Hurricane Beryl did more damage than expected when it landed in Texas’s Houston area along the Gulf Coast. One of the communities most affected by the storm was The Woodlands, which endured flash floods, strong winds, and mass power outages. Known for its location around a natural forest, The Woodlands was especially susceptible to serious property damage from fallen trees.
While most Woodlands homeowners have insurance policies that are supposed to cover storm damage, the sheer volume of claims has led some insurance companies to deny valid claims, offer lower payouts than they should, or delay claims unnecessarily.
If you’re struggling to get the payout you’re owed in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, hiring a hurricane insurance claim lawyer may be the best way to get results. Hurricane damage attorneys can help you understand the intricacies of your policy, gather evidence to appeal rejected claims and get you essential coverage during your time of need. Florin|Roebig has experienced The Woodlands hurricane lawyers standing by to help.
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected By Hurricane Beryl?
Many homeowners in The Woodlands suffered property damage from Hurricane Beryl’s strong winds, floods, and other disruptions. This damage can create unsafe living conditions, so if you believe your home is no longer safe to stay in, it’s important to relocate somewhere safe immediately. Afterward, you can consider your options by looking at your insurance policies.
Common policies that may cover hurricane damage include:
- Homeowners’ insurance
- Windstorm insurance
- Flood insurance
- Comprehensive coverage
As part of Texas’s Gulf Coast region, residents living in The Woodlands may not have windstorm damage coverage under their homeowners’ insurance and rarely have automatic coverage for flood damage. Make sure you’re considering all insurance policies you have and check the fine print.
It’s also important to know how long you have to file a home damage claim. This timeline can vary considerably depending on the insurance company and the type of insurance. Texas windstorm insurance generally gives you a year to file a claim from the date of the storm while you usually have 60 days to file a food damage claim. Always confirm dates with your insurer and try to file as soon as possible.
Suppose your claim was denied or your insurance company is offering less than it should under your policy. In that case, you may want to hire a hurricane claim attorney to explore your legal options and take action against the company.
What Damages Can A Hurricane Or Tropical Storm Cause?
Hurricanes and tropical storms can do serious widespread damage with their fierce winds and heavy rainfall, including long-term and less obvious damage.
Common types of hurricane damage include:
- Wind damage: Hurricane winds can reach incredible speeds strong enough to rip apart roofs and other building parts, uproot trees, and hurl heavy objects through the air, damaging property and creating serious hazards. Furthermore, the abrupt changes in wind speed and direction can cause tornadoes, doing further damage.
- Water damage: Heavy rainfall from hurricanes can lead to flooding, which can irreparably damage cars and personal items and sweep away vehicles at levels as low as 12 inches. Standing water can also cause damage over time.
- Structural damage: Just about every part of a house is susceptible to storm damage from both wind and water, including windows, roofs, walls, and foundations.
- Power outages: Heavy winds and fallen trees can down power lines, leading to mass power outages. In areas like Texas, this can expose people to dangerous levels of heat and may require residents to move out until the power returns.
Hurricane and tropical storm damages aren’t always immediately apparent. Flooding and heat can cause mold while trees can fall after the storm when the wet soil becomes too loose.
Residents of The Woodlands can face serious financial costs, including replacing spoiled food, staying at a hotel, fixing or replacing damaged vehicles, home repair, debris cleanup, and more. Storm victims pay for hurricane insurance to help cover the potential tens of thousands of dollars or more they face due to property damage from hurricanes like Beryl. This is why it’s particularly devastating to get a claim unfairly rejected or to get far less than you should.
You don’t have to accept underhanded practices from insurance companies. Contact Florin|Roebig today to see what legal options you may have to get the coverage you deserve.
How Did Hurricane Beryl Affect The Woodlands, Texas?
Due to its location on Texas’s Gulf Coast, where Hurricane Beryl made landfall in the United States, The Woodlands was one of the areas most heavily impacted by the hurricane in Texas.
At its strongest, Hurricane Beryl reached sustained winds of 80 mph in the greater Houston area, subjecting residents to heavy rain, flooding, and more. The Woodlands residents received multiple flash flood warnings. Surrounded by trees, the Woodlands also faced an increased threat from falling trees and heavy branches whipped about in the powerful winds.
Power outages, dangerous downed power lines, and heavy amounts of debris are common struggles in the aftermath of the storm. In addition, the high heat levels in the area pose additional risks for Woodlands residents without A/C.
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What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
After a destructive storm like Hurricane Beryl, it can be devastating to face an insurance claim denial. Unfortunately, insurance companies are more likely to look for reasons to deny people after big storms like this, when the amount of claim filings is high.
Common reasons for denied hurricane insurance claims include:
- Missed Deadlines: You didn’t file the claim on time
- Lack of coverage: You don’t have coverage for the damage you filed for, such as flood damage
- Pre-existing damage: The damage was there before the storm
- Failure to mitigate damage: The damage is more extensive than it should be because you didn’t take action to prevent further damage after the storm
- Inadequate documentation: You didn’t document the damage or weren’t detailed enough
- Inadequate preparation: You didn’t take proper precautions like boarding up windows before the hurricane
If your claim is denied:
- Read the denial letter: Your insurance company is required to give a reason they denied your claim.
