Unraveling the Complexities of Hurricane Claim Disputes and Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Hurricanes are among the most devastating natural disasters, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In the aftermath of a hurricane, individuals and businesses rely on their insurance policies to help them recover and rebuild their lives. However, navigating the process of filing a hurricane insurance claim can be challenging, and sadly, some insurance companies engage in bad faith practices when handling these claims. Hiring an attorney Inge Johnstone of Johnstone Trial Law, LLC in this situation will ensure you receive fair compensation.

Understanding Hurricane Insurance Claims:

Hurricane insurance claims encompass a wide range of losses, including damage to homes, businesses, personal property, and additional living expenses. Policyholders should have a clear understanding of their insurance policies, including coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions, to ensure they are adequately protected against the destructive forces of a hurricane.

Common Challenges in Hurricane Claims:

Delayed or Denied Claims: Insurance companies may delay processing claims or deny legitimate claims, leaving policyholders without the necessary financial support in their time of need.
Underpayment: Some insurers may offer settlements that do not fully cover the cost of hurricane-related damages, forcing policyholders to shoulder additional expenses.
Disagreements Over Damage Assessment: Policyholders and insurers may disagree on the extent of hurricane-related damage, leading to disputes over the valuation of claims.
Policy Language Complexities: Hurricane insurance policies can be intricate and filled with legal jargon, making it challenging for policyholders to decipher what is covered and what is not.
Water or Wind?: Most homeowners' policies do not cover flood damages which instead are covered by policies written pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program. However, flood policies do not cover wind damage. As a result, Homeowners and Flood insurers sometimes point the finger at each other each claiming that most of the damage is caused by the peril that they do not insure. Homeowners and property insurers will argue that damage is caused by flooding and Flood policies will argue that damage is caused by wind. Sorting this out can be complicated.
Surplus Lines Carriers: With hurricane claims, a policyholder is often dealing with a non-mainstream carrier from out of state sometimes called a surplus lines or non-admitted carrier. Policies issued through Lloyds of London are examples of these types of policies. These companies can be more difficult because they will not use their own claims department or adjusters and three or four different companies may be involved in dealing with the claim, with each sometimes denying their responsibility.
Large Number of Claims: Due to the widespread nature of hurricane damage, insurance companies and contractors can be spread thin. Adjusters often overlook covered items and it can be hard to obtain bids and work from contractors. Policyholders often experience long delays in making repairs.

Why Hire an Attorney from Johnstone Trial Law, LLC

Engaging with an experienced insurance disputes attorney in the wake of hurricane claims and bad-faith insurance practices can be invaluable. Here's how attorneys can assist:

Policy Analysis: Our lead attorney, Inge Johnstone, can carefully review insurance policies, ensuring policyholders fully comprehend their coverage and rights, enabling informed decisions.
Negotiation: We can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of policyholders on major claims to secure fair settlements that adequately address the losses incurred.
Dispute Resolution: In cases where substantial disputes arise regarding damage assessment or denied claims, our attorney can advocate for their clients and pursue legal action when necessary.
Bad Faith Claims: Our attorney is adept at identifying instances of bad faith insurance practices and can file bad faith claims against insurers who fail to uphold their contractual obligations.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today!

At Johnstone Trial Law, LLC, we believe hurricane claim disputes and bad faith insurance practices can compound the hardships faced by individuals and businesses affected by these catastrophic events. Seeking the guidance of a seasoned attorney with expertise in hurricane claims disputes is essential for policyholders to navigate the complexities of insurance policies and ensure they receive the just compensation they deserve. In times of crisis, having a dedicated legal advocate can make all the difference in the journey towards recovery and rebuilding. Contact us today!