When Hurricanes Hit: Fighting For Your Insurance Claim

When a hurricane strikes, it can leave a path of devastation that turns your life upside down. As you survey the wreckage of your home or business, the last thing you need is an insurance company that refuses to honor your claim. Especially in the Gulf Coast region where our law offices are, the potential for wind, hail and hurricane damage is a yearly cause for concern.

In the Galveston area alone, countless homeowners and commercial property owners have had to arrange for significant repairs at least once. Some have rebuilt using more storm-resistant materials and designs after major losses. We can see the results when we drive through town and witness how many properties along the coastline are now built on stilts, out of the range of floods.

Many properties have permanent storm shutters attached to them to protect windows during hailstorms and derechos (strong straight-line winds). However, even with these precautions, properties are often damaged by powerful winds and destructive hail.

At The Hodge Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the overwhelming stress and uncertainty you’re facing. From our base in Galveston, Texas – a city all too familiar with hurricane devastation – we’ve helped countless clients nationwide navigate the complex world of hurricane damage claims. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are ready to fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

From Assessment To Action: Our Hurricane Claim Process

We work closely with our clients to build strong cases against insurance companies that attempt to minimize or deny hurricane damage claims. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing a wide range of hurricane-related issues, including:

• Wind damage to roofs and structures
• Storm surge and flooding
• Impact from flying debris
• Structural integrity compromises
• Extended power outage consequences
• Evacuation-related losses

Whether you’re a homeowner facing a destroyed roof or a business owner dealing with inventory loss and extended closures, we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation.

When Insurers Try To Weather You Down: Common Claim Tactics

Insurance providers often employ various strategies to minimize payouts on hurricane damage claims. Some of these tactics include:

• Attributing damage to preexisting conditions
• Separating wind and flood damage to reduce coverage
• Underestimating repair or replacement costs
• Delaying claim processing to frustrate policyholders
• Misinterpreting policy language to limit coverage

Our attorneys are well-versed in these strategies and work diligently to counter them, ensuring your claim receives fair consideration.

How An Attorney Strengthens Your Claim

Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane is challenging enough without battling your insurance company. Here’s how our firm can make a crucial difference:

1. We understand the complexities of hurricane damage claims.
2. We can accurately assess the full extent of your losses.
3. We’re skilled in negotiating with insurance adjusters.
4. We can identify and pursue all available avenues of compensation.
5. We’re prepared to litigate if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

With our experience and knowledge, we aim to maximize your recovery and help you rebuild more quickly and completely.

We Bring Together A Team Of Highly Experienced Damage Experts

The Hodge Law Firm works with a highly experienced team of engineers, expert witnesses, damage consultants and contractors/builders to document all aspects of your claim. Our expert witnesses utilize cutting-edge technology and inspection techniques to document the true extent of your damage and loss. They often utilize 3-D imaging software, moisture detection meters, thermal imaging cameras, drones and satellite imagery to build an accurate assessment of your damages and properly document your loss.

What To Do If You Have Hurricane Damage

After a hurricane, it is critically important to document everything you can.

1. Immediately file a claim with your insurance company (get a claim number from your insurance)
2. Take photographs before you begin to clean up after the storm. If there are any downed trees or other debris on your property take photographs before you start to clean up and remove the debris.
3. Review your insurance policy for coverage. If your home is uninhabitable (no power, damage, no water) many insurance policies provide for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage which will pay for temporary housing.
4. Do not throw away any damaged items or contents (personal property) until the insurance company has had an opportunity to photograph the damaged property. For example, if you have wet carpeting or drywall you may need to remove it from the house to mitigate further damages from occurring, however, make sure you do not put those items out in the trash or to be hauled away until after the insurance company has inspected them.
5. After a hurricane, it is critically important to document everything you can about the claim process and your damages. Make a timeline of all phone calls with your insurance adjuster and a log of all communications you have had with the insurance company. Make notes of each conversation you have with an adjuster.
6. If you have damaged contents (personal property) you will need to make a list of all damaged items and the value of each item.
7. Hire a reputable local contractor. Get recommendations for contractors from family or friends. Research the contractor and check their reviews.

Don’t Weather This Alone: Reach Out Today

Don’t let hurricane damage sweep away your future. If you’re struggling with a hurricane damage insurance claim, we’re here to help. Contact The Hodge Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call us at 409-241-7246 or visit our online contact page to schedule your appointment.