At McLaurin Law, our Texas freeze damage claims lawyer team helps clients who are seeking recovery due to winter storms, whether they are filing an insurance claim, seeking to appeal a claim denial, or filing a lawsuit to seek fair and appropriate compensation from the insurance company.
Houston, Texas
Freeze Damage Claims Lawyer
”“McLaurin Law pays attention to their clients and works around their clients’ needs. They took time to hear the case with patience and provided us assurance and comfort to handle the case quickly and properly. They kept communicating with us and provided updates in a timely manner. Would recommend!”
- Sunita Raj
Do You Need a Freeze Damage Claims Lawyer in Houston, Texas?
As a Houston resident, you probably would never expect your home to experience freeze damage. However, when the occasional winter storm hits the area, many homeowners are left with expensive damage throughout their properties.
If you have recently suffered freeze damage, then you are familiar with the feelings of vulnerability and desperation as you have sought to limit the impact on your home and belongings while seeking to minimize and cover costs. You should involve an experienced freeze damage claims lawyer when filing your claims or appealing a denial in order to prevent this severe inconvenience from becoming an even larger financial setback.
If your homeowners insurance policy includes coverage for “freezing,” you probably expect your insurer to accept your claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always honor freeze damage claims, and not all water damage that involves “freezing” is covered under homeowners insurance.
Types of Freeze Damage in Texas
Winter storms with severely low temperatures can create several types of damage for homes in Texas. Here are a few examples of freezing temperature damage to your property:
- Ice damming on roofs (leading to leaks)
- Frozen pipes bursting (causing water to flow into your house)
- Flooding
- Sewer backups
- Overworked heating systems (which may stop working)
- Damage from falling tree branches and other debris
Different types of water damage have their own implications and are handled under different policies. Your freeze damage claims attorney can help you identify the correct path for pursuing an insurance claim.
Does Texas Homeowners Insurance Cover All Freeze Damage?
You can review your homeowners insurance policy to determine its exact coverage, and your attorney can assist you if you have questions.
- “Freezing” is considered an “insurance peril” that can cause damage to fall under homeowners insurance coverage, but the details are complicated, and this is not inclusive of all water damage related to “freezing.” Damage involving flooding or sewer backups are very important exceptions to note.
- Water damage from burst pipes should never be described as “flooding,” and doing so when speaking with the insurance company risks invalidating your claim. A flood is something else entirely, and it is typically not covered under homeowners insurance, but rather under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is optional for some, but it can be required for others if they are in high-risk areas.
- Sewer backups are yet another type of water damage that can also be associated with freezing, and the distinction between the city sewer system and where service lines connect to your home may come into play. You may have a service line rider added to your policy, but this is not typically included in standard homeowners insurance. Lack of maintenance is a cause of sewer line damage in many instances, and that is generally not covered under homeowners insurance.
Your attorney can help you examine your policy to determine whether you should have coverage for the freeze damage you have experienced before you make any homeowners insurance claims in response to the damage. Contact us today to schedule a strategy session so we can help you determine the correct next steps before you make a mistake that could jeopardize your ability to recover.
Why Choose McLaurin Law
Since 2017, McLaurin Law has served hundreds of Texas clients with a focus on commercial, insurance, and personal injury law. We offer 24/7 availability and 30-minute initial strategy sessions.
Our firm is led by Jason C. McLaurin, who provides a distinct “Insider Advantage.” Having worked for insurance companies, he uses that industry knowledge to counter denied or undervalued claims.
While we handle complex litigation like maritime liabilities and road accidents, our true difference lies in our relentless advocacy. We serve Houston, Sugar Land, Baytown, Katy, and Pearland, taking the stress off your shoulders by leading you through every step of the legal process. Our team understands the tactics insurers use, and we leverage that experience to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible with as little frustration as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Do When Your Insurer Denies a Valid Insurance Claim for Freeze Damage in Houston, Texas?
If your insurer denies a valid pipe burst or freeze claim, your next step is a formal appeal. This requires the company to reconsider after you present new evidence. Navigating this alone is risky; an attorney can pinpoint specific policy language that proves the denial was invalid. We help you gather the necessary documentation to support your case. If the appeal is still denied, we can then transition to a bad faith lawsuit to hold the insurer accountable for the protection they promised.
How Much Compensation Can You Seek in a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, bad faith occurs if an insurer fails to fulfill policy terms or refuses a prompt, proper investigation. Beyond your original claim amount, you can seek “extra-contractual” damages like statutory penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees. If the company knowingly violated the Texas Insurance Code, you may be eligible for treble damages—up to three times your actual losses. Other recoveries can include mental anguish and economic losses. We assess your specific case to maximize the compensation you receive.
How Can a Freeze Damage Claims Lawyer Help You in Texas?
Finding out that an insurance company has denied your freeze damage claim can be stressful, frustrating, and disheartening. At McLaurin Law, our qualified freeze damage claims lawyer team has insider understanding of the strategies and tactics used by insurance companies to minimize the claims they pay. We use these powerful insights to help our clients make effective freeze damage claims, appeals, and lawsuits in the Houston area.
Contact McLaurin Law Insurance Claim Attorneys Today
Our experienced Texas freeze damage claims attorneys can help you gather evidence to support your claim and walk you through this entire process. We can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and take the stress and burden of seeking compensation off your shoulders. Contact us today.
