subject: Hurricane Property Damage: When To Speak To A Lawyer [print this page] After a hurricane, many people are unsure if or when they should call a lawyer. If you have sustained hurricane property damage or a third party has filed a claim against your insurance company, then it may be time to call a lawyer. By calling a lawyer as soon as an issue arises, the sooner you will be on your way to getting the legal assistance you need.
Hurricane Property Damage Often Leads to Denied Claims
After a hurricane, insurance companies receive thousands of different types of claims. In addition to claims filed by insureds and third parties, it is not uncommon for different types of disputes to arise. Whether a neighbor has filed a claim against your insurance policy or your insurance company has indicated that it will not cover a claim filed by you or a third party, it is always good to call a lawyer for legal advice in these types of cases. By contacting an attorney early on in the process, you may be on your way resolving your problems.
Call a Lawyer When Your Insurance Company Has Taken Adverse Action Against You
If your insurance company is taking its time to pay for a claim, has cancelled your policy or has told you that it will not cover a claim because you did not carry flood insurance or other type coverage, then you should contact an attorney who handles these types of issues. Quite often, these types of disputes arise when the contractual language of your insurance policy is subject to different interpretations. In these types of cases, insurance companies almost expect to hear from an attorney when they do not cover a claim.
Lawyers Know What Steps to Take When an Insurance Company is Being Difficult
Lawyers that handle insurance claims know what steps to take when it comes to encouraging an insurance company to cover a claim. When the lawyer cannot convince an insurance company after speaking to the company directly and sending out a few letters, then the next step may be to file a lawsuit against the company. Insurance companies do not like lawsuits because at the end of the day the cost of litigating a claim may turn out to be more than the cost of covering the claim. If you are forced to commence a lawsuit, then insurance company may be forced to pay your original claim and pay your expenses.
Whether your claim for hurricane property damage has been denied or your insurance company will not cover a claim filed by a third party, then it is definitely time to call a lawyer for legal assistance.
