Tornado Damage Lawyers in McAllen Helping Clients Recover Compensation For Property Damage

Living in Texas, most of us are familiar with tornadoes and the massive amount of damage and destruction that they can cause. In most cases of tornadoes, the damage that occurs is the direct result of strong winds, hail, and flying debris.

If you have sustained damage to your property that was caused by a tornado, you need to hire an attorney to assist you with your claim as soon as possible. Having knowledgeable legal counsel will be extremely beneficial as a roof damage attorney can help guide you through the claims process. Having an attorney review your claim will play a huge factor in helping it not encounter any serious delays or even possibly a denial.

The attorneys with the law firm of Flores & Pelaez-Prada PLLC realize that tornado damage can devastate your life and property. Contact us today by calling 855-STORMS-4 and scheduling a free consultation so that we can review your property damage claim and answer any of your legal questions.

What are Some of the Most Common Damages Caused by a Tornado?

Naturally, strong winds cause the majority of the damage in relation to tornadoes. The following is a list of some of the most common damages that are reported by property owners after a tornado has touched down.

Roofs that have sustained strong winds may be totally ripped off from the rest of the structure or partially detached. Roofs may also have broken or missing shingles, along with dents or large pieces of the roof decking torn away.

The structure’s frame, including the trusses, may be twisted, broken, or bent. Beams may also have broken welds caused by the sheer strength of the winds.

The foundation of the structure may be compromised due to cracking or separation due to uplift by strong winds.

Interior walls and floors may be bowed, cracked, or separated from the surface of the roof.

Windows and gutters are highly susceptible to wind damage as the debris that flies through the air is capable of smashing or cracking windows. Gale force winds have the ability to tear gutters away from the structure.

The entire exterior of a structure and surrounding areas can be compromised or even totally destroyed. Common property damage claims that stem from tornadoes lists damage to garage doors, roof vents, fencing, and landscaping.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Tornado to Secure My Damaged Property?

First and foremost, your prime concern when a tornado occurs in your area is to make sure that you and your family are safe. Only after the tornado has passed should you begin to think about taking steps to secure your damaged property.

The main thing to consider when evaluating the damage that has been caused is how you can best mitigate the damage in a safe but secure manner. You also need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. As a policyholder, one of your main responsibilities is to carry out the proper steps in order to minimize any further damage.

Some of those steps include:

• Making temporary repairs. This can include tarping a roof or boarding up broken windows to prevent rain from coming in and causing water damage.
• Turn off the water or gas if there is a leak. If there appear to be downed power lines, do not approach the area. Contact your power company immediately.
• Document all damage to your home, other property, and personal possessions by taking pictures and/or videos. This will support your claims with the insurance company when declaring your damages and losses.
• Be sure to make a full inventory of your items and include any receipts that you may have for damaged or destroyed possessions. Also, be certain to keep all of the receipts that you have for any materials that you purchase to make temporary repairs. Do not throw anything away until a claims adjuster has the opportunity to see it for themselves.

One vital piece of information to remember is not to schedule any permanent repairs until the insurance company is able to assess the damage caused by the tornado.

What Types of Tornado Damage Does My Insurance Policy Cover in Texas?

Generally, most homeowners or business property insurance includes coverage for tornado damage. This usually includes damage sustained to your property and any of the items inside of the insured structure.

Not only does this coverage include that experienced due to wind damage but also from that of rain, lightning, and hail, which typically accompany a tornado. Your residence may be damaged or destroyed to the point that it is no longer inhabitable. In cases such as these, your insurance should cover the cost of temporary housing as well.

Even if your property did not incur damage that is considered to be catastrophic in nature, you might still be entitled to make a claim for damage to your roof and other necessary repairs brought on by the tornado. That is why it is important to make certain to have an inspection done of your roof and other structural components after a tornado has passed through your area. Often a structure may not appear to be damaged but is actually structurally compromised and, over time, can weaken and pose a significant risk to inhabitants.

The law firm of Flores & Pelaez-Prada PLLC is happy to assist you if you are uncertain as to whether or not you have damages that would warrant filing a claim. We can review your insurance policy with you and determine what would be the best strategy in order to file your claim. Contact us by calling 855-STORMS-4 and schedule an appointment with one of our legal representatives. We greatly look forward to working with you in the future.