Whether your property was damaged by a natural disaster, an accident, or another person’s intentional actions, you could be eligible for compensation. The first step is contacting your insurance company to report the damage.
After reporting the damage, take photos and videos of the property damage and prepare a list or inventory of any destroyed items. Contacting JDB Law, PLLC will make the claim process more efficient.
Document The Damage
Before the property owner takes any steps to make permanent repairs, they must take photos and videos of the damage. This helps to prove the extent of the property damage and is an essential step for the insurance company.
The insurance provider will send an adjuster to visit the damaged property and inspect it for the insured. They will likely ask to see the evidence that supports the claim, such as photos of the damage and a list of items that have been lost or destroyed.
If the damage to your home is due to a natural disaster, such as a tornado or flood, you may need to take additional measures to protect your property from further harm. For example, you should put up tarps on the roof and cover broken windows. You should also remove wet drywall and carpeting to prevent mold and turn off utilities as needed. It is also important to back up all of your business records so that you can retrieve critical information if needed after the damage has been repaired.
You will need to keep track of any communications with the insurance company during this time. A good idea is to keep a diary and record any conversations that you have, along with dates and times of any meetings or calls that were scheduled.
While the damage is still fresh, you should create a home inventory and include photographs and descriptions of each item that has been lost or damaged. This will help to speed up the process of receiving compensation from your insurer. You can give a copy of this documentation to your insurance adjuster during your first meeting.
Regardless of the cause, property damage claims are time-sensitive and must be filed within three years in the state for either real estate or personal property damages. It is not unusual for insurance providers to deny or underpay property damage claims if the proper steps are not taken quickly.
An experienced attorney can help ensure that you file your claim properly and are compensated for all of the damage caused. Our team is always ready to file property damage claims and will work tirelessly to ensure that you can receive every dollar that you are entitled to.
File A Claim
When your property sustains damage, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company. While the process can be frustrating, you can take steps to ensure that your claims team is prepared for your case and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your first step is to document the damage. This can be done with photographs or video, and it is especially important to make a list of all items that were damaged, stolen, or lost. This list should include the date of purchase, the value of each item, and any relevant details. The more information you can provide to your insurance company, the better.
You should also get estimates for any major repairs and renovations that will need to be made as a result of the damage. This can help you determine the total value of your claim.
It is important to remember that filing a property damage claim can affect your insurance rates in the future. It is best to contact an attorney before deciding whether to file a property damage claim or not. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the damage and determine if you will be able to get a fair settlement.
In some cases, a claim can be filed in court to get additional compensation beyond what is offered by the insurance company. The judge will consider several factors in determining the value of the damages. These may include the cost of replacement and/or the loss of use of the damaged items. The judge will also consider the fair market value of the property as well as any special or sentimental values associated with it.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to oversee your case. It is important to remember that this person works for the insurance company and not for you. You have the right to hire your experts such as contractors, public adjusters, and engineers to help you through the process.
During the claim process, be sure to answer all questions honestly. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the damage. This could lead to a denial of your claim or even the loss of your insurance coverage in the future.
Contact An Attorney
Property damage is often a result of accidents and acts of God such as severe weather. It can affect homes, vehicles, business buildings, and more. Regardless of the cause, it is important to have an attorney to help you file the appropriate claim and receive compensation for your losses. Insurance providers are unlikely to give you the compensation you deserve unless you have an attorney on your side. An experienced property damage lawyer can help you fight to get what you are owed from an insurance company.
Your lawyer will ensure you file the correct paperwork and that your claim is properly completed and filed within the allotted time. This will help to avoid any delays in getting the money you need to repair your damages and recover from the loss. Your attorney will also handle the details of your case, including gathering evidence and locating witnesses, which frees up your time to focus on your recovery.
In some cases, your insurance provider may deny your claim or offer a low settlement in bad faith. They must pay you based on the coverage you purchased, but they will try to find any way they can to deny or underpay you. Your attorney will be able to examine your case and look for any wrongdoing on the part of your insurance company.
An experienced property damage lawyer will also have the resources necessary to investigate your claim and determine what your losses are. Your attorney will use their knowledge of your claim to negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you get the maximum amount possible.
Regardless of the cause, property damage is devastating. It can be expensive to repair and even harder to rebuild or replace your damaged property. With an attorney at your side, you can rest assured that you are taking all the steps necessary to file a successful property damage claim and obtain the compensation you need for your losses. This will allow you to focus on recovering from your loss and moving forward with your life.
Get An Estimate
If someone else’s negligence caused damage to your property, you are entitled to receive compensation from their insurance provider. This is true whether you are claiming damages from an auto insurance company for damage to your car, or for a fire that destroys your personal belongings. Your compensation should cover the cost of repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. Often, you may also be entitled to compensation for any depreciation that your property experiences as a result of the damage.
When you call your insurer, explain the situation and ask them what steps to take next. Find out how long you have to file your claim, and what kind of information they will need from you. Ask if an adjuster will be visiting your home, and how soon you can expect him to visit.
A claims adjuster will usually prepare an estimate for the amount of money it will take to repair or replace your damaged property. The adjuster will probably create a list of line items including things like labor, drywall, paint, insulation mortar, and tile. The adjuster will then send you a check for all or part of this amount so that you can start repairing your damage.
Getting the right estimate from an independent contractor is vitally important. An independent contractor is not working for the insurance company and therefore has your best interests in mind. You must have a professional assess your property damage, and compare the estimate that the insurance adjuster provides to an independent contractor’s estimate.
It is not uncommon for an insurance adjuster to give you an estimate for your property damage that is much lower than it should be. The adjuster is likely to do this because he wants to settle your claim quickly, and will be looking for any opportunity to settle it as cheaply as possible.
If your property has been damaged, it is important to act quickly and seek help from an attorney. The attorneys are experienced in helping clients get the maximum compensation for their property damage claims. The lawyer will lead the team and use his inside knowledge of how insurance companies operate to help his clients navigate these difficult situations. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation about your case.