Make Sure Your Claim Is Handled Right Way From The Start!
REPORT YOUR CLAIM
Call or notify your agent or carrier immediately! Seems obvious, but sometimes people panic and start cleaning up and removing debris before they document their loss. You may be eligible for payment up to $20,000 if you provide photo or video documentation. Don’t accidentally throw out evidence of your loss!
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)DOCUMENT THE LOSS / TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS
Before you discard damaged property, ocument Your Loss With Photos or Video! If you created an inventory of your contents prior to a flood, use this list and add to it if appropriate. The sooner you’re able to create an inventory of your damaged or lost items the better. Take as many photos and video of your property (outside and inside) as possible.
BEGIN THE CLEANUP
Discard your flood-damaged items. Cut out samples of items you need to throw out immediately such as flooring, carpet, curtains. Give these samples to your adjuster during initial adjuster inspection. You must follow NFIP (National Flood Insurance Policy) guidelines when cleaning up. Check here for guidance – https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-after-floods
MEET THE ADJUSTER AT PROPERTY INSPECTION
The flood adjuster assigned to your claim must show his or her official identification. Note the adjuster’s identification for your records. Ask any questions you may have and take notes of any matters discussed or requests made by the adjustser for you to do anything regarding your claim.
*For Hurricane Harvey, FEMA has waived the Proof of Loss requirements for initial claims. While you will need to prepare a Proof of Loss in the event you identify additional flood damage not noted by the flood adjuster, the extended deadline to file the POL is one year from the date of the flood loss.
CONFIRM WHETHER ADJUSTER ADDRESSED ALL DAMAGES AND FULL PAYMENT MADE
Your flood adjuster should submit a report along with payment for the covered damages. The NFIP offers a no-cost appeals process if you disagree with the adjuster’s report. If you have questions concerning your flood insurance claim, the attorneys at Grisham & Kendall, PLLC can help.
