Memphis Wind Damage Insurance Lawyers
Helping home and commercial property owners obtain insurance proceeds when strong winds damage property and possessions
While most homeowners' and commercial insurance policies cover wind damage, insurance companies often try to argue that wind damage is due to other conditions that aren’t covered in the policy or minimize the extent of the damage. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we hold homeowner and commercial property insurance carriers to their contractual duty to pay all your insurance proceeds. We demand compensation for temporary relocation costs and the cost to repair all of your damaged property at the proper value.
Our record of wind damage recoveries includes the following:
- $3.3+ Million: Alexander Properties Group v. Commonwealth Ins. Co. This claim involved windstorm damage to two apartment complexes after the insurance company had previously denied the claim.
- $1.6+ Million recovery from QBE Ins. Co. (CAU). This claim involved wind and hail damage on behalf of a condo association. We obtained another $1.6 million in damages over the original offer of $1.785 million.
- $947,248.00 against State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company. We persuaded a federal jury to award this amount for windstorm damage to the roof of the insured’s manufacturing facility. The jury awarded $757,798.78 in compensatory damages, plus a bad faith penalty of $189,449.70.
- $750, We obtained this amount for a West Tennessee church that suffered wind and hail damage. The $750,000 was over and above the original offer.
What types of damage can wind cause in Memphis?
According to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, “damaging winds are often called ‘straight-line’ winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.” Straight-line winds generally come with thunderstorms. Unlike tornadoes and hurricanes, straight-line winds (as the name indicates) generally travel in straight lines.
Gale-force winds are referred to as “strong winds.” They generally range between 39–54 MPH.
Winds can cause extensive damage, including:
- Damaging power lines, utility services, and telecommunications services
- Causing trees to fall on your roof or other parts of your building structure
- Direct structural damage to roofs, windows, doors, siding, and other parts of your home or building, which can cause water damage and other types of damage
- Indirect damage due to flying branches and other objects
- Landscape damage
How do you help wind damage victims in Memphis?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we work with a range of experts to fully assess the damage to your home, buildings, landscaping, the contents of your home or commercial building, and personal possessions. Our Memphis wind damage insurance lawyers work with roofers, window experts, engineers, building contractors, building code officials, appraisers, and other experts to assess what repairs are necessary and whether the damaged items may need to be replaced.
- We will assist in filing a formal claim with your homeowner’s policy, commercial property insurance policy, or any other applicable insurance policy.
- Contest any efforts by your insurance companies to deny your claim or assert that an exclusion applies. Your insurance company may try to say the damage is due to wear and tear, flooding, or a design or workmanship defect. Your insurance company may also try to argue that patchwork repairs are all that’s necessary when you do need a full replacement of a roof or another part of your home/building.
- Review and contrast any inspections by insurance company contractors with our own experts.
- Seek temporary relocation expenses when necessary, such as when policyholders need a new roof.
- Determine what repairs are necessary, the cost of the repairs, the materials that should be used, and the timeline for repairs.
- Show that the damage is due to covered wind damage and not to other causes.
- Ensure that the proper valuation methods are used to determine the cost of repairs.
- Ensure that the proper valuation methods are used to determine the value of any items that need to be replaced – typically replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV), depending on your policy.
- Reviewing whether there are any issues with building codes or related laws/ordinances
Our Memphis wind damage lawyers negotiate just settlements. If your insurance company is not making a fair offer, we can argue your insurance claim in court and before arbitrators. We also file bad faith claims when insurance adjusters refuse to investigate or try to stall your claim.
If a business has business interruption insurance, we work with you, your accountants, and financial experts to determine the value of your lost profits and all your business expenses due to the wind damage.
What steps can property owners take to minimize wind damage?
Homeowners and commercial property owners can help prevent some wind damage by removing anything that might fly into homes and buildings, reinforcing garage doors, and tending to the landscaping.
Some of the steps to take after the wind damage occurs include:
- Cover any areas, such as windows and doors, to avoid water damage.
- Document the damage with photos and videos, and with the assistance of qualified experts, before starting any repairs. Normally, the insurance carrier will conduct its own investigation.
Do you have a Memphis wind insurance claim lawyer near me?
Yes. Our Memphis office is located at 6000 Poplar Ave. Our insurance dispute lawyers also consult with clients by phone and through online video discussions. If necessary, we can arrange to see the damage and consult with you in person.
Our lawyers have helped many policyholders obtain all the insurance proceeds they deserve.
Get help now by calling our Memphis wind damage insurance attorneys today
Wind damage that isn’t at hurricane or tornado levels can still cause a lot of damage. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our insurance dispute lawyers work with experts who can properly assess that damage. We know the strategies insurance companies use to try to deny or reduce your claim.
You did your part – you paid your premiums. We hold insurance companies to their duty to do their part – pay you everything they owe according to the terms of your policy. Please call us or complete our contact form today to schedule a consultation.
We also represent policyholders throughout Tennessee and in Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri.