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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

HURRICANE laura CLAIMS

HURRICANE laura INSURANCE CLAIM ATTORNEYS

We fight denied, delayed, or underpaid insurance claims

In attempts to recover and rebuild from a hurricane, property owners submit claims for their damages and loss. What many could come to learn, is that their insurance company is not as sympathetic to their cause, and could either delay their payments, reduce the amount they pay out, or outright exclude and deny coverages. With so much in destruction and loss, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to try and protect their own interests, making it harder for property owners to get their fair compensation.

securing higher settlements on insurance claims

We're helping hurricane victims get all the money they deserve

  • Residential Claims

  • Commercial Claims

  • Business Interruption

  • Contents/Personal Property

  • Additional Living Expenses

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residential

claims

insurance companies have their lawyers, you should, too.

It is not uncommon for an insurance company to try and minimize their damages or protect their profits, which means there is a possibility they will undervalue your claim. Insurance policies can be quite vague as to what they cover or exclude, and ultimately certain benefits could be denied or underpaid. Hiring a lawyer shows the insurance company that you mean business, and they are more likely to expedite or reconsider your claim, especially if it avoids litigation. 

call us today if you were affected by laura

Even if you've already received a payment from your insurance company, we can help.

  • Denied Claims

  • Underestimated or Underpaid Claims

  • Delayed Payment of your Claim

  • Acts in Bad Faith

or fill out our simple form

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commercial claims

schedule a real estimate of your property damages

At Galindo Law, we work for YOU, not your insurance company. We'll send our experts to inspect your property for hidden damages, taking a physical inventory to ensure your policy is considered from all angles. When your property has suffered damage from a storm or disaster, you don’t want your insurance company deciding how much you deserve. What they want to pay out may be a lot less than what you need to rebuild.

hurricane claim FAQ

Common Struggles with Insurance Claims

Delayed Claims Many policyholders complain about the frustrating difficulties in getting their claim resolved. Although there can be legitimate reasons for a claim to be delayed, there are also unjust tactics that some companies use to postpone payment. Common delays in claims can include:

  • Delayed scheduling of an inspection
  • Requiring multiple inspections of your property
  • Additional documentation is repeatedly requested
  • Untimely responses to your questions, concerns, phone calls, and messages
Underpaid Claims With the amount of catastrophic loss we’ve seen from Hurricane Laura, it is unfortunately commonplace for many claims to be underpaid. Insurance companies can save thousands by underestimating the value of each claim, or by offering a fraction of the value of that claim. Underpaid claims can happen for a number of reasons, including:
  • Overbooked insurance adjusters have little time to properly inspect each property
  • Many property damages are overlooked or omitted when preparing the initial report
  • Some damages require proof or receipts that you do not have or lost in the hurricane
  • Estimates fail to factor in necessary pricing for the construction (logistics, materials, cost of labor, environmental, etc.)
  • Claim values only offer a patch to the damages, versus fully restoring or replacing them
Denied Claims Policies can be written in vague and complex language to make it difficult to understand what is covered or excluded and navigating the terms can be a daunting task. Oftentimes coverages are denied based on exclusion from the policy but are covered under certain circumstances. Claim denials can include:
  • Wrongful denial or unproper investigation of damages under the policy terms
  • The insurance company says you lack the proper evidence of damage
  • They attempt to find reasons for the denial of a claim such as a pre-existing condition
  • Paying you as little as possible to protect their profits
If you feel like your claim is being unjustly delayed, underpaid, or denied, it is probably best to have the support and experience of an attorney to help examine your case. Having legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.



Bad Faith Insurance Claims

Conduct and acts in bad faith by insurance companies are against the law. Courts can require acts in bad faith punishable to pay penalties, as well as additional damages. Complying with the law obligates insurance companies to investigate, estimate, and promptly pay their claims in good faith. Acts in bad faith can include:

  • Misrepresenting policy terms
  • Wrongful denial of a claim
  • Underestimating the value of damage
  • Fabricating exclusions or requesting unnecessary documentation
  • Not paying the full amount or delaying settlement checks
  • Lack in communication with the policyholder
  • Rejecting or omitting damages or refusing reinspection of the property



Why should I contact an insurance claim lawyer?

Many home and business owners find they have little trouble filing an insurance claim for their damages. Other times - usually when the stakes are much higher – there is a greater chance for dispute. You should consider contacting an attorney for help when:

  • You have questions regarding your policy coverages
  • The insurance adjuster’s estimate is lower than expected
  • Damages are extensive and claims are more complex
  • Claims are delayed or denied
Even if you have already received your settlement, it is not too late. You might not be getting all you deserve and there is free legal advice out there to take advantage of. Reach out to our team at Galindo Law if you have any questions about your insurance claim, policy, or the amount in benefits you received from your insurance company. We are experts at defending your rights and challenging bad faith claims.



Helpful tips on filing a hurricane insurance claim

1. Take Photos & Document Everything Pictures speak a thousand words, and they are also hard to dispute in a damage claim. One of the best things you can do is take the time to document and photograph all damages to your property. Create a “hurricane damage” photo album on your phone and be your own journalist, which will visually tell a story of the storm’s impact on your home or business. This can be the exterior of your property, as well as the interior in many cases. Also create an inventory list of items that were damaged, as these things can be later used as proof as to the extent of your damages. 2. File Your Claim Make sure to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. There can be deadlines to filing a claim depending on the insurance carrier, so it is best to get the ball rolling in the days just following the hurricane. Naturally, there is a process involved in any property damage claim and you can expect the insurance company to send an adjuster out to your home to evaluate your damages. Although you will find the adjuster can be as friendly as they come, it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company – and not for you. 3. Understand Your Insurance Policy After you have documented your damages, take the time to understand your insurance policy, specifically regarding hurricane damages. Read through your coverage and get an idea on what you might expect in an insurance claim. This is not always easily done, as some insurance policies can often be extremely vague in what they cover or exclude and are often purposely written that way. If you find that you are having trouble understanding your policy, it is free and easy to contact a personal injury lawyer to review it with you. 4. Consult with an Attorney Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you have no upfront costs and only pay a fee if your case wins. Take advantage of that offer and have your questions answered. Experienced attorneys understand the loopholes, pitfalls, and obstacles that are common among insurance companies. They speak their language. Having legal guidance can keep you stay mindful of bad faith warning signs, as well as help you be assured that you are getting all you deserve from your insurance claim. There are things you can pay attention to now, as well as look for in the future, with your hurricane insurance claims. Even if you have already received your settlement, it is not too late. You might not be getting all you deserve and there is free legal advice out there to take advantage of. Reach out to our team at Galindo Law if you have any questions about your insurance claim, policy, or the amount in benefits you received from your insurance company. We are experts at defending your rights and challenging bad faith claims.



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secure your future

With 20 years of experience, and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, we have the knowledge and resources to handle a variety of personal injury and property damage claims.

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Cases are accepted on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything out of pocket until we win your case for you.

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Contact us today for a free consultation. 888.800.1808

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