Little Rock Wind Damage Claim Lawyers
Our Little Rock, Arkansas lawyers hold insurance companies accountable
High winds can wreak havoc in a short amount of time. Whether it's a fallen tree damaging your roof, broken windows from flying debris, or siding ripped off your home, the aftermath of wind damage can be overwhelming. Beyond the immediate repairs, dealing with your insurance company can be frustrating. They might deny your claim, offer a lowball settlement, or underestimate the true cost of repairs. Here at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our experienced Little Rock insurance dispute attorneys are ready to help with your wind damage claim. We understand the complexities of insurance policies and the challenges you face after a storm. We'll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve to get your property back to its pre-storm condition.
How can your Little Rock insurance dispute lawyers help me with my wind damage claim?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we help policyholders whose claims have been denied or underpaid secure the compensation to which they’re entitled. Some of our successful results include:
- $3.3+ Million: Alexander Properties Group v. Commonwealth Ins. Co. After a four-day arbitration trial involving a windstorm loss to two apartment complexes, the arbitrator awarded the Firm’s client more than $3,000,000. The insurance company had previously denied the claim and refused proper payment.
- $1.6+ Million recovery from QBE Ins. Co. (CAU).We represented a condo association in a wind and hail claim. The firm secured more than another $1.6 million in damages, bringing the total claim to $1.785 million.
- $947,248.00 against State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Clint Scott and Brandon McWherter obtained this jury verdict in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The case involved damage to the roof of the insured’s manufacturing facility during a windstorm. In advance of the trial, State Auto paid approximately $11,000 for the roof damage. The jury awarded $757,798.78 in compensatory damages against State Auto, plus $189,449.70 as a bad faith penalty.
What kind of damage can wind cause in Little Rock?
Dealing with wind damage claims often involves disputes about what exactly constitutes "wind damage" according to your insurance policy. Here's a breakdown of the typical wind damage you might face, and potential areas of contention with your insurer:
- Roof damage: High winds can cause significant damage to roofs, including ripped-off shingles, torn flashing, and even structural issues. Insurance companies might argue the damage was caused by pre-existing wear and tear or faulty roof installation, potentially excluding coverage or offering a reduced payout.
- Exterior walls: Wind can cause damage to siding, ripped gutters, or detached shutters. Be prepared to fight if the insurer tries to classify this as normal wear and tear or exclude it based on policy wording.
- Windows and doors: Broken windows and damaged doors are common consequences of windblown debris. The insurance company might downplay the value of your windows or doors, or argue the damage resulted from an object hitting them (not pure wind), potentially affecting coverage.
- Detached structures: Garages, sheds, and fences are particularly vulnerable to wind and can be completely destroyed. Insurance companies might try to limit coverage for these structures or use depreciation to significantly reduce payouts.
- Interior damage: While less common, strong winds can cause roof leaks leading to interior water damage, or even broken windows allowing rain or debris to enter. Be wary of the insurer attributing this damage to the secondary event (water or debris) and denying coverage for the initial wind cause.
Don't underestimate the power of wind. It can cause a surprising amount of damage. If your insurance company is unfairly denying coverage or offering a lowball settlement, don't hesitate to fight for what's rightfully yours. Our experienced Little Rock wind damage attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your policy and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to rebuild your property.
What kinds of insurance disputes may arise after wind damage in Little Rock?
Here's a breakdown of some common insurance disputes that may arise after a wind damage claim:
- Wind vs. other causes:Insurance policies typically cover wind damage, but disputes can arise if the insurer argues the damage resulted from something else like a fallen tree, which might be a separate coverage.
- Wear and tear:Insurance companies might try to deny or reduce coverage by claiming the wind simply exposed pre-existing weaknesses in your roof or siding due to wear and tear.
- Roof replacement vs. repair:It’s important to understand the extent of the damage. Your insurer might propose a repair when a full roof replacement is necessary, leading to a dispute about the appropriate compensation.
- Depreciation:Insurance companies often apply depreciation to the value of damaged items before offering a payout. This can be a significant point of contention, especially for older roofs or windows.
- Lowball offers:Insurance companies are known for offering initial settlements that significantly undervalue the true cost of repairs and replacements. Our insurance dispute attorneys fight for a fair settlement that covers everything needed to restore your property.
- Detachable structures:Detached structures like sheds or garages may have separate coverage limits or exclusions. Disputes might arise regarding coverage and the value of these structures after wind damage.
- Hidden damage:Wind damage can sometimes cause hidden problems like leaks or structural issues. The insurer might initially overlook these issues, leading to disagreements about the full scope of the damage and the repairs needed.
Wind damage can be disruptive and expensive. We won’t let your insurance company add to the stress.
What should I do after wind damages my property?
The aftermath of wind damage can be chaotic. Here are some important steps to take to protect yourself and ensure a smoother claims process, especially when dealing with potential insurance disputes:
- Safety first:If there are downed power lines, fallen trees, or structural damage, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Wait for the all-clear from authorities before entering your property.
- Document the damage:Once it's safe, take extensive photos and videos of the wind damage, both inside and out. Capture close-ups of damaged areas, including the roof, siding, windows, and any detached structures.
- File a claim promptly:Review your policy and deadlines for filing a claim. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Our Little Rock insurance dispute attorneys can help you with this if necessary.
- Gather important documents:Start gathering documents like your insurance policy, receipts for valuables, or recent renovations on your roof or exterior.
- Don't sign anything under pressure:Don't sign any documents from your insurance company without thoroughly reading and understanding them. These documents might limit your rights or prematurely settle the claim. Our attorneys can review these documents on your behalf.
- Don't repair just yet:Hold off on any major repairs or clean-up efforts until your insurance company has had a chance to inspect the damage. This helps avoid arguments about the cause or extent of the damage.
- Contact a Little Rock wind damage attorney:The experienced wind damage attorneys at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt can review your policy, advise you on your rights, and ensure you're not taken advantage of by your insurance company. We can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, fight for the coverage you deserve, and negotiate a fair settlement that covers all the necessary repairs and replacements.
Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. By taking these initial steps and seeking professional legal guidance, you can protect your rights and ensure a smoother recovery process after a windstorm damages your property. Contact us today for a consultation and let's discuss your options.
Talk to a Little Rock, Arkansas wind damage claim lawyer today for experienced help
Dealing with wind damage can be daunting, especially when insurance disputes arise. Our seasoned team of wind damage and insurance dispute attorneys is here to provide unwavering support and expert legal guidance. Whether you're facing coverage denials, underpayments, or delays in claims processing, we'll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Don't let insurance disputes add to your headaches. To set up a meeting with an experienced attorney, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.