Approximately 85% of homeowners have home insurance policies, this protects them from any unfortunate circumstances that can damage their property. If something does happen to your home or business, you might wonder if you should hire a property damage lawyer. As with all complicated cases, it all depends on your particular circumstances.
Our guide will go through when you should hire a property damage lawyer, so you’ll be better informed in case anything happens. While you may think that it isn’t necessary to know this information ahead of time, it saves you the trouble of having to search for answers if something does occur.
Let’s get started.
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Types of Property Damage
Before you hire a property damage attorney, you need to know what is considered property damage. There are instances where the damage is so minimal that it’d be a waste of time to hire a lawyer. Most standard insurance policies protect the home and its contents from things like fire, wind, hail, and more.
Looking at the most common types of property damage will give you an idea of what type of damage people tend to claim. Home and business owners tend to seek the services of a lawyer when they feel like they aren’t being properly compensated by an insurance company.
Wind and Hurricane Damage
One of the most common types of property damage is from high-velocity winds. This includes hurricanes and other strong storms. Not only do they have the potential to severely damage a structure, but it can cause significant damage to your roof, shingles, tiles, doors, and windows.
Fire and Smoke Damage
Did you know that the most expensive cause of property damage is fire? Fires have the potential to obliterate everything in their path. If the fire itself doesn’t destroy something, the smoke or water is used by the firefighter’s will.
Water Damage
There are two main types of water damage: weather-related and non-weather related. Weather-related damage includes things like roof damage and frozen pipes. Non-weather damage is any problems with water leaks or plumbing pipes, things of that nature.
Robbery and Theft
As much as we don’t want to think about burglary, it happens often so it’s best to be prepared. Many insurance companies include coverage for any damage that happens if your home or business is broken into. There’s also coverage for the items that were stolen or damaged, depending on the value.
Understand Your Insurance Policy
One of the main reasons you might need a property damage lawyer is if you don’t believe your insurance company is properly valuing your claim or if you think they’re treating you unfairly. The right attorney will not only help offer solutions to get you the right compensation, but they can deal with the complicated legal process.
Since both homeowner and business insurance policies are complicated, it makes sense that many people don’t truly comprehend what is covered by their policy. That’s why you need to look over it before any mishaps occur. That way you can purchase additional policies that give you peace of mind.
The best property damage lawyer will guide you through what your policy covers and give an honest evaluation of the insurance company’s settlement offer. You might be dealing with a classic case of Insurance Bad Faith.
Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance Bad Faith is a legal term that describes a claim that a person may have against an insurance company for its bad acts. Bad faith insurance cases allow you to recover the money you deserve or more money than your claim would have paid if your insurance had only acted in good faith.
The United States requires insurance companies to act in good faith and be fair with their policyholders. Your insurance company might go to great lengths to ensure that they’re protected in case anything goes wrong, this includes creating many exclusions and limitations that don’t benefit you. That’s why you might be surprised to learn about all of the potential damages you aren’t covered for.
Another frustrating aspect is that the decisions that go into the claim adjusters are beholden to the insurance company and not you. This means that they might make choices about your claim that benefits the insurance company and not you. That’s why having the right lawyer can ensure you get the money you’re entitled to.
After all, since insurance companies are businesses, their goal isn’t to necessarily help you. They’re hoping to maximize profits for themselves and that means having you pay more and ensuring they pay you less for damages. That’s the last thing you want to hear when you have significant property damage.
Call a property damage attorney when you feel the insurance company is treating you unfairly. If the insurance company is paying you the right amount to fix your home, then you don’t need to talk to a lawyer.
When to Hire Property Damage Lawyer
Although it’d be amazing to be able to prevent your home or business from any destructive forces, that’s unfortunately not possible. Don’t get us wrong, you can prepare and ensure you receive the least amount of damage as possible. But between natural disasters, burglary, and other unforeseen circumstances – having great insurance is the best way to go.
If you made a property damage claim and your insurance provider is acting in bad faith, then it’s time to hire a property damage lawyer. Not only will they ensure you’re properly compensated but they’ll help navigate the complicated legal process.
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