Skilled Attorney for Houston Windstorm Cases

Houston Storm Property Damage Lawyers – Delayed – Denied – Underpaid

HELPING THOSE IMPACTED BY THE HOUSTON WINDSTORM

Our firm focuses on representing people who have sustained property damage due to weather events when insurance companies do not pay you as they should. Whether it is a delaying payment, denying payment completely, or only offering partial payment.

INSURANCE BAD FAITH CLAIMS & LITIGATION

When a disaster strikes like the Houston WindStorm on May 16, 2024, it can lead to unexpected and sometimes drastic financial burdens. Facing the loss of a house, car, or other essential property is always difficult—and victims may also find themselves struggling with insurance companies to obtain fair coverage for their damages.

At Potts Law Firm, we know how to effectively navigate the confusion and stress of seeking compensation for damages caused by natural disasters, no matter how severe. We have earned a national reputation as an authority in the area of insurance litigation. We have successfully recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients and have demonstrated that even when the situation is daunting, our team of trial lawyers will go the distance.

Our team of experienced insurance litigation attorneys is dedicated to guiding clients through the aftermath of natural disasters. We have handled a range of insurance law claims surrounding hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, and more. We are ready to confidently help you with every detail.

Give us a call at (866) 781-5688 or contact us online using our secure form to request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our team today.

INSURANCE LAW 101

An insurance policy is a formal agreement between a policyholder and an insurance company that is bound by state and federal law. The insured agrees to exchange a premium for the promise that the insurance company will indemnify (compensate) the insured after a loss. Insurance is meant to act as a hedge of protection for the policyholder so, even in the worst scenarios, the policyholder is protected after a loss.

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always honor their obligations. This can lead to disputes between the insurance company and the insured regarding everything from coverage to the level of compensation agreed upon after an incident has already occurred. While in some cases coverage may not be provided in one’s policy for a particular peril (e.g., fires, water damage, hurricanes, floods), there are also instances in which insurers intentionally deny or underpay their clients when coverage is provided in their policy. This is known as “acting in bad faith.”

EXAMPLES OF INSURANCE BAD FAITH

Insurance bad faith occurs any time an insurance company fails to uphold its obligations under the specific language of an insurance policy or fails to act according to state or federal laws, insurance regulations, or good faith policies.

Specific examples of insurance bad faith include:

• Wrongfully denying insurance claims
• Refusing to pay a valid insurance claim
• Failing to conduct a proper investigation
• Delaying or denying decisions regarding medical treatment
• Accepting a claim but delaying payment
• Failing to provide adequate/proper information
• Making unreasonable demands of a policyholder
• Failing to provide a reason for denying a claim
• Delaying an investigation into a claim
• Underpaying insurance claims
• Refusing reasonable requests for documentation
• Making threatening statements
• Changing a policy after an insurance claim is filed
• Failing to communicate in a timely manner

When an insurance company wrongfully underpays or denies an insurance claim or otherwise acts in bad faith, a lawsuit may be the only way to resolve the dispute. Insurance litigation can be used to determine the liability (fault) of a loss involving another party or to establish the legal responsibility an insurance company owes its insured after a loss.

EXAMPLES OF INSURANCE BAD FAITH

When an insurance company acts in bad faith, the policyholder has the right to sue the insurance company for damages.

Depending on the specific details of the case, the policyholder may be entitled to the following types of damages:

• Contract Damages: Contract damages include the amount for which the initial claim was filed plus interest (if applicable).
• Extracontractual Damages: Extracontractual damages include additional losses—economic and otherwise—sustained by the policyholder due to the insurance company’s wrongful practices.

Examples of extracontractual damages include:
– Lost income or wages
– Financial losses, such as borrowed money to pay for medical care
– Emotional distress, anguish, pain, and suffering
– Attorney/legal fees

• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant (i.e., the insurance company) for acts of egregious negligence or willful/wanton misconduct. This includes malicious, fraudulent, and oppressive conduct.

Our insurance litigation lawyers can review your case and provide detailed information regarding the types of damages you may be entitled to receive. Get in touch with us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

TALK TO OUR INSURANCE LAWYERS TODAY AT NO COST

Our insurance litigation lawyers can review your case and provide detailed information regarding the types of damages you may be entitled to receive. Get in touch with us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.