Birmingham Storm Damage Claim Lawyers
Our attorneys help policyholders after a storm damages property in Alabama
Severe storms can leave a path of destruction in their wake, damaging homes, businesses, and belongings. While homeowners and business owners alike rely on insurance to provide financial relief after such disasters, navigating the claims process with your insurance company can be frustrating and complicated. If you've encountered a denial of coverage, an unfair settlement offer, or unreasonable delays after a storm damage claim, the experienced Birmingham insurance dispute attorneys at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt can help. We'll fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve to rebuild your life and get back on your feet.
How can your Birmingham insurance dispute lawyers help with my storm damage claim?
Our Birmingham insurance dispute lawyers are committed to assisting you in navigating the challenges that arise after a storm, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Here's how we can help:
- Policy review: We will review your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage, including property damage, personal belongings, additional living expenses, and more, helping you understand your rights and entitlements under your policy.
- Documentation and assessment: Our attorneys work with qualified professionals to accurately document and assess the damage to your property, ensuring that all damages are properly accounted for and valued.
- Claims handling: We will handle all aspects of your insurance claim, including filing the claim, providing necessary documentation, and negotiating with your insurance company to ensure fair and prompt settlement of your claim.
- Dispute resolution: If your insurance company denies, delays, or undervalues your claim, our experienced lawyers will advocate for your rights, challenging wrongful denials and negotiating with insurers to resolve disputes in your favor.
- Litigation support: If negotiations with your insurance company are unsuccessful, our attorneys are always prepared to represent you in court. They will fight to protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome in your insurance dispute.
- Bad faith claims: If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith by unreasonably denying, delaying, or underpaying your claim, our insurance dispute attorneys can help you pursue a bad faith insurance claim to hold the insurer accountable for their actions.
Don't let the aftermath of a storm and insurance disputes add to your stress and uncertainty. Contact our Birmingham insurance dispute lawyers today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your insurance claim, ensuring that you receive the fair and timely compensation you deserve to rebuild and recover with confidence.
What kinds of storms might damage my home or business?
Birmingham can experience a variety of storms that have the potential to damage homes and businesses. Thunderstorms are common occurrences, producing strong winds, lightning, heavy rainfall, and hail. These elements can lead to roof damage, flooding, and structural damage to both residential and commercial properties.
Additionally, we are located in an area known as "Dixie Alley," which has a higher frequency of tornadoes than other regions. Tornadoes can cause extensive damage to buildings, including roof damage, broken windows, and even structural collapse. While Birmingham is inland, it can still feel the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. These weather events bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, resulting in significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Lastly, Birmingham can also experience severe weather events such as derechos, microbursts, and severe thunderstorm outbreaks. These events can produce damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes, further increasing the potential for property damage and loss. Given the diverse range of storms that Birmingham may experience, homeowners and business owners need to be prepared. This includes regular maintenance, securing loose items, reinforcing structures, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage to mitigate potential damages and losses from storm-related events.
What should I do after a severe storm?
In the aftermath of a severe storm, prioritizing safety and protecting your rights are crucial:
- Make safety your priority: Check for injuries and ensure everyone is safe before entering a damaged structure. If necessary, contact emergency services (9-1-1).
- Document everything:Take photos and videos of the storm damage, both outside and inside your property. Capture the extent of the damage to your roof, siding, windows, and belongings.
- Minimize further damage:Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage from rain, wind, or looting. Board up broken windows and cover exposed areas with tarps if possible.
- Contact your insurance company promptly:Review your policy and file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Don't wait for everything to be dry or cleaned up before filing. Our Birmingham storm damage attorneys can help with this.
- Be cautious:While cooperating with the insurance adjuster, avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be misconstrued and used against you later. Stick to the facts about the damage.
- Keep records of expenses:Maintain receipts for any temporary living expenses, repairs, or debris removal you incur due to storm damage.
- Seek legal guidance:If your claim is denied, the offered compensation seems inadequate, or the claims process becomes overwhelming, consult with the experienced insurance dispute attorneys at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt.
Our attorneys can:
- Review your policy:We can ensure you understand your coverage and fight for the full benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
- Negotiate a fair settlement:We can advocate on your behalf to get you the maximum compensation for your storm losses.
- Challenge unfair denials:If your claim is denied unfairly, we can aggressively challenge the denial and present a strong case for your coverage.
Don't go through this challenging time alone. Contact our Birmingham storm damage attorneys today for a consultation and to protect your right to fair compensation.
What insurance disputes might arise from my Birmingham storm damage claim?
A variety of insurance disputes can arise from a storm damage claim in Birmingham, complicating the claims process and potentially delaying or reducing your compensation. Here are some common disputes you may face:
- The extent of damage: The insurance company may dispute the extent of the damage, claiming that the storm did not cause certain damages.
- Policy limits: Your insurer may argue that the damage exceeds the coverage limits stated in your policy.
- Cost of repairs: There might be disagreements over the cost of repairs or replacements. Your insurer may want to use their preferred contractors or adjusters, whose estimates may differ from what you expect.
- Depreciation: The insurance company may subtract depreciation from the claim amount, which could reduce your reimbursement.
- Pre-existing damage: Your insurer may argue that some of the damage was pre-existing and not caused by the storm. This can lead to disputes about what damage is covered and what isn't.
- Delayed claims processing: You may feel that the insurance company is taking too long to process your claim, leading to disputes over timely claim settlement.
- Bad faith practices: If you believe that the insurance company is not handling your claim fairly or acting in bad faith, you might have a dispute regarding their claims handling practices.
- Deductible issues: There might be disagreements over the deductible amount, with the insurance company wanting you to pay more out-of-pocket than you believe is fair.
- Policy exclusions: The insurer may deny coverage based on specific policy exclusions that they believe apply to your claim.
Handling these insurance disputes can be complex and challenging, especially without legal representation. Seeking assistance from our experienced insurance dispute attorneys can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your storm-related losses.
Birmingham, Alabama, storm damage claim lawyers on your side
Facing insurance disputes after storm damage can be overwhelming and frustrating. Don't let disputes with your insurance company delay or reduce your rightful compensation. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our dedicated team of Birmingham storm damage claim attorneys is here to advocate for your rights and work to ensure you receive the fair and timely compensation you deserve. From documenting damage and negotiating with insurers to handling complex claims and litigation, we have the expertise and commitment to help you rebuild and recover. Don't wait — contact us today for a consultation, and let us be your trusted ally in securing the financial relief you need to rebuild your life after the storm. To set up a meeting with an experienced lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.