Birmingham Hail Damage Claim Lawyers
When hail strikes Birmingham, Alabama, our insurance dispute attorneys are here to help
Hailstorms can wreak havoc in a short amount of time, leaving behind a trail of dented roofs, damaged siding, HVAC units, soft-metal exteriors, and shattered windows. While homeowner's insurance should offer protection for these events, dealing with hail damage claims can be a complex process. If your insurance company denies your claim, undervalues your losses, or makes the claims process overly difficult, the experienced Birmingham hail damage claim lawyers at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt can help. We'll fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve to restore your property.
What is hail?
Per National Geographic, “Hail is supercooled water, which is refrozen in the atmosphere before falling back to the ground as a sizable ice ball. Hail can cause severe damage to life and property.”
This ice can be small or as large as a grapefruit. National Geographic goes on to say:
The National Weather Service in the United States defines large hail as being at least 2.5 centimeters (one inch) in diameter. That’s about the width of a quarter. This size distinction is important because hailstones this size or larger can cause damage to property, crops, and structures. It is difficult to determine the speed at which hailstones fall from clouds. But one estimate, from the National Severe Storms Laboratory, is that a hailstone the size of a baseball will fall at about 161 kilometers (100 miles) per hour.
How can your Birmingham hail damage attorneys help?
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience helping clients secure fair compensation after hail damages their home or business. Some of our successes include:
- $287.5K: Confidential Client v. Cincinnati Ins. Co.The firm represented a condominium owners’ association in a hail loss and assisted the owners’ association in obtaining an additional payment of $287,500.
- $185K: Confidential Client v. Farmers. The firm assisted a church in recovering more than $185,000 for hail damage to its roof.
- $290K: Confidential Client v. Confidential Ins. Companies. After a condo association suffered wind and hail damage, the firm represented the condominium association and assisted it in recovering more than $290,000.
We can help you, too. Here’s how:
- Navigating insurance claims: We can guide you through the process of filing a claim with your insurance company, ensuring that you provide all necessary documentation and information to support your claim.
- Assessing damage: Hail damage attorneys often have experience working with experts who can accurately assess the extent of damage to your property, including both visible and hidden damage. This assessment is important to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies may try to undervalue or deny your claim. Our hail damage attorneys can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive the full compensation you're entitled to under your policy.
- Litigating your case in court: If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, the lawyers at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt can move to litigation, advocating for your rights in court and seeking a favorable resolution to your claim.
- Maximizing compensation: Ultimately, our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive for your losses. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you are fully compensated for repairs, replacements, and any other damages resulting from the hailstorm.
Working with our hail damage attorneys can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for the damage to your property and help alleviate the stress and frustration of dealing with insurance companies.
What types of damage does hail cause in Birmingham?
Hailstorms can cause a range of damages to properties, including:
- Roof damage: Hail can puncture or crack roofing materials such as shingles, tiles, or metal panels. This damage can lead to leaks and water infiltration, potentially causing structural damage and mold growth if not addressed promptly.
- Vehicle damage: Hailstones can dent or scratch vehicles, damaging the paint and sometimes breaking windows or mirrors.
- Siding damage: Hail can also damage siding materials on homes and buildings, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, or stucco.
- Gutter damage: Gutters and downspouts may become dented or dislodged by hail, affecting their ability to channel water away from the property effectively.
- Window and skylight damage: Hailstones can crack or break windows and skylights, compromising the integrity of the building envelope and increasing the risk of water intrusion.
- Outdoor structures: Hail can damage outdoor structures such as sheds, gazebos, or fences, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Landscaping damage: Large hailstones can also damage landscaping elements such as trees, shrubs, and garden ornaments.
The severity of hail damage in Birmingham can vary depending on the size and intensity of the hailstones, as well as the materials and construction of the affected structures. It's essential for property owners to promptly assess and address any hail damage to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety and integrity of their properties.
What sort of insurance disputes can arise in a Birmingham hail claim?
A variety of insurance disputes can arise in Birmingham hail claims, including:
- Coverage disputes: Insurance policies may have specific provisions regarding hail damage coverage, including deductible amounts, coverage limits, and exclusions. Disputes may arise if the insurance company denies coverage based on an interpretation of policy language.
- The extent of damage: Insurers may dispute the extent of hail damage claimed by policyholders, particularly if the damage is not immediately visible or if there are pre-existing conditions. This can lead to disagreements over the scope and cost of repairs or replacements.
- Valuation disputes: Insurance companies may undervalue the cost of hail damage repairs or replacements, leading to disputes over the appropriate compensation amount. Policyholders may need to provide evidence, such as estimates from contractors or independent adjusters, to support their valuation claims.
- Claim denials: Insurance companies may deny hail damage claims based on alleged policy violations, such as failure to report the damage promptly or inadequate documentation. Disputes can arise if policyholders believe their claims were wrongfully denied and seek to appeal the decision.
- Delay in settlement: Insurance companies may delay the settlement of hail damage claims, citing the need for further investigation or assessment. Policyholders may dispute these delays, especially if they result in prolonged inconvenience or additional damage to the property.
- Bad faith practices: Your insurance company may be acting in bad faith by unreasonably denying, delaying, or underpaying legitimate hail damage claims. Our Birmingham insurance dispute lawyers can help.
Navigating these insurance disputes can be complex and challenging, especially without legal representation. Seeking assistance from our experienced hail damage attorneys can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Informed legal guidance after your property is damaged by hail in Birmingham, Alabama
Facing insurance disputes after hail damage can be overwhelming, but you don't have to fight alone. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our team of experienced Birmingham hail damage attorneys is here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you're dealing with coverage disputes, valuation disagreements, or claim denials, we have the expertise and dedication to advocate for your rights. Don't let insurance companies delay or deny your rightful claims—contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you rebuild and recover with confidence. To schedule a meeting with a skilled lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.