Flood water can instantly produce extensive damage in your Texas home. Even one inch of water can lead to tens of thousands of dollars of damage. You’ll want to explore all your options for compensation after experiencing flood damage.
You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have flood insurance. Otherwise, you may need to file for disaster assistance or seek compensation another way.
Document the Damage
In September, 2021, a flash flood poured 36 inches of rain in the Texas town of Thrall in just 18 hours – a record. In August of 2022, huge amounts of rain caused flood damage to much of the Dallas area. Storms and hurricanes can cause massive water and wind damage.
No matter which method you use to seek compensation after a flood, you’ll want extensive documentation of the damage. Take photos of all the damaged areas throughout your home. You may even want to conduct a video walkthrough, being sure to document every square inch of the house and showing damage to:
- Flooring
- Walls
- Furniture
- Subflooring, if possible
- Carpets
- Vehicles
Your insurance adjuster is likely to inspect the damage in person as part of an insurance claim. However, having photos and video evidence is crucial to streamline your claim and showcase your need for a payout.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, flood insurance is not part of all homeowners’ insurance policies. Typically, you need a separate flood insurance policy to file a claim for flood damage.
Review your insurance coverage. Having a Texas flood injury attorney can help you make sense of your insurance coverage and look for any small loopholes or details that could give you coverage.
If you do have flood insurance, review your coverage limits and the provisions of your policy, particularly those regarding the scope of coverage for damages to your home or property caused by flood. Ensure your claim fits within these terms. If you’re having trouble understanding it, don’t hesitate to talk to a flood compensation attorney to better understand your rights under your insurance policy.
File an Insurance Claim, If Applicable
After confirming you have active flood insurance, your next step is to file an insurance claim. Contact your insurance company directly, and let them know you would like to file a claim for flood damage. You’ll need to provide details such as:
- the date of the flood event;
- a description of the damage to your insured property caused by the flood, including damages to each your home and damage/loss of your personal property and contents within your home; and
- submit documentation, including photographs, videos, receipts, invoices, and quotes/estimates you’ve obtained, if any, regarding the cost to repair flood damage to your home.
If you’re concerned that your insurance company may deny your claim for any reason, including because some other event that occurred at or around the same time as the flood may be cited by your insurance company as the cause of your damages–instead of flood–property, talk to a flood compensation attorney as soon as possible, and remember, it may be advisable to hire a flood compensation attorney speak to speak with the insurance company, including any insurance adjusters or claim representatives, on your behalf regarding your flood-related property damage.
File for Disaster Assistance
You may qualify for a local or federal disaster assistance program that can help reduce your expenses. Such programs may include grants covering expenses like the following:
- Temporary housing
- Uninsured personal property losses
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Emergency home repairs
Your Texas flood damage attorney can help you explore your other options for compensation.You should carefully review and understand the coverage provided under your flood insurance policy when filing a claim for flood-related property damage to ensure that you are paid all policy benefits to which you are rightfully owed under the policy and Texas law.
Consult a Texas Flood Damage Attorney
When you have suffered damages or losses as a result of severe Texas weather events or natural disasters, having legal assistance or an attorney on your side throughout the claim process is likely to improve your chances of securing the full compensation you are owed. Your attorney can protect your rights and help you understand your rights under the policy and Texas law, including all compensation you are entitled to under the policy and law..
If the insurance company denies your claim, your flood insurance claim lawyer can help you file an appeal. Meanwhile, if your insurer tries to lowball you with an inadequate offer, your attorney can help you present further evidence to negotiate a higher offer.
At McLaurin Law, our Texas flood damage attorneys are well versed in the complexities of flood damage claims. We can guide you through the compensation process during this stressful time.
Call us today at 713-528-8012 to schedule a consultation with a flood damage lawyer in Texas.
