Houston homeowners know how devastating severe storms and hurricanes can be. At JCE Law Group, our Houston hurricane damage lawyers help homeowners pursue every dollar they deserve under their policies. We guide clients through storm damage insurance Houston and windstorm claims, ensuring all damage is documented and claimed. Our firm understands the complex mix of wind, rain, and flood coverage in Texas: for example, Texas windstorm policyholders must report claims within one year of the storm, and insurers must acknowledge and decide claims quickly (generally within 45 days of receiving full documentation). With decades of combined experience in Texas property insurance law, our attorneys and ex-judges leverage proven strategies and timely, detailed evidence (photos, estimates, receipts) to maximize home restoration payouts. We take pride in being a trusted storm damage lawyer Houston homeowners can rely on.
- Document and Preserve Damage: Photograph all structural, roof, and interior damage and keep repair receipts. This evidence is crucial to prove your loss.
- File Your Claim Promptly: Contact your insurer to report the loss and start the claims process. For example, TWIA windstorm policies require notifying the carrier within one year.
- Secure Temporary Repairs: Make reasonable emergency fixes (like tarping a roof) to prevent further damage; insurers typically cover such costs. Keep all invoices for reimbursement.
- Consult an Attorney: A specialized windstorm damage lawyer Houston will advise on policy coverages, meet deadlines, and negotiate with adjusters. This ensures a thorough, timely claim and prepares for any appeals if needed.
Commercial Storm Damage and Business Interruption
Severe weather can cripple Houston businesses by damaging facilities and disrupting revenue. JCE Law Group’s Houston commercial storm damage attorneys help companies recover under both property and business interruption (BI) insurance. We handle claims for structural damage (buildings, equipment, inventory) as well as lost earnings and extra expenses caused by forced closure. Our team knows that commercial policies often include BI or loss-of-income coverage – and insurers may undervalue these claims. We carefully document business losses (using financial records and expert analysis) to recover: payroll, rent, utilities, taxes, and profits lost during repairs. We also account for code upgrade costs (ICC) and other commercial endorsements. By acting quickly and persistently, our hurricane insurance attorney Texas ensures insurers fully honor all aspects of a business policy after a storm.
- Assess Property Damage: Conduct a thorough inspection of your commercial site, including roof, façade, inventory, and machinery.
- Claim Business Income: File for Business Interruption coverage to reimburse lost revenue and ongoing fixed expenses while repairs occur.
- Document Extra Costs: Save invoices for emergency services, relocation, and protective measures (like generators). These extra expenses are often covered.
- Leverage Legal Expertise: A Houston hurricane insurance claim attorney will negotiate on your behalf. Our lawyers press for complete payment of covered losses, and if an insurer stalls or disputes valid losses, we are ready to escalate or litigate.
Navigating Insurance Disputes and Denials in Texas
Insurance companies often delay or underpay storm claims. Our Texas storm damage claim lawyers stand ready to challenge unfair denials. Under Texas law, once you file a claim the insurer must acknowledge it in days and accept or deny by the 45th day. If your claim is unjustly delayed or denied, JCE Law Group will act swiftly. For windstorm (TWIA) claims, policyholders have strict appeal windows – for example, only 60 days to dispute the carrier’s decision under an Actual Cash Value policy – so prompt action is critical. We handle communications with adjusters, demand explanations of benefit denials, and review policy terms. If internal appeals fail, we help file formal complaints with the Texas Department of Insurance and pursue appraisal or litigation as needed. Throughout, we cite relevant statutes and practices to hold insurers accountable and protect your recovery.
- Review Denial or Offer: Carefully examine the insurer’s explanation. An attorney can identify gaps or errors in coverage decisions.
- Use Appraisal or Mediation: Many property policies allow appraisal (independent evaluation of damages) to settle disputes on covered losses. We guide you through this process.
- File Regulatory Complaints: If a claim is wrongfully denied, our Houston storm damage claim lawyer can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance to enforce your rights.
- Litigate if Necessary: When insurers act in bad faith, we will file suit. Texas law not only requires timely claim handling, but may impose penalties for unjustified delays. We push for a fair resolution, up to trial if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do immediately after hurricane damage to my home?
A: Ensure everyone’s safety first. Then make reasonable temporary repairs (e.g. tarping broken roofs) to prevent further damage, and photograph all damage. Contact your insurance company and file a claim promptly – remember, under Texas windstorm rules you generally must report damage within one year. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs. Consulting a Houston hurricane damage lawyer early can help you organize paperwork, meet deadlines, and answer questions about your coverage.
Q: How long do I have to file a storm damage insurance claim in Texas?
A: Deadlines vary by policy. For example, TWIA windstorm policies require claim reporting within one year. Insurers themselves are bound by law to respond quickly (often within 45 days) once you submit a claim. After that, Texas law generally allows up to two years to file a lawsuit if a valid claim is unpaid. It’s wise to consult a Houston storm damage claim lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all notice and appeal deadlines.
Q: Does business interruption insurance cover losses after a Houston storm?
A: If your commercial policy includes business interruption (BI) or extra expense coverage, it can reimburse lost income and certain ongoing costs while your business is shut down for repairs. You’ll need detailed financial records (sales, payroll, bills) to prove the losses. A Houston commercial storm damage attorney can work with accountants to calculate your lost revenue and ensure your BI claim fully reflects the interruption. We then negotiate with the insurer to maximize payment of that business income loss.
Q: My insurance claim was denied – what can I do next?
A: First, ask your insurer for a written denial letter explaining the reasons. Review your policy and the explanation closely. You can appeal the decision internally and, if applicable, invoke policy provisions like appraisal. For windstorm claims, don’t delay – you often have as little as 60 days to challenge a claim decision. If negotiations fail, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance. A dedicated Texas storm damage claim lawyer from JCE Law Group can handle these steps for you: gathering additional evidence, re-presenting your claim, and ultimately taking the case to appraisal or court to obtain the payment you deserve.