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Plano Property Damage Lawyer

Property damage to a residential or commercial property owner can be devastating. For many policyholders, damage to their property means they have no place to live or work until they receive coverage from their insurance. Although you have consistently paid your premiums, some insurers will fail to honor their obligations under the policy by disputing or denying a valid claim.  When your insurer fails to timely accept and fully pay your covered claim it causes a financial and emotional stress to you.

An insurance company cannot deny or dispute a covered claim after its liability has become reasonably clear. Failure to pay a covered claims is a breach of the insurance contract and a possible violation of the Texas Insurance Code. When this happens, it is your right to hold your insurer accountable. If you have been mistreated by your insurance company, consult a skilled insurance claims attorney who can evaluate your case and help you pursue coverage for your covered claims.

Plano Attorney for Property Damage Claims in Texas

Ensure you get the coverage provided under your policy and consult an experienced Plano property damage insurance claim attorney at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC. The property damage attorneys in Plano at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC represent only policyholders. Do not wait another day to receive the coverage you are entitled to under your policy and call LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC.

You can reach the attorneys at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC by calling (866) 984-4556. The Plano property damage dispute attorneys at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC practice throughout the greater Collin County and Plano area including Allen, Anna, McKinney, Murphy, Weston, Blue Ridge, Lowry Crossing and Houston.

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Examples of Property Damage

Property damage provisions offer coverage for a wide variety of risks and perils for both residential and commercial plans. Most filed property damage claims are for physical loss or damage to the property such as roof damage as a result of hail or wind.

Listed below are some common causes of property damage claims filed by policyholders.

  • Hurricane
  • Tornado
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Fire
  • Water Damage
  • Fallen Trees
  • Lightning damage
  • Smoke damage

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What Are Typical Exclusions in a Property Insurance Policy?

Both residential and commercial property insurance policies cover a wide variety of losses. However, no insurance company covers every type of property damage. Losses that are not included in the policy are known as exclusions. A policyholder cannot receive coverage for an exclusion unless they purchased additional protection for that specific type of loss.

A standard residential or commercial property insurance policy will exclude some risks and perils depending on your location. For example, wind and hail damage is often not covered under a standard property insurance policy if the insured building is along the Gulf Coast. However, the same insurance company may extend wind/hail protection if the policyholder lived far away from a major body of water.

Other claims that may be excluded from a residential or commercial property insurance policy include, but are not limited to:

  • Defective Construction
  • Flood
  • Insect or rodent infestations
  • Backed up sewage
  • Sinkholes
  • Earthquakes
  • Losses that occur in a vacant home
  • Continuous water leaks
  • Wear and tear

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What Do I Do If My Home Insurance Denies My Claim?

  • Review Your Policy – Before you make any major decisions, it is important you review your insurance policy. Sometimes denied coverage can result from a misunderstanding on the part of your insurance company. Be thorough when you are analyzing your policy so you can know your rights and bring any discrepancies you spot to your insurance adjuster’s attention.
  • Learn Why Your Insurance Denied Your Claim – Your insurance company is obligated to give you the basis upon which your claim was denied in the form of a formal, written letter. Do not be afraid to contact your insurance company to request a written explanation regarding a denial.
  • Extensively Document Your Losses – Some claims are denied due to insufficient evidence of loss. Ensure your losses are documented thoroughly by taking photos and videos of all property damage at multiple angles. Be sure to describe the time, date and circumstances surrounding the damage in a written document as well. You can keep this documentation handy if you want to prove the extent of your loss to your insurer.
  • Hire an Attorney – While it is possible to contest a denial on your own, an experienced insurance claims attorney can help you identify the coverages available under the policy and the full extent of your loss. The insurance claim process can be complicated and time sensitive. Engaging an attorney early may help you in properly contesting an improper denial or presenting and negotiating your claim.

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Statistics for Property Damage Claims in Texas

Texas is no stranger to tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, hailstorms and other serious natural disasters.  The financial aftermath of a storm can be found under a report filed by the Texas Department of Insurance in 2017. The data lists all property damage claims that were processed during the first three quarters of 2016.

Type of Property Damage Residential Property Paid Losses
Hail Damage $4.3 B
Fire Damage $.05 B
Wind Damage $.08 B
Water Damage $.05 B
Other $.02 B

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Local Court Resources for Collin County, Texas

Collin County District Courts – Any civil suit where at least $200 worth in damages is being disputed can be found at the Collin County District Courts. Access the site to view their docket schedules, local court rules, court locations, other relevant information.

Collin County Clerk – The Clerk of Court acts as an historian and is in charge of filing all documents for the court. Access their site to download important forms, check out their law library, e-file a document, or find their location and contact information.

Texas Insurance Code – Visit the official website for Texas Statutes to read further about the rules and regulations set in place for insurers in the Insurance Code. Access the site to learn what’s considered false advertising by insurers, what an unfair settlement practice is, and the rights of the policyholder when filing a claim.

Texas Department of Insurance – The job of the Texas Department of Insurance is to regulate insurance companies and ensure they are following the regulations set forth by the Insurance Code. In addition to overseeing insurance companies, the administration of worker compensation systems as provided by the Texas Labor Code.

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Property Damage Lawyer in Collin County, Texas

It is your right as the policyholder to have your claim processed in a fair, prompt and equitable manner. If you are having issues filing a claim with your insurance company, then consult an experienced insurance claims attorney with LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC. The attorneys at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the policyholder . They can examine your claim and fight to help you receive all the coverage you are entitled to under your policy

If you are sick of arguing  with your adjuster, contact one of our attorney at LeMaster & Ahmed, PLLC. We assist policyholders throughout the greater Collin County area including Friso, Dallas, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Anna, Blue Ridge, Murphy, and Lavon.