Louisville, Kentucky Flood Insurance Dispute Lawyers
Helping Kentucky policyholders repair and rebuild after a flood
Floods cause an exceptional amount of damage to residential and commercial properties. Because of the nature of flooding, many policyholders are required to carry additional coverage – but that doesn’t stop the insurance companies from trying to deny or lowball claims. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we help home and business owners secure the funds they need from the policies they’ve purchased. Our Kentucky flood insurance dispute lawyers are here to help. Call today to get started.
How can we help?
- What immediate steps should I take after a flood in Kentucky?
- What happens after a flood in Kentucky?
- What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
- What kinds of damage does flood insurance generally cover?
- What types of conflicts can occur when I file my Kentucky flood claim?
- How do you advocate for Kentucky flood victims?
- Do you have a Kentucky flood insurance claim lawyer near me?
What immediate steps should I take after a flood in Kentucky?
There are three immediate steps to take after a flood:
- Turn off your water.
- Turn off your electricity.
- Get out of the building.
We would argue that, if you feel unsafe, your first step should be to get out of the house; then, call your utility companies, report an emergency, and let them handle the water and electricity. If you experience a storm-related flooding event, you’ll need to speak with emergency services.
What happens after a flood in Kentucky?
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), the Governor’s office, and local officials will establish rules and procedures for inspecting flood damage across Kentucky including local neighborhoods and individual homes. Many property owners will be informed about the availability of temporary living quarters, food, health services, and other essential needs. These agencies and officials will also explain what safety precautions are necessary such as turning off the water supply and the electricity.
Our Kentucky flood insurance claim lawyers work with these government officials and our network of professionals to help you assess how to protect your property from further damage and comply with any community requirements. We’ll help you notify your insurance carrier who will likely have additional requirements and suggestions for protecting your structures and personal property.
To the extent you can safely do so, we recommend you (or a professional) take videos and photographs of the damage. These images can help show how deep the floodwaters are and what parts of your property are damaged. We recommend that you take a second set of images of the damage, after the water has receded.
What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program that grants property owners 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.”
FEMA’s flood insurance policies should compensate homeowners for damage to their home’s foundation, the building, and the utility systems (heating, plumbing, and electrical). The flood insurance should also pay for damage to the home’s contents – “clothing, furniture, personal electronics, and portable and window air conditioners.”
According to FEMA, one year after the catastrophic Kentucky flood of 2022, federal funding has provided $281 million for families, individuals, communities, and businesses in eastern Kentucky. “FEMA, its federal partners, and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) continue to collaborate on a 13-county recovery mission.”
Our Kentucky flood insurance claim lawyers can explain whether you “must” buy flood insurance, where you can obtain it, how flood insurance policies work, and respond to your other questions. Your insurance agent should also help you obtain the correct coverage.
What kinds of damage 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 conflicts can occur when I file my Kentucky flood claim?
Our Kentucky insurance dispute lawyers anticipate and respond to the various types of disputes that occur in the aftermath of a flood. We can help with disputes arising from:
- Paying for temporary lodging. Our lawyers are skilled at obtaining advance payments so you have a place to live and/or work, and money for other necessities while your home or business location is being repaired or reconstructed.
- Removing the water. If the government or your insurance company doesn’t provide a water removal expert, we’ll recommend a qualified water removal professional.
- Assessing the extent of the damage. Our team works with flood damage experts who will inspect all the visible and hidden damage to your property. They’ll explain what property can be saved, what structural repairs are necessary, what cosmetic repairs are justified, whether a complete rebuild is required, the timeline for repairs, and the cost for all your repairs and/or a rebuild. We’ll also help assess the cost of treating and managing smells from sewage, garbage, and other flood-related causes.
- Determining the value of damaged personal property. We work with consultants who can determine the cash value or the cost to replace your damaged personal property depending on the terms of your policies.
- Assessing mold and mildew damage. Floods normally cause mold and mildew damage. Our Kentucky flood damage attorneys work with professionals who will determine if any existing mold or mildew damage is due to the flood and determine the cost to remove and remedy the damage.
Your insurer may recommend their own experts. Disputes normally occur when their experts and your experts differ on what needs to be done and the cost of rebuilding and/or replacing your damaged property and possessions.
How do you advocate for Kentucky flood victims?
McWherter Scott & Bobbitt represents homeowners, condominium complexes, apartment complexes, businesses, and churches and nonprofits facing insurance disputes after a flood. We can:
- Verify that your flood insurance covers your property.
- Report your flood insurance claim to your carrier.
- Address your emergency needs. These needs include complying with governmental requirements, preventing further damage, removing the existing water, documenting each part of your claim, and obtaining the advancements you need.
- Arrange to inspect your home and business property to confirm the damage is flood-related and assess what needs to be done.
- Determine what insurance proceeds you deserve so your home 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 Kentucky flood insurance claim lawyer near me?
McWherter Scott & Bobbitt is located at 2950 Breckenridge Ln, Suite 13-200 in Louisville. We discuss claims with policyholders by phone and through video. We’ll examine your property in person when necessary.
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ve helped numerous insurance claimants obtain six and seven-figure recoveries. Let us help you, too.
Speak with our respected Kentucky flood insurance dispute lawyers now
Flood damage is traumatic. Once the water starts rushing in, there’s little you can do but wait for the rain or overflowing waters to end. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our Kentucky flood insurance dispute lawyers move quickly to help you protect your property, verify the damages, obtain advancements, and fight for the full insurance proceeds you paid for. For help now, please call us, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We represent insurance claimants throughout the Southeast.