Mississippi Storm Damage Lawyers

Tupelo Storm Damage Insurance Dispute Lawyers

Helping policyholders obtain the insurance policy proceeds they need to start over

The term storm includes many different types of weather events. Most homeowners and commercial property insurance policies cover storm damage due to wind, hail, hurricanes, and tornadoes. These policies may also cover water damage, structural damage, and electrical damage due to storms and other causes. Two common exceptions are flood damage and earthquake damage. Flood coverage is usually purchased separately. Earthquake coverage may be available as a separate policy or an endorsement, depending on the insurer.

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ve obtained more than $400 million for policyholders. We work with a network of construction companies, contractors, roofing experts, water damage experts, and other experts who can quickly examine your property, explain what repairs are necessary, the timeline to complete those repairs, and the cost of the repairs. We negotiate settlements, argue cases before courts, and try cases before judges and juries. We’re ready to help you when storms damage your homes, businesses, and personal possessions.

Areas of Focus

How can we help?

How are storms classified?

Storms are generally classified based on the severity of the wind strength. According to the Beaufort wind scale:

  • Beaufort Force 8 winds have wind speeds between 39-46 mph. These winds can cause twigs to break off trees.
  • Beaufort Force 9 winds have winds between 48-54 mph. These winds can cause slight structural damage.
  • Beaufort Force 10 storms have winds between 55-63 mph. These storms can uproot trees and cause considerable structural damage.
  • Beaufort Force 11 storms have winds between 64-72 mph. These storms can cause widespread damage.
  • Beaufort Force 12 storms have hurricane force. They involve wind speeds of more than 73 mph. These storms can cause a great amount of destruction.

There are different types of storms based on how fast they develop, how long the storms last, the direction of the storm, and where the storm originates. The names for these storms include single-cell, multi-cell, super-cell, squall, and tropical storms.

Many homeowners’ and commercial property insurance policies have deductibles for storms that have hurricane strength. Named-storm or hurricane deductibles are often a percentage of the dwelling’s insured value or sometimes a flat dollar amount, depending on the policy.

What types of damage do storms cause?

Storms can cause extensive property damage, including:

  • Hail damage
  • Water damage
  • Wind damage
  • Lightning damage
  • Damage to the foundations of your home or building
  • Damage to the roof, siding, windows, chimney, and other exterior parts of your home/building
  • Damage to walls, floors, basement, attic, and other parts of the interior of your home/building
  • Damage to the plumbing, heating, electrical, and HVAC systems
  • Damage to the landscaping, swimming pools, sheds, garages, and other outdoor parts (attached and unattached) to your structures
  • Damage to the contents of your home, including appliances, furniture, clothing, technology, art, jewelry, and all other personal possessions
  • Damage to your inventory, equipment, machines, and other tools
  • Other types of damage, depending on your type of home or your type of business

What steps can property owners take when storms are forecast?

Some ways to reduce storm damage that you (or professionals) can consider well before any storms are even forecast, or when they are forecast, include:

  • Roof and siding. Make sure your roof and siding are in good condition, trim trees near power lines and your home, and anchor sheds and other outdoor structures.
  • Water and flood damage. Inspect the property foundation for gaps or cracks, ensure that gutters and downspouts are working properly, consider installing a sump pump, and use watertight covers on basement windows.
  • Hail damage. Use “impact-resistant roofing materials,” park vehicles in areas that have coverings, hire a roofing inspector after storm season is over, and repair any cracks or dents.
  • Lightning and electrical damage. Unplug electronic devices before the storm is expected to arrive, use surge protectors, have a portable generator or a charged power bank ready, and switch devices to battery-saver mode during outages.
  • Tree damage and damage due to debris. Prune your trees, remove dead branches, and keep your trees healthy.

Other precautions include securing outdoor furniture, trash bins, and storing essential documents (starting with your insurance policy) in a waterproof location.

For severe storms, some considerations include:

  • Have an evacuation plan, including a plan for your pets
  • Stay informed
  • Take appropriate shelter
  • Have an emergency supply kit
  • Make sure the doors and windows are shut

What should a property owner do after storm damage occurs?

Some of the key steps you should take after any storm include the following:

  • Make sure everyone is accounted for and safe. If anyone is injured, seek immediate help.
  • Check with local officials (we can help identify them for you) if it’s safe to move back to your home/building if you vacated your home/building.
  • Examine the property for any obvious hazards, especially any signs of gas leaks, downed power lines, exposed wires, or broken glass. If there are signs of gas leaks or electrical failures, leave and contact your utility services or local authorities.
  • Take photos or videos, if it is safe to do so, of any interior or exterior damage.
  • Avoid standing water, which may contain toxins, sharp objects, and other dangers. Call a professional water and mold removal company as soon as possible (we can recommend these companies for you).
  • Contact our experienced storm damage lawyers. We’re here to explain what you should and shouldn’t do, notify your insurance company that we’re representing you, have professionals go to your property to examine all the damage, work to obtain temporary advances, and fight for all the insurance benefits/compensation you deserve.

What types of storm damage disputes do you handle in Mississippi?

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our insurance dispute lawyers have the experience and working relationships to provide the practical advice you need and the legal help you require. Our Tupelo storm damage insurance dispute lawyers help policyholders in the following ways:

  • We work with insurers to pursue temporary advances or additional living expense benefits when available under your policy.
  • Our lawyers review your insurance policies to determine what coverage you have, what deductibles there are, and what compensation your insurance company should pay you.
  • We have professionals examine the damage in person, determine what emergency steps are necessary, and place a value on the cost to repair the damage, rebuild if necessary, and replace any property that can’t be repaired or rebuilt.
  • Our lawyers contest any insurance company or defense efforts to try to deny your claim, reduce the amount of compensation, or force you into a bad settlement (such as by negotiating in bad faith).
  • We can assess any additional funds the insurance company owes you, such as business interruption damages.
  • Settle your claim or present your claim before a judge and jury or an arbitration panel.

Do you have a Tupelo, MS storm damage insurance lawyer near me?

Yes. Our insurance dispute lawyers meet clients at our Tupelo office located at 600 W. Main St., Suite 301. We also discuss insurance claims by phone and through online video meetings. We can have storm damage professionals help you immediately.

Our lawyers have helped many home and commercial property owners obtain the full compensation they paid for and deserve.

We also have offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Contact our Tupelo, Mississippi, storm insurance lawyers now

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we understand how upset and worried you are. We’re ready to help by calmly and clearly guiding you through each step of the claims process. Many insurance disputes do settle. We can argue your case in court if necessary to obtain justice. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Areas of Focus