Birmingham Wind Damage Claim Lawyers
Holding insurance companies accountable in Alabama when wind damages your property
Powerful winds can wreak havoc in a short amount of time, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. While homeowners and business owners alike rely on insurance to provide financial protection after such events, navigating the claims process with your insurance company can be frustrating and complex. If you've encountered a denial of coverage, an unfair settlement offer, or unreasonable delays after wind damage, 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 repair your property and get back on your feet.
How can your Birmingham wind damage lawyers help me with my insurance claim?
Here at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we help policyholders secure the compensation to which they’re entitled. Some of our successful outcomes include:
- $3.3+ Million: Alexander Properties Group v. Commonwealth Ins. Co. After a four-day arbitration trial involving a windstorm loss to two apartment complexes, the arbitrator awarded our client more than $3,000,000. The insurance company had previously denied the claim and refused proper payment.
- $1.6+ Million recovery from QBE Ins. Co. (CAU).We represented a condo association in a wind and hail claim. The firm secured more than another $1.6 million in damages, bringing the total claim to $1.785 million.
- $947,248.00 against State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Clint Scott and Brandon McWherter obtained this jury verdict in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The case involved damage to the roof of the insured’s manufacturing facility during a windstorm. In advance of the trial, State Auto paid approximately $11,000 for the roof damage. The jury awarded $757,798.78 in compensatory damages against State Auto, plus $189,449.70 in a bad faith penalty.
Here's how our experienced wind damage attorneys can help you work through the complexities of your wind damage claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve:
- Understanding your coverage:Wind damage coverage can vary depending on your specific policy. We can thoroughly review your policy wording, ensuring you understand what's covered and fight for the full benefits to which you're entitled. This includes potential coverage for specific types of wind damage or additional living expenses while your property is being repaired.
- Maximizing your reimbursement:We'll meticulously document your losses and negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of repairs and replacements. This could involve repairs to your roof, siding, windows, or even damage to detached structures or landscaping.
- Fighting unfair denials:If your claim is denied for unfair reasons, we're here to challenge the denial and present a strong case to get your coverage rightfully approved. This could involve contesting denials based on exclusions you believe don't apply or contesting the insurance company's assessment of the cause of the damage.
- Handling complexities of wind damage:Wind damage claims can involve complexities like missing roof shingles or hidden structural damage. We can work with qualified professionals to ensure all aspects of the damage are identified, documented, and properly addressed in your claim.
- Managing the legal burden:The claims process can be overwhelming, especially after a severe weather event. We'll handle all the legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on repairing your property and getting your life back to normal.
Don't go through this challenging time alone. Contact our experienced wind damage attorneys today for a consultation. We'll be your fierce advocates in securing the compensation you need to move forward after wind damages your home or business.
What kind of damage can wind cause in Birmingham?
Wind's destructive power can range from a gentle breeze to a howling hurricane, and the damage it causes varies depending on the wind speed. Here's a breakdown of the different types of wind damage you might encounter:
- Exterior damage:Wind can rip off shingles or siding, damage gutters and downspouts, and break tree limbs that can scratch or puncture your roof or car.
- Loose objects: Strong winds can turn loose outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations into dangerous projectiles, damaging property or injuring people.
- Roof damage:High winds can cause significant damage to roofs, including complete tear-off, ripped or blown-in shingles, and damaged flashing. This can lead to water infiltration and further damage inside the property.
- Siding and window damage:Wind can rip off siding, crack or break windows, and allow rain or wind to enter the structure.
- Detached structures:Wind can damage or destroy fences, carports, sheds, or gazebos.
- Tree damage:High winds can topple trees entirely or cause large branches to break and fall, potentially damaging roofs, cars, power lines, or fences.
- Structural damage:In extreme cases, powerful winds can cause structural damage to buildings, including collapsed walls, damaged roofs, or even complete building failure.
- Widespread devastation: Hurricanes and tornadoes can cause widespread devastation, damaging entire communities and leaving a trail of destruction.
If you've suffered property damage from wind, it's crucial to document the damage thoroughly and understand your insurance coverage to ensure you receive fair compensation for repairs and replacements. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult with our experienced Birmingham insurance dispute attorneys to protect your rights.
