Storms in Memphis can cause significant damage to homes and other properties due to heavy rain, wind, and flooding. Victims of this type of property damage may file a homeowner’s insurance claim to recover money for repairs or replacements. Other causes for filing a homeowner’s claim include smoke, mold, vermin, and fires. A caring Memphis property damage lawyer can help you fight for the total amount you deserve if an insurance provider refuses to offer you a reasonable settlement or even denies your claim. Our law firm has the experience to fight for you after you have lost everything.
When a property loss claim is filed in Memphis, the insurance policy imposes requirements on the property owner. While these obligations differ by approach, the following are some of the most common:
- A property owner must notify the carrier of a loss as soon as possible or within a specific time frame. Frequently, the policy will provide a deadline. Failure to meet this deadline may pose problems in the future.
- A property owner is required to take reasonable precautions to prevent their property from further damage. However, evaluating what constitutes “reasonable actions” for property care is frequently fraught with uncertainty. A property damage lawyer can assist you in understanding what these processes involve.
- A property owner must present proof of loss statement after filing a claim.
A Memphis property damage attorney can assist you in navigating the difficulties of insurance legislation. It’s aggravating to have a property claim dismissed. Insurance companies, unfortunately, employ a variety of reasons to refuse a claim. Fortunately, a skilled Memphis property damage attorney knows how to deal with denials like these. The property owner failed to pay their premium, for example, is one of the most typical grounds used by firms to refuse claims. To avoid this dispute, property owners should make sure that all payments are up to date. Your lawyer can assist you in proving this point if necessary.
Property claims are sometimes refused due to a policyholder’s failure to claim on time. Many insurance companies have stringent deadlines for when they must receive notification of damage; you can avoid this problem by filing a claim on time.
Insurance companies will occasionally deny claims because the sort of property damage sought is stated in the policy’s exclusions section. Construction damage, earthquake damage, flood damage, intentional property destruction, mudslides, and sinkhole damage are some of the most prevalent categories excluded. The simplest method to get around this rationale is to read the conditions of a policy thoroughly before filing a claim. If you need help understanding these words, don’t hesitate to contact a property damage attorney.
Insurance companies have been known to assert that property owners failed to present sufficient evidence of damage. Having your lawyer evaluate the proof of loss rules can prevent denials based on this rationale.
Insurance companies will sometimes decline claims if they consider the claim is fraudulent or questionable. When submitting or renewing claims, insurance companies may argue that policyholders neglected to give key data, which is why it is necessary to specify the grounds of a claim fully. A lawyer can assist you in ensuring that you have properly documented your claim.
Speak with a Property Damage Lawyer in Memphis who has handled cases similar to yours.
It’s crucial to remember that you have the right to a proper settlement on your policy after paying an insurance premium if you file a property damage claim. Suppose an insurance company dismisses your lawsuit or refuses to pay what you are owed. In that case, you should contact a Memphis property damage attorney immediately. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at (800)-560-5059.
Why Choose Us?
Homeowner insurance companies provide a variety of policies with varying levels of coverage. There is a policy for owner-occupied properties, a policy for rented-out properties, and a policy for condo units. Where do you go for assistance?
When an insurance company denies payment on a property damage claim, our law firm property damage lawyer can help in various ways. Your lawyer can examine the claim’s facts, study and analyze your policy, and guide you through the claims procedure. In addition, if necessary, your property damage lawyer can file a lawsuit against the insurance company. Suppose the carrier knows you have an experienced property damage attorney on your side. In that case, it may be more likely to pay your claim or make a reasonable settlement.
Our law firm’s property damage attorneys will skillfully and aggressively represent you in your homeowner or commercial business property damage insurance claim. For a free consultation, call (800)-560-5059 right now.
Common Questions About Property Damage Lawsuit
What are the Types of Property Damage?
In Memphis, several different types of property damage could prompt you to submit a claim. Property damage from the following sources is an example of a common sort of loss you could experience in Memphis:
- Damage caused by flooding
- Storm and hurricane damage
- Roof deterioration
- Fire and smoke damage
- Damage caused by water
- Damage caused by the wind and windstorm
Hurricane and Storm Damage in Florida
We chose to live in Memphis because of the weather, yet we could be caught in the path of a hurricane. Even though storms can be precisely tracked, they are frequently unpredictable. It is nearly impossible to predict the extent of the destruction that will be left in their wake. For a property owner, the magnitude of the destruction can be devastating. It has the potential to cause heavy damage, resulting in the total loss of property or enterprise.
The following are examples of hurricane damage:
- Shattered windows
- Damage to the interior
- Flooring
- Damage caused by projectiles (flying debris)
- Lifting, shingles, gutters, and siding damage to the roof
- Moisture and water damage (mold)
- Damage to the structure
- Outdoor fixtures, outbuildings, gardens, and pools have been damaged
- Downed wires cause fire damage to boats, cars, and other vehicles or watercraft
- Destruction of personal belongings, furniture, and appliances, among other things
Roof Defects
It can feel like you’re on vacation when you live in Memphis. However, hurricanes, tropical storms with tremendous wind speeds, and severe thunderstorms accompanied the sunshine. Your roof is an essential structural element of the home and one of the most vulnerable to weather and other forces. Roof damage can be costly, and if not fixed promptly, it can lead to more property damage.
