Overcoming Wind And Hail Damage Claims Challenges

As a Texas property owner, you’re no stranger to the destructive power of severe storms. The aftermath of wind and hail damage can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.

At The Hodge Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the emotional and financial toll these events can take. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the complex process of insurance claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve to restore your property and peace of mind.

Stand Up For Your Rights. Time To Fight Back

Often times insurance companies have a financial incentive to deny your claim or to minimize the damages and provide a ‘lowball” estimate.    Insurance companies often utilize “independent adjusters” to come out and evaluate your damages. Make no mistake about it the adjusters the insurance company sends out to inspect your loss are anything but “independent”. There is an inherent conflict of interest in the fact that the insurance company that owes you the money is telling you how much they owe. It is important to bring in a team of experienced advocates that just represent you as the policyholder. The Hodge Law Firm has a team of highly experienced expert witnesses including engineers, contractors and damage consultants that can inspect and properly document your damages and navigate your insurance policy coverages to ensure you get the maximum recovery owed under the policy.

Cosmetic Damage Exclusions

Insurance companies have started inserting “cosmetic damage” exclusions into insurance policies. These exclusions are often not properly explained or disclosed to you the policyholder. These exclusions change your insurance policy’s coverage, so “cosmetic damages” are not covered. The exclusions are often found on properties that have metal roof coverings. The exclusion is often written in a misleading way to mislead and trick the policyholder into thinking there is no coverage for their damage under the policy. The Hodge Law Firm has a team of highly qualified construction experts that document the damages to prove that the policyholder didn’t suffer “cosmetic damage” but instead suffered actual direct physical loss or damage and thus should be covered under the terms of the insurance policy.

 Misrepresentations And Bad Faith

Some insurance companies and adjusters engage in a practice of intentionally and knowingly misrepresenting the terms of the insurance policy and the amount of damages you are owed under the policy. Any misrepresentations and lies by the insurance company must be called out and documented through hard facts and evidence. We have a team of experienced trial attorneys who can document and establish any misrepresentations and hold the insurance company accountable for any misrepresentations or bad-faith facts they commit.

Storm Damage: A Regional Hazard

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 so that windows can be protected during hailstorms and derechos (strong straight-line winds). However, even with these precautions, properties are often damaged by powerful winds and destructive hail.

What We Have To Offer

We offer you the opportunity to have one of our lawyers review your case at no charge. Please bring photos of the damage to your property to your initial consultation, if relevant. One of our attorneys can go over the facts, your concerns and your options, including:

• The type of damage: Is it visible or likely hidden? Is it superficial – such as loose shingles – or structural, such as having your home’s frame knocked off its foundation?
• How the damage happened: Was your property damage caused by wind, water, flying debris, falling trees or vandals taking advantage of an open wall after a storm?
• Steps you may need to take: Do you need a first inspection or a second-opinion inspection? Or do you need a lawyer to go to bat for you, accompanied by a qualified roofer (for example)?
• Difficulties you have already encountered with an insurance damage claim: Is your insurer unresponsive? Are representatives acknowledging but minimizing the damage through the company’s estimate? Are there coverage questions made worse by the companies’ questionable interpretation or terms in your policy?

Answers To Your Questions

Having helped many other Texans in situations similar to yours, our accomplished litigators are very familiar with the challenges you face. We are ready to guide you through making an insurance claim, fighting back over delays or appealing a denied claim. Schedule a free consultation by calling 409-241-7246 or sending an email inquiry.