After a flood comes the cleanup. These 4 tips will make the cleanup easier for you.
1. Always follow the EPA recommendations for mold cleanup. Your flood insurance claim can be affected by improper mold cleanup. Please see this link for information on mold cleanup following a flood: https://www.epa.gov/mold
2. Document before you dispose of damaged property. Before discarding items, policyholders should be sure to document their damage using photos and/or videos. The policyholder should retain, for the adjuster, samples or swatches of carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, window treatments, and other items where the type and quality of material may impact the amount payable on the claim. Properly documenting damaged property is critical for your flood claim, so discuss what your policy requirements are with your insurance agent and adjuster.
3. If you can’t get to your property right away, be sure to notify your insurance company. In some cases, flooded areas remain closed and off-limits. Meanwhile, mold sets in. Your insurance may protect you under these circumstances, but you must be able to prove you did not have access.
4. File your flood claim promptly and seek government disaster assistance if appropriate. You can learn more about how to file a claim here: https://www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim Information on how to apply for assistance can be found here: www.disasterassistance.gov
Our large hotel was severely damaged by hail. After significant delays by the insurance company, our claim was denied. We hired Bill Kendall and Grisham & Kendall soon after. Through Bill’s efforts during our lawsuit, we were able to reach a favorable settlement close to trial. We would certainly recommend Grisham & Kendall, PLLC to any property owner whose insurance company isn’t treating them fairly.
D. Patel - Hotel Hail Claim
My wife and I thought we were heading into a complicated legal odyssey with a destroyed commercial property until we hired Bill Kendall. His sustained focus and hard work was so effective that we had a great settlement within hours of the first deposition.
F. Jones - Multi-Family Property Claim (Dallas, TX)