any details until you confirm the call is legitimate. If anyone calls claiming to be with your insurance company, end the call and reach out to your insurance company or agent directly.
How Can You Avoid Property Repair Scams?
Property repair scams flourish after hurricanes, tornadoes, and other catastrophic weather events. Not everyone who goes door-to-door after catastrophic weather is a criminal, but many criminals operate that way.
Choosing a contractor to work on your home must include confirming the contractor’s legitimacy. Select a contractor with a physical address, and unless you already know the contractor, confirm that the address is real and the contractor is actually located there.
Take bids from several verified contractors for the repair work you need. Be specific about what you require. Ask for itemized estimates in writing. And don’t ignore your personal impressions. If you’re uncomfortable with a contractor, do not sign anything and find another contractor.
How Can You Avoid Other Weather-Related Scams?
After a severe weather event, someone may also approach you about removing storm debris and cleaning up your property. Always verify licenses, seek references, and avoid any “low-ball” bidders who give you an estimate that is substantially less than the other estimates you obtain.
Many Texans seek to help storm victims by giving to charities, but criminals frequently take advantage of kind hearts and generosity. Don’t be exploited. Make certain that any donation you make is going to a real and legitimate charity.
Ignore unsolicited calls and emails from purportedly charitable organizations. It’s best to stick with the charities you already know. Never click a link in an unsolicited email.
Is Your Property Insurance Company Operating in Bad Faith?
A property insurance policy usually requires you to act promptly after severe weather damages your property. Take photographs of any damage, file your claim quickly, and keep a written record of any conversations with your insurance company’s representatives.
Particularly when insurance companies are overwhelmed with claims based on catastrophic weather damage, your insurance company may dispute, delay, or deny your property damage claim. In these circumstances, some insurance companies operate in bad faith.
When Will You Need a Storm Damage Lawyer?
Contact a Texas storm damage attorney immediately if your property damage claim is rejected. When your insurance company knows that a storm damage lawyer is representing you, the company may choose to avoid a legal dispute and pay your claim quickly.
Preparing for bad weather in Texas includes knowing about the con artists who may try to exploit you and preparing for any property insurance difficulties you may face.
However, if a criminal takes advantage of you after severe weather, a Texas storm damage lawyer can advise you about your legal options. If you have been defrauded, you may have grounds for a lawsuit, or your lawyer may recommend involving the police.
If you submit a property damage claim to your insurance company and that claim is disputed, delayed, or rejected, consult a storm damage lawyer promptly. Your lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company for your payout and take the insurance company to court if necessary.
Meet the Stormlex Law Group Legal Team
Stormlex Law Group works for Texas homeowners and other Texas property owners. We provide personalized advice about damage claims and property insurance. Stormlex Law Group can fight for the payout you need if your insurance company denies your property damage claim.
We help property owners who are the victims of insurance bad faith. We represent property owners in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and throughout Texas. You will owe no attorney’s fees to Stormlex Law Group until we have prevailed on your behalf.
If your claim for storm-related property damage has been rejected or if, in the future, you file a damage claim that is denied, learn more about your rights or start the legal process immediately, and call Stormlex Law Group at 877-890-6372 to schedule your no-cost first legal consultation.