- Review your insurance policy: Carefully read over your policy to see if the reason for denial is clearly stipulated there.
- Ask your insurer questions: Contact an insurance agent for more information or to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the policy or your denial letter.
- Gather evidence: If you think your claim is valid, prepare to appeal the denial. This will require evidence showing why the denial is incorrect.
- Reach out to a lawyer: A hurricane insurance attorney can provide the legal expertise you need to overturn the claim denial. Contact an experienced lawyer in The Woodlands, Texas area to discuss your legal options.
You generally need two things to file a hurricane claim appeal: a letter explaining why you believe the denial was wrong and supporting evidence. You should find the steps to file an appeal on your insurance company’s website or by calling them.
How Can A Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Getting legal help for hurricane damage can be effective if your claim was wrongly denied or if you’re experiencing other problems with your insurance company in the wake of Hurricane Beryl or another storm.
A hurricane claim attorney can:
- Provide legal expertise in hurricane and storm-related claims
- Assist with documentation and evidence collection
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent clients in court if necessary
Consider hiring a hurricane damage lawyer to:
- Challenge denied claims: Not all claim denials are legitimate and companies have an incentive to deny claims after large storms. You may not have the expertise to effectively challenge an insurance company and may already be overwhelmed after the storm. A hurricane damage lawyer can confirm if your claim was wrongly denied and help you file an effective appeal.
- Prevent reduced payouts: In some cases, insurance companies will simply lowball policyholders to keep as much profit as possible after far-reaching storms like Hurricane Beryl. Hurricane claim attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to get you the payout you deserve.
- Avoid delays: Another tactic insurance companies may use to deal with the high volume of claims after a hurricane is to intentionally delay claims. Insurers are required to respond to and pay claims by a certain time and getting your check sooner rather than later can be essential for avoiding further damage to your home. Lawyers will hold the insurance company accountable for processing your claim when they should.
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How to Get Help From A Qualified Insurance Claims Attorney
Finding a hurricane lawyer with the experience and skill to effectively take on insurance companies can be a challenge, but you can look out for certain traits to find a good attorney for your hurricane insurance claim case.
Criteria for choosing a qualified insurance claims attorney include:
- Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in hurricane damage claims and knows Texas-specific insurance laws.
- Past successes: The law firm you go with should have a long history of successful cases.
- Social proof: Positive reviews and testimonials are signs of a good law firm.
- Trial experience: In rare cases, going to trial may be necessary to receive your claim. Make sure you have an insurance claims attorney with previous trial experience.
You should speak to the attorney you’re considering before hiring them. Asking certain questions can help you narrow down the best choice for your case.
Some questions to ask during an initial consultation include:
- Will you personally be handling my claim or will another attorney?
- What experience do you have with hurricane insurance claims?
- When was the last time you handled a hurricane claims case?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
To find the best hurricane lawyers in The Woodlands, when you can, get referrals from people you trust. There are also community referral services you can turn to. Ads and online searches can also be helpful, but make sure you go through the steps above to get the right attorney for you.
Florin|Roebig’s experienced insurance claims attorneys are happy to answer all of your questions and help you get the legal assistance you need. If you’re interested in seeking legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- Or you can reach us at an office near you below.
Houston Office
440 Louisiana Street
Suite 900
Houston, Texas 77002
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, you may be relying on the insurance company you pay to hold up their end of the bargain, but, unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. If you’re having trouble getting a fair payout after sustaining property damage from Hurricane Beryl, don’t accept unfair practices and shoulder a bigger financial burden than you have to.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig can determine if you have a valid claim against your insurance company and outline your legal options. Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation.
Additional Tips and Resources
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
- Create a hurricane evacuation plan. Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there.
- Have a plan for living without basic necessities like phones, running water, and power.
- Gather emergency supplies early.
- Invest in battery-powered supplies like flashlights, chargers, and radios.
- Learn emergency skills such as First Aid, CPR, and the safe operation of a generator.
- Have a list of local hurricane recovery resources ready for after the storm.
- Document storm damage early so you’re prepared to file a claim as soon as possible.
Hurricane Damage and Insurance Claims FAQ
How long does it take for homeowners’ insurance to pay a claim in The Woodlands?
After you give them all of the information they need to assess your claim, insurance companies in Texas must accept or reject the claim within 15 business days. If they accept, they have five business days to send out your check.
How do I know if a Woodlands contractor is trustworthy?
Sadly, home repair scams are common after a storm, but you can lower your risk by getting estimates from several contractors, checking their credentials, asking for a detailed contract with no blank spaces, and only paying a reasonable deposit (with a check or credit card) before work begins.
Will my homeowners’ policy cover flood damage?
Homeowners’ policies rarely cover flood damage in The Woodlands, Texas. However, you should always check your policy carefully before accepting a claim denial based on a lack of coverage. Call a hurricane claims attorney if you’re unsure.
