Little Rock Tornado Damage Claim Lawyers
Help after a tornado destroys your home or business in Little Rock, Arkansas
Tornadoes, with their ferocious winds and destructive force, can leave behind a trail of devastation that shakes communities to their core. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our Little Rock tornado damage claim lawyers assist individuals and businesses grappling with insurance disputes arising from tornado-related claims. With a deep understanding of insurance policies, industry practices, and legal strategies, we are ready to be your advocates in your fight for fair compensation. Whether you're facing coverage denials, underpayments, or delays in claims processing, we're here to provide expert guidance and aggressive advocacy. If you've been affected by a tornado and are struggling to obtain fair treatment from your insurer, don't face it alone – call us today.
How often do tornadoes happen in Arkansas?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that forms underneath a thunderstorm and makes contact with the ground. Per the National Weather Service, in Arkansas:
In 2023, there were 30 tornadoes and 5 tornado related fatalities. The busiest month was March with nine tornadoes in Arkansas. There were six tornadoes in January and June. The strongest tornado (rated EF3/maximum winds around 165 mph) tracked almost 35 miles from 7 miles north-northwest of Alexander (Pulaski County) to 4 miles southeast of Austin (Lonoke County) on March 31st. There was one fatality (indirectly related to the tornado) and 54 injuries. The deadliest tornado (rated EF3/maximum winds around 150 mph) was on the ground 73 miles from 5 miles southeast of Fair Oaks (Cross County) to 2 miles southeast of Burlison (Tipton County, TN). The tornado was responsible for four deaths at Wynne (Cross County). There were also 26 injuries.
Tornadoes are powerful forces of nature and can cause significant damage. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it's important to be aware of the risks and have a plan in place to stay safe in case of a tornado warning.
How can your Little Rock insurance dispute lawyers help me?
Our team of insurance dispute lawyers in Little Rock is dedicated to assisting individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of insurance claims following a tornado. Once you hire us, we’ll review your policy and sit down with you to explain what you are entitled to, based on your coverage. We’ll also make sure you understand what the exclusions are. It is important to us that our clients have this information.
Once we’ve reviewed your policy, then we can begin the claims process. We prefer to handle this aspect ourselves, when possible, because insurance companies are notorious for trying to keep as much of your money as possible. As insurance dispute lawyers, however, we know their tricks – and working on your claim from the very beginning can provide an advantage. It may also reduce the risk of the insurance company acting in bad faith, if they realize that you have an attorney representing you in your claim.
Once that claim is filed, we handle all communication with the insurance company. We’ll negotiate on your behalf, and we’ll prepare you if you’re asked to submit to an Examination Under Oath.
If negotiations fail, we will prepare you and your claim for litigation. We have a vast network of claims professionals and field experts who can help us present your case to a judge or jury (or to arbitrators if we end up in arbitration instead).
Our experienced team is here to provide support after a devastating tornado, working to ensure your insurance company holds up its end of the bargain. Whether you need help filing your claim or are ready to file a lawsuit, you can count on our Little Rock insurance dispute lawyers to help.
How are tornadoes classified?
The National Weather Service classifies tornadoes into three groups based on their wind speeds:
- Weak (EF0, EF1): Wind speeds of 65 to 110 mph
- Strong (EF2, EF2): Wind speeds of 111 to 165 mph
- Violent (EF4, EF5): Wind speeds of 166 to 200 mph or more
Click here to learn more about the enhanced F scale for tornado damage.
What types of damages do tornadoes cause?
Tornadoes are brutal storms that leave a path of destruction in their wake. Unfortunately, insurance companies don't always agree on the extent of the damage, which is where we come in as insurance dispute attorneys. Here's a breakdown of the typical tornado damage you might face:
- Structural damage: Tornadoes can inflict a wide range of structural damage, from ripped-off siding and shattered windows to complete roof tear-off and even foundation cracks.
- Foundation issues: The powerful winds and flying debris can cause serious foundation issues like cracks or shifts, leading to expensive repairs.
- Detached structures: Tornadoes are brutal on detached structures like garages, sheds, and fences, which can be completely destroyed.
- Debris removal: Cleaning up the massive amount of debris left behind by a tornado can be a significant expense.
- Contents damage: Tornadoes can wreak havoc on your belongings inside the house. Windblown debris can damage furniture, and water from a breached roof can ruin electronics and valuables.
Remember, even a seemingly minor tornado can cause significant damage. Don't be fooled by the insurance company's initial assessment. If you believe they are undervaluing your claim or denying coverage unfairly, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.
What types of insurance disputes may arise after a Little Rock tornado?
Here's a breakdown of some common insurance disputes that may arise after you experience tornado damage:
- Wind vs. debris:Tornadoes can cause damage from both high winds and flying debris. Your policy might differentiate between wind and debris damage, potentially leading to disputes if the company tries to exclude some of the damage.
- Flood tornado:Tornadoes can sometimes cause localized flooding. Since most homeowner policies exclude flood damage, this could be a point of contention if your insurance company argues the water damage originated from flooding rather than the tornado itself.
- Roof replacement:Little Rock experiences strong storms and hail throughout the year. Insurance companies might argue your roof was nearing the end of its lifespan due to wear and tear, reducing the amount they'll cover for replacements.
- Content depreciation:Tornadoes can damage or destroy belongings. Insurance companies might use depreciation to significantly reduce the value of your damaged contents, leaving you with less than it costs to replace them.
- Lowball offers:Insurance companies might present an initial settlement offer that significantly undervalues the true cost of repairs and replacements. You'll need to fight for a fair settlement that covers the full cost of getting your property back to pre-storm condition.
- Damage assessment:The insurance company's adjuster will assess the damage to your property. There might be disagreements about the severity of the damage or the adjuster might miss important details. Having proper documentation can be crucial in such cases.
- Tree removal:Tornadoes can topple trees, causing damage to your property or neighboring properties. Disputes might arise regarding who is responsible for removing the tree and any associated costs.
If you're facing any of these issues after a Little Rock tornado, consulting with our qualified insurance dispute attorney can be beneficial. We can help you work through the complexities of your policy, ensure you're treated fairly by your insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve to recover from the storm.
Our Little Rock, Arkansas insurance dispute lawyers are here to help after a tornado
If you're dealing with the aftermath of a tornado and facing insurance disputes, don't try to go through the process alone. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our team of dedicated Little Rock tornado damage lawyers is here to help. We have a thorough understanding of insurance policies and industry practices, and we'll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your tornado-related losses. We can help assess the extent of your damages, file your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Don't let insurance disputes add to the stress of tornado recovery – we can help. To set up a meeting with an experienced lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.