Memphis Hurricane Damage Insurance Dispute Lawyers
More than $250 million in insurance dispute recoveries
Hurricane systems increasingly impact Tennessee, with strong winds, flooding, and tornado activity. Hurricanes can destroy homes and buildings, cause floods and wind damage, and make life miserable for anyone in their path. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we work to document your damages, and we determine the cost of repairing the damage (or rebuilding or relocating). Our Memphis hurricane insurance dispute lawyers work to obtain the temporary funds you need to move to temporary living or work locations. We skillfully demand compensation for all your property, personal, and business damages. Call us in Memphis today for help.
How can we help?
- How does the NOAA classify hurricanes?
- What should Memphis residents do before, during, and after a hurricane?
- Which insurance policies cover hurricane damage in Memphis?
- What damages does a Memphis hurricane insurance policy cover?
- What kinds of insurance disputes involving hurricanes do you handle in Memphis?
- Do you have a Memphis hurricane insurance dispute lawyer near me?
How does the NOAA classify hurricanes?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classifies hurricanes according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
- Category 1. Sustained winds of 74-95 mph. This type of hurricane can cause damage to roofs, siding, and gutters. Category 1 hurricanes can topple trees, down power lines, and cause other severe damage.
- Category 2. Sustained winds of 96-110 mph. Category 2 hurricanes can cause extensive roof and siding damage and uproot trees. Power outages could last for days to weeks.
- Category 3. Sustained winds of 111-129 mph. According to the NOAA:
“Devastating damage will occur. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.”
- Category 4. Sustained winds of 130-156 mph. This type of hurricane causes catastrophic damage. Roofs and exterior walls may be destroyed. Power outages could last for months. Most of the community will be uninhabitable for weeks or even months.
- Category 5. Sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. Most framed homes will be destroyed. Residential areas will be uninhabitable and without electric power for weeks or months.
What should Memphis residents do before, during, and after a hurricane?
Residents and workers should obey the directives from local and state authorities. These directives may require that you evacuate your property so you, your family, and your workers can be safe. Some of the steps to consider before, during, and after a hurricane are the following:
- Before the hurricane. Make sure you have enough shelf-stable food and clean, fresh water. Buy flashlights, chargers, and batteries – and charge them before the hurricane lands. Bring any loose items, such as lawn chairs into your home. Ensure that your vehicle is filled with gas and has food, water, and blankets.
- During the hurricane. If you safely stay at your property, wait in the highest part of your home/structure. Shutter or board the windows. Don’t rely on candles; use batteries.
- After the hurricane. Return home or to your commercial property – only when told by authorities it is safe to return. Avoid any downed power lines. Take photos/videos and store them in the cloud. Notify your insurance company. Call our experienced Memphis hurricane insurance lawyers. We can guide you through each step of your hurricane damage claim.
Which insurance policies cover hurricane damage in Memphis?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we can review which insurance claims cover each specific type of hurricane damage. These policies generally include the following:
- Homeowner’s insurance. This policy normally covers structural damage (damage to the foundation, roof, exterior, interior, and windows). It also covers damage to the contents of your home and your personal possessions.
- Commercial property insurance. This policy covers structural damage and the contents of your facility.
- Flood insurance. Generally, flood insurance only covers damage due to flooding. We work with experts who can determine whether any water or mold damage is due to the hurricane or any related flooding. If any damage is due to floods (and not hurricanes), you need a separate flood insurance policy.
- Business interruption insurance. This policy protects businesses when hurricanes force companies to relocate, cease operations, or reduce operations due to hurricane damage. Business interruption insurance pays for the cost of renting a new facility, lost income, payroll expenses, fixed costs on your damaged property (such as a mortgage), inventory damage, notification-to-customer expenses, and other business costs.
- Other policies. These may include excess coverage policies, umbrella insurance, comprehensive vehicle insurance policies, and other policies.
We’re also able to help you obtain aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
What damages does a Memphis hurricane insurance policy cover?
According to The Tennesseean, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 (for hurricanes that originate in the Atlantic Ocean). According to Colorado State University predictions, the hurricane season for 2025 is expected to be more active than prior years – about 125% of the average hurricane season for 1991-2020. Colorado State University predicts nine hurricanes in the Southeast, four of which could be major hurricanes. The odds of a tropical storm in Tennessee are increasing.
When a hurricane strikes, the damage could include:
- Structural damage to homes and buildings. Hurricanes can damage roofs, windows, siding, foundations, and any part of a home. Hurricanes can damage cars, landscaping, and any attached or unattached structures.
- Heavy rains can cause extensive wind damage and flooding, including flooded septic tanks. The water can seep into every part of your home or workplace facility.
- The need to move due to property damage and the lack of working utilities, such as electricity.
- Damage due to flying debris and objects.
- Damage to the contents of your home or the equipment and inventory for your business.
- Tree damage, which includes the cost to replace your tree and any damage that falling trees cause to your home, vehicles, or other property.
Hurricanes can also lead to other extreme weather, including tornadoes, which may result in fires. These can cause extensive damage and create new insurance dispute issues that our lawyers can handle for you.
What kinds of insurance disputes involving hurricanes do you handle in Memphis?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ve helped hundreds of insurance policyholders obtain the coverage they paid for. Some of the many issues and disputes our Memphis insurance dispute attorneys handle include:
- Exclusion defenses.Your insurance carrier may try to argue that your damage isn’t covered by your policy. For example, they may argue that flood damage or wind damage isn’t covered or was excluded.
- At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we work to obtain advances so you can move to a different location and have the funds you need to eat and take care of your daily needs – until there is a resolution of the rest of your hurricane claim.
- If property damage is due to a hurricane, the deductible may be a percentage of your claim instead of a preset dollar amount.
- Determining the damages. Our Memphis hurricane insurance dispute lawyers work with building contractors, architects, engineers, electricians, roofers, water damage professionals, appraisers, business interruption experts, and many other experts to determine:
- Whether you should rebuild your property or repair the damage.
- The materials, labor, time, and cost of the necessary repair work or rebuilding work.
- The hidden damages that you need to address before your claim is resolved — not afterward.
- Whether you’re eligible for the replacement costs instead of the actual cash value of the damage to your property.
- Whether you should relocate permanently.
We also file bad faith claims when insurance companies deny your claim without justification or try to delay your claim to put pressure on you to make a bad settlement.
Do you have a Memphis hurricane insurance dispute lawyer near me?
Our office is located at 6000 Poplar Avenue, Suite 250 in Memphis, Tennessee. We welcome phone calls and online video conversations. Our law firm understands how anxious and upset you are. We’ve helped many clients like you quickly obtain the emergency funds they need and also obtain the long-term insurance proceeds they deserve.
Get help from our Memphis hurricane insurance claims lawyers now
Hurricanes are devastating. There’s not much that residential and commercial property owners can do to prepare for hurricanes other than purchase insurance in advance of any hurricane warnings. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we understand how stressful it is to work with FEMA officials, local Tennessee and Memphis officials, and with your own insurance company. Our Memphis insurance claim lawyers will guide you through each step of your insurance claim and fight to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve according to the terms of your insurance policy.
To schedule a consultation, please call us or complete our contact form.
Our insurance dispute lawyers represent clients throughout Tennessee and in Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Arkansas.