How an Attorney Can Help When Property Sustains Hurricane Damage

Hurricane Beryl made history as the strongest Atlantic hurricane in July. The hurricane is not just a troublesome omen for the 2024 hurricane season but part of a larger trend of more destructive and more frequent hurricanes and severe weather events.

Increasingly severe weather doesn’t occur in a vacuum and can have far-ranging effects far beyond the immediate storm. For Texans, one way these weather events directly impact them is through their homeowners’ insurance. 

In response to hurricanes such as Beryl and other severe weather events, insurers have been raising premiums throughout the state. This means affordable homeowners’ insurance will be increasingly difficult to find, and homeowners may find their policies unaffordable or canceled.

By one estimate, insurance rates are up by approximately 15 percent in 2024 alone. That’s before insurers factor in weather events such as Beryl. 

These changes don’t just affect homeowners’ bank accounts. The type of support insurers offer may change, and homeowners may feel that, rather than being on the same team, they’re now on opposite sides from their insurance companies. 

Homeowners need advocates to help them navigate the claims process, especially when their insurance companies engage in “bad faith” practices. Here are some of the common reasons why homeowners hire attorneys after sustaining hurricane damage.

Claim Denial

A homeowner documents damage. They submit all required paperwork. The insurer claims they never received the paperwork or says it’s insufficient to establish damages. 

This can happen even after their employees visit a homeowner’s property. In these cases, homeowners should hire an attorney to advocate for them and make sure the insurer is following the law. 

Low Payouts

A homeowner submits a claim to repair their property. The insurance company offers a low payout that won’t begin to cover the damage. An attorney can help file an appeal and show why the insurer should increase the settlement offer.

Complex Cases

Some homeowners have straightforward claims, such as a hurricane blew over a tree and hit a garage. Other homeowners may have more complicated claims or a high-dollar claim amount. In these cases, an attorney can help homeowners assemble and organize evidence. 

Get Help From an Experienced Houston Attorney

If your property has sustained hurricane damage, and your insurance company is dealing in bad faith, a skilled Texas property law attorney can help. The attorneys at Manfred Law help Texas property owners resolve property issues. Call us at 713-547-5460 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.