Your homeowner’s insurance coverage will cover you if your roof is damaged due to a natural disaster, strong winds, tree branches, or any other reason. For roofing repairs, restoration services, or roof replacement, you may be eligible for compensation.
However, due to exclusions in your homeowner’s insurance policy, payouts for roof damage may be limited. Roof damage insurance has a rigid categorization system. This may result in a disagreement with your insurance company over the source of the damage or the event that preceded it.
Fire and Smoke Damage
When a fire destroys your personal property and assets in your home or business, it may be devastating — emotionally upsetting and financially crippling. The first step in trying to recoup damages and restoring fire damage is to file an insurance claim.
Windstorm and Wind Damage
Wind damage is the effect of high-powered winds causing damage to a structure or building. This can happen as a result of a tornado, hurricane, or another severe storm. Wind and windstorms can cause damage to your home’s siding and structure, as well as roof damage and tree and landscaping damage.
In Memphis, insurance companies are required by law to include windstorm coverage in residential property insurance policies. It’s critical to review your windstorm policy to determine what’s covered and whether there are any coverage exclusions or limitations for wind damage.
Depending on your homeowner’s insurance policy, your property may not be fully covered for wind and windstorm damage. It is vital that you have understood the insurance policy. Make sure you know what you’re covered for and what can be excluded.
Whose insurance is going to pay for your losses?
Drivers who have been in an accident that resulted in personal injury and property damage may be unsure which insurance company to contact. After all, as a driver, you are responsible for paying your vehicle insurance rates every month in exchange for coverage. The other drivers’ medical expenses, lost earnings, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company usually covers property damage. If the police were called to your collision, the officer’s report would almost certainly reveal the individual’s identity they believe is to blame. Negligence is used to determine fault. The following are some of the most prevalent ways that a driver’s negligence might result in a catastrophic accident with property damage:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving is prohibited.
- Too close to the action
- Stopping at stop signs or lights is illegal.
- Failure to maintain a vehicle correctly
- Making wrong turns
Suppose the police do not arrive at the site of your collision. In that case, the insurance company will determine fault based on the drivers’ descriptions of what happened and any other relevant evidence.
Although the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a claim on your insurance policy under certain circumstances. For example, if the at-fault motorist is uninsured or if you were engaged in a hit-and-run accident, you can file a claim on your policy. Suppose you’re not sure how to continue. In that case, you can always talk to one of our expert personal injury lawyers about your case for free.
Questions to Ask Your Property Damage Lawyer
What if your own insurance company refuses to pay for the damage?
Suppose you file a claim under your insurance policy. In that case, your insurer may deny your claim and refuse to compensate you for your losses. Your own insurance company, unlike someone else’s, has a legal obligation to deal with your claim in good faith, which means you may be entitled to take legal action if your insurance company denies paying on a valid claim. An insurance company may decline your claim for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- You did not file your lawsuit on time.
- You made fraudulent claims.
- At the time of the collision, your coverage had expired.
- You did not give sufficient documentation.
When Should You Consult a Lawyer?
After an accident, the ideal time to contact a lawyer is as soon as possible, after you have gotten the necessary medical attention for any injuries. Once an attorney is involved, they will assess the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action. Furthermore, your lawyer will speak with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you do not do or say anything that could minimize your ability to obtain compensation for your losses. Whether you are filing a lawsuit with your own insurance company or with someone else’s, an attorney will ensure that the insurance company handles you fairly. Finally, suppose the insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer. In that case, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the other motorist or the insurance company on your behalf to get you the money you deserve.
Property Damage Lawsuit Process
If you have experienced property damage, you should talk to your insurance company for the compensation you deserve for your losses. An experienced property damage attorney might handle communication with your insurance carrier. They can shield you from saying something that could jeopardize your case’s outcome. Your experienced Memphis property damage attorney can take control of the claims process and interact with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that the claimant and carrier follow all policy deadlines.
- To minimize massive losses, insurance companies may offer customers early and low settlements. This settlement should be used as a starting point for talks. A property damage lawyer with expertise dealing with shady insurance companies knows how to make demands, negotiate, and obtain results.
- Loss Scope is in your favor. A Scope of Loss might be prepared by your attorney in collaboration with a contractor. Scope of the loss is a document that establishes costs for repairing and replacing damaged property. It will make it easier to negotiate a good settlement with the insurance company.
- If you need to sue a third party for property damage, a knowledgeable attorney can assist you. Your experienced lawyer will look into the circumstances surrounding your harm and claim, uncovering evidence to back up your claim and develop a solid defense. Your attorney will advocate for you in the trial and fight for the recompense you deserve for your damaged property.