Birmingham Flood Damage Claim Lawyers
Talk to our insurance dispute attorneys after a flood destroys or damages your Alabama property
Flood damage can be catastrophic, leaving your home and belongings underwater in a matter of hours. While insurance is meant to provide a financial safety net in these situations, disputes with your insurance company after a flood can be frustrating and complex. If you've filed a flood damage claim and received a denial, or if the offered compensation feels inadequate, don't be discouraged. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our experienced Alabama insurance dispute attorneys can help you understand the complexities of flood insurance policies and fight for the full coverage you deserve.
How can your Birmingham flood damage claim lawyers help?
With decades of combined experience helping clients after a flood destroys their home or business, some of our results include:
- $492K: Supplemental payment for a Middle Tennessee business
- $310K: Supplemental payment for a Middle Tennessee business
- $70K: Settlement for a Nashville couple
Here's how our Birmingham flood damage attorneys can help you with your claim:
- Understanding your flood insurance policy:Flood insurance policies can be complex and confusing. Our attorneys can thoroughly review your policy to ensure you understand your coverage and the specific details relevant to your claim.
- Maximizing your compensation:We'll work diligently to ensure your claim accurately reflects the full extent of the damage to your property and belongings caused by the flood.
- Fighting unfair denials:If your flood damage claim has been denied by your insurance company, we'll aggressively challenge the denial and fight for the coverage you're entitled to under your policy.
- Negotiating a fair settlement:Our experienced attorneys know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement for your flood damage claim.
- Handling the legal workload:We'll handle all the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on rebuilding your life after the flood.
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we understand the emotional and financial stress that flood damage can cause. Our Birmingham insurance dispute attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What kind of damage do floods cause in Birmingham?
Floods in Birmingham can cause a wide range of devastating damages, impacting both your property and its contents. Here's a breakdown of some common types of damage:
- Foundation issues:Floodwaters can erode soil around foundations, causing cracks, leaks, and structural instability.
- Wall and floor damage:Flooding can warp walls, damage drywall, and ruin flooring materials like carpet, hardwood, and tiles.
- Roof damage:Strong currents or debris carried by floodwaters can damage roofs, leading to leaks and further water damage inside the house.
- HVAC and electrical systems:Floodwaters can damage electrical wiring, circuitry, and HVAC systems, posing safety hazards and requiring costly repairs or replacements.
- Furniture and appliances:Furniture and appliances directly exposed to floodwaters are likely to be ruined or require extensive repairs.
- Personal belongings:Clothing, electronics, valuables, and sentimental items can be destroyed or permanently damaged by floodwaters.
- Building materials:Flooring materials like drywall, insulation, and carpets often need to be replaced due to water damage and mold growth.
- Mold growth:Damp environments caused by floods create ideal conditions for mold growth, which can pose serious health risks.
- Contamination:Floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage, bacteria, and other harmful substances, requiring professional cleaning and potentially posing health risks.
Additional costs may include:
- Debris removal:Floods can leave behind a significant amount of debris that needs to be removed professionally, adding to the overall cost.
- Temporary housing:While repairs are underway, you might need to find temporary living arrangements, incurring additional expenses.
The severity of flood damage depends on several factors, including the depth and duration of flooding, the type of structure affected, and the materials used in construction. However, Birmingham residents should be aware of the extensive range of potential damages floods can cause.
What should I do after a flood?
In the aftermath of a flood, it's crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health, safety, and your right to fair compensation. Here's what you should do after a flood:
- Prioritize safety:Ensure everyone is out of harm's way and contact emergency services if necessary. Floodwaters can be contaminated and pose electrocution hazards.
- Document the damage:Take photos and videos of the floodwaters surrounding your property, the extent of the damage inside your home, and any damaged belongings. This detailed documentation will be critical evidence for your insurance claim.
- Minimize further damage:Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Board up windows, turn off utilities if it is safe to do so, and cover damaged areas with tarps to prevent further water intrusion.
- File a flood damage claim promptly:Review your insurance policy and contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Don't wait until everything is dry or cleaned up to file. Our Birmingham insurance dispute attorneys can help with this if needed.
- Be cautious with what you say:While cooperating with your insurance adjuster, avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be misconstrued and used against you later.
- Keep records of expenses:Maintain receipts for any temporary living expenses, repairs, or debris removal you incur due to the flood.
- Seek legal guidance:If your claim is denied, the offered compensation seems inadequate, or the claims process becomes overwhelming, consult with our experienced insurance dispute attorney as soon as possible.
Our attorneys can:
- Review your policy:They can ensure you understand your coverage and fight for the full benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
- Negotiate a fair settlement:They can advocate on your behalf to get you the maximum compensation for your flood losses.
- Challenge unfair denials:If your claim is denied unfairly, they can aggressively challenge the denial and present a strong case for your coverage.
Don't go through this challenging time alone. Contact the Birmingham flood damage attorneys at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt today for a free consultation and to protect your right to fair compensation.
What insurance disputes might arise after a Birmingham flood?
Flood insurance disputes can arise for several reasons after a devastating flood event. Here are some common scenarios you might encounter:
- Coverage denial: This is perhaps the most frustrating situation. Your insurance company might deny your claim entirely, arguing that the specific cause of flooding isn't covered by your policy. This could involve factors like:
- Flooding source:They might claim the water damage originated from a source excluded from your policy, such as sewer backup or a broken sump pump, instead of rising floodwaters.
- Policy exclusions:Certain types of flood damage might be explicitly excluded in your policy wording.
- Insufficient coverage: Even if they accept your claim, the offered compensation might be significantly lower than the actual cost of repairs and replacements. This could be due to:
- Valuation disagreements:The insurance company might undervalue your damaged belongings or the cost of repairs.
- Depreciation:The company might factor in depreciation when calculating the value of damaged items.
- Disagreements over repairs: Disputes can arise regarding the repairs themselves. The insurance company might push for low-quality repairs or deny coverage for necessary repairs.
These are just some of the potential disputes that can arise after a flood. Our experienced Birmingham flood damage claim attorneys can help you resolve these issues and ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve under your insurance policy.
Look to our Birmingham, Alabama, flood damage claim attorneys for help today
When floodwaters wreak havoc on your property, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Don't let insurance disputes add to your stress. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our team of dedicated Birmingham flood damage claim attorneys is here to fight for you. We understand the complexities of flood-related insurance claims and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you're facing denial, delays, or undervalued settlements, we have the resources and skills to handle these issues on your behalf. Don't wait any longer to assert your rights. Contact us today, and let us help you rebuild and reclaim peace of mind. To schedule 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.