Memphis Flood Damage Insurance Dispute Lawyers
Helping homeowners and business owners when floods cause visible and hidden damage
Over $250 million recovered for policyholders
Floods often bring water and mildew into basements, floors, the soil, and foundations of every building structure. The damage can extend to landscaping, electrical wires, computer cables, and plumbing. When constant or heavy rain causes so much destruction, victims need experienced Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyers who understand who’s covered, what damage is covered, and the cost of repairs. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we help ensure that policyholders that have flood insurance receive all the benefits they deserve in a prompt manner. Call our insurance dispute lawyers when floods damage your property.
How can we help?
- What should I do if a flood occurs in Memphis?
- What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
- What types of damage claims does flood insurance cover?
- What types of flood claim insurance disputes do you handle in Memphis?
- How do you help flood insurance victims?
- Do you have a Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyer near me?
What should I do if a flood occurs in Memphis?
Please start by calling our experienced Memphis flood insurance lawyers. We can review your practical needs (such as how to protect your property) and contact your insurance agent if you haven’t done so already. We’re here to explain your rights under your policy and to help you pursue the temporary advances you need, while we handle your full damage claim.
Our flood insurance dispute lawyers can support clients through processes with FEMA, TEMA, and local Memphis officials when dangerous floods occur. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that property owners consider the following concerns and steps after a flood occurs. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) may have additional recommendations regarding temporary locations, food, healthcare, and other emergency services.
FEMA’s recommendations include:
- Only return home, if you’ve evacuated, when local authorities say it’s safe to return.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Don’t wade in floodwater, which may be contaminated and electrically charged due to downed power lines and underground power lines.
- Use a flashlight to find your way. Don’t use anything that could ignite, like a match, because there may be gas trapped inside your home or structure.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity. Don’t touch electrical equipment if the equipment is wet or you’re standing in water.
- Don’t drink or use flood water. Generally, you should use bottled, treated, or boiled water. “Listen for boil water advisories. Local authorities will let you know if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.”
- Safely take photographs of the damage, before and after the water recedes.
- Avoid entering your home if you have asthma, lung disorders, or immune disorders due to the dangers of mold and water leaks.
- Take care of any pets’ needs.
- Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Know that standing floodwater can also spread infectious diseases and bring chemical hazards into your home or workplace.
What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program that enables the owners of property in “participating communities” the right to purchase flood insurance. FEMA also requires that state and local governments “enforce floodplain management ordinances that aim to reduce flood damage.”
Please know that your homeowner’s, commercial, or renter’s insurance policy generally does NOT cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy. The amount of the premium depends on the location of your home and the amount of coverage you pay. Homeowners, businesses, and renters in Tennessee should be eligible for flood insurance if they are located in a “participating community.” We can explain if you live in a “participating community.”
Flood insurance policies cover homes and the home’s contents.
“The National Flood Insurance Program’s building coverage includes foundations, electrical and plumbing systems, and water heaters. An NFIP contents coverage policy would cover clothing, furniture, personal electronics, and portable and window air conditioners.”
If you own a home within a designated special flood hazard area, and you receive federal disaster assistance for your flood-damaged home or personal property, you must purchase and maintain flood insurance coverage on the property for the life of the building. If you sell your home after receiving federal disaster assistance, the new owner is required to maintain flood insurance coverage. In most cases, an existing flood insurance policy transfers to the new owner with no lapse in coverage.
What types of damage claims does flood insurance cover?
Even a “minor” flood can do substantial damage to a property. Your flood insurance policy should pay for the following damage:
- The foundation of your property, including “foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases attached to the building”
- Electrical, plumbing, and water systems
- Heating and fuel tanks
- Permanently installed carpeting
- Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
- Built-in appliances
- Cabinets
- Sump pumps
- Window blinds
- Solar energy equipment
- Water removal
- Debris removal
What types of flood claim insurance disputes do you handle in Memphis?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we anticipate the arguments insurance companies will use to try to deny your claim or limit your damages. Our Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyers have the experience and working relationships to counter these arguments and assert your rights. Some of the ways that we help policyholders after a flood include:
- Obtaining temporary funds. You don’t have to wait until your entire case settles or there is a verdict in your favor. We work to obtain immediate temporary funds so you can have a temporary home, a temporary work location, and the money you need for food and other necessities while the rest of your claim is resolved.
- Protecting your property. We’re here to help you obtain a water and mold removal expert if FEMA or TEMA doesn’t provide one.
- Determining the damage. Our lawyers work with flood damage experts to inspect your property (including any hidden damage). These experts can explain what property can be saved, what repairs are necessary, when a partial or complete rebuild is necessary, the time for all the repairs/rebuild, and the cost to remedy your flood damage. We work with experts who address water removal, mold, and mildew management, smells from garbage and sewage, and other flood-related damages.
- Valuing the damage to your personal property. Our Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyers work with experts who can fix damaged property, assess the cash value of your property, or assess the cost to replace your property, depending on the provisions of your insurance contract.
Your insurance company may use its own experts. We work to show that our experts are more credible and are addressing more damage and reasonable complications such as delays and difficulties getting the proper parts.
How do you help flood insurance victims?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we represent all types of property owners. These owners include homeowners, commercial businesses, apartment complex owners, condominium owners, churches, and nonprofits. Our insurance dispute lawyers help flood victims by:
- Showing that you have a flood insurance policy.
- Notifying your insurance company of flood damage.
- Working with federal, state, and local governmental authorities.
- Arranging for inspections and evaluations of the type of damage and the scope/severity of the damage.
- Evaluating the repairs that are necessary, and whether rebuilding instead of repairing is advisable.
- Determining the value of your damage claim.
- Negotiating with the insurance companies.
- Trying your case before arbitrators, judges, and juries.
Our lawyers aim to obtain the proceeds you paid for so that your residence or business is in the same condition as before the flood.
We’re skilled at negotiating claims to ensure a successful resolution for our clients. We also are respected for our record of impressive results trying cases before arbitrators and juries.
Do you have a Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyer near me?
Our office is located at 6000 Poplar Avenue, Suite 250, in Memphis, Tennessee. Our insurance dispute lawyers are ready to help you as soon as you call us. We also consult with clients through online video. We make visual inspections of flood damage when necessary.
We can work to obtain the temporary and long-term flood damage proceeds you paid for.
Talk with our experienced Memphis flood insurance dispute lawyers today
Floods are a nightmare. When the water gushes in, there’s not much that homeowners can do until the rain or water from overflowing sources stops. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we work with flood professionals and government officials who determine all your damage (including hidden damage) and place a true value on the cost of repairs. Our insurance dispute lawyers contest efforts to deny or reduce your claim. To start your claim for insurance benefits, please call us or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Our insurance dispute lawyers also represent policyholders across Tennessee and in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri, and Mississippi.