Do I Need a Property Damage Lawyer to file a Water, Fire or Storm Insurance Claim?

You buy property insurance to protect your home and finances when disaster strikes. Few people ever expect their insurer to deny them compensation when they need it most. Yet, it happens every day.

While claim denial rates vary by insurer, there's one thing you can be sure of: it's against an insurer's financial interest to approve your claim. They make money by accepting premiums - not by paying out benefits.

If your insurer denies your claim, you can appeal. But if you do, you should do so under the advice of property damage lawyers.

Here's why an insurance lawyer can make all the difference.

Why Do Insurers Deny Homeowners Policy Claims?

Insurance companies don't relish paying claims. They may be 'there' for you, but your emergency usually needs neatly fit into the perfect box designed by your policy. If it doesn't, you risk facing rejection. A publication from the American Association for Justice found that some insurers reward claims employees when they reject claims from homeowners like you.

Yes, some insurers will deny your claim because they can. They don't expect you to fight back.

Many denials are issued not based on whether you need help but on policy language. For example, one researcher found that insurers were denying coverage to properties because the property owner didn't live there at the time the damage occurred. Insurers did it systematically, and courts upheld their rejections.

How Property Damage Lawyers Can Help

Insurance claims are a business negotiation, but the balance of power is very lopsided. If +you're filing a claim, you are in serious need of financial help, and the insurer can wield their power to either deny your claim or try to force you into accepting a low-ball offer.

Property damage lawyers can even the balance of power. A lawyer understands your rights, your financial interests, and what's available to you in your contract.

When should you hire a lawyer?

Filing a claim via an attorney may aggravate the situation or even create an issue where there wasn't one. Instead, most people seek legal help after they file their claim and a dispute arises.  An attorney can then step in to reiterate your rights and use their knowledge to negotiate with your insurer from a stronger position than you can on your own.

A Rejection Isn't the Final Word

Unfortunately, insurance companies deny claims every day - not because the request isn't valid but because the insurer doesn't want to pay. Insurers make low-ball offers and issue rejections while hoping you won't put up a fight.

You don't have to accept their rejection as the final word.

Property damage lawyers can help you make a strong case to your insurer and increase your chances of winning a negotiation or appeal.

Are you dealing with the aftermath of severe property damage? You don't need to go it alone. The Knoerr Law Group has over 45 years of experience in handling property damage claims and ensuring Florida homeowners aren't unfairly rejected. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you put your best foot forward.