What kinds of insurance disputes may arise after wind damage in Birmingham?
After your property experiences wind damage, a variety of insurance disputes can potentially arise, delaying or reducing your compensation. Our lawyers can prepare you for the following common types of disputes:
- Coverage scope disputes: A common issue may be determining whether the wind damage falls within the coverage of your insurance policy. Some policies might exclude specific types of wind-related damage or may only cover damage caused by certain wind events.
- Damage assessment disputes: Discrepancies can arise regarding the extent and severity of the wind damage. You and your insurer might have differing assessments on the necessary repairs, replacement costs, and overall restoration needs.
- Supporting documentation: Your insurance company may require comprehensive evidence, including photos, repair quotes, and proof of ownership, to substantiate your wind damage claim. Inadequate documentation could lead to claim disputes or denials.
- Claim rejection: Your claim might be denied by your insurer due to various reasons, such as policy exclusions, insufficient evidence, or failure to adhere to policy terms and conditions.
- Claim settlement delays: Delays in claim processing or reimbursement can be frustrating. If you feel your insurer is dragging its feet in assessing the damage or making a decision, disputes may arise over the handling and timing of your claim.
- Temporary measures and mitigation: Questions might arise about coverage for temporary repairs or mitigation efforts needed to secure and protect your property from further wind damage.
To enhance the likelihood of a smooth claims process after wind damage in Birmingham, it's important to carefully review your insurance policy, understand its coverage and limitations, and thoroughly document the damage. If you encounter disputes, seeking guidance from one of our experienced lawyers can help you navigate and resolve the issues effectively.
Navigating these insurance disputes can be complex and challenging for policyholders, especially without legal representation. Our experienced insurance dispute attorneys can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your wind-related losses, ensuring a smoother and more successful claims process.
What should I do after the wind damages my property?
If wind damages your property, take immediate and appropriate action to protect your safety, prevent further damage, and facilitate a smoother insurance claims process. Here's what you should do:
- Get to safety: If you can evacuate safely, do so. If not, find a safe and secure location within your home to ride out the windstorm. Once the storm is over, assess the damage from a safe location, and do not reenter the structure if the damage is extensive.
- Document damage: Take photos and videos of everything you can. This includes tree and landscaping damage, damage to your roof, windows, and siding, and any cracks you see in the foundation. If it’s safe to enter the house, take photos and videos inside, too. Create a contents list of the items that were damaged from the storm. Be as detailed as possible.
- Report the damage to your insurance company. Do not delay in contacting them. Storms generally lead to multiple claims, and the sooner you make yours, the better off you will likely be. McWherter, Scott & Bobbitt handles this and all communication with insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
- Mitigate further damage: After you have contacted your insurance company and taken photos and videos of the damage you sustained, then you can take steps to reduce the risk of further damage. This can include boarding up broken windows, putting tarps over missing shingles, vacuuming up broken glass or debris inside the house, and so forth. Take copious notes about the steps you have taken, as well as any professionals you need to call to handle immediate hazards.
- See a doctor: Wind damage can pose potential health risks, such as exposure to hazardous materials, mold growth, and structural instability. If you or your family members experience any health issues, seek medical attention promptly to consult with a healthcare professional about potential risks and safety precautions.
- Keep receipts for everything: Our lawyers will submit these receipts as part of our demand for compensation under your coverage, so you want to keep it all: food, clothing, shelter, medical bills, and any daily expenses you incur as a result of the damage. The costs of hiring a professional should be covered, as should the cost of buying a rake or shovel to do some preliminary cleanup on your walkways. Save everything.
By taking these steps promptly and diligently, you can mitigate the damage, protect your health, and facilitate a smoother and more successful insurance claims process. This will help ensure that you secure the compensation you deserve to repair and restore your property after wind damage.
Birmingham, Arkansas, wind damage lawyers providing legal guidance
Dealing with the aftermath of wind damage can be overwhelming, especially when insurance disputes add to the stress and uncertainty of recovery. Don't face this complex situation alone. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our dedicated team of Birmingham wind damage attorneys is here to advocate for your rights, navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and ensure that you receive the fair and timely compensation you deserve. Don't let insurance companies delay or reduce your rightful compensation. 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 wind damage. To set up a meeting with a dedicated attorney, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri.