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Maritime & Marine Insurance Claims Attorneys in Houston, TX

Just like on land, accidents occur at sea. According to recent statistics from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, there were over 4,000 recreational boating accidents in 2019 alone. These accidents caused over 2,500 injuries and 600 deaths. Being injured or losing your merchandise at sea can be an extremely challenging experience that most are not prepared for. Thankfully, marine insurance claims are designed to cover risks to individuals, goods, and vessels on the water, including injuries, damages, losses, or death.

If you are considering a claim with your marine insurance, you should consult with an experienced Texas insurance coverage attorney for reliable legal guidance. McLaurin Law is dedicated to offering outstanding legal services and compassionate representation to clients dealing with maritime and marine insurance claims. Attorney Jason McLaurin will fight vigorously to protect your legal rights and help you pursue rightful compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses suffered while at sea.

McLaurin Law proudly serves clients across Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Sugar Land, Baytown, Katy, and Pearland, Texas — so call today to schedule your own free case evaluation.

Common Maritime & Marine Insurance Claims

Marine insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers injuries, deaths, cargo losses, and other damages to ships, cargo vessels, and terminals. Some common incidents that may result in maritime and marine insurance claims include:

  • Weather incidents, such as high winds, torrential rain, and hurricanes.
  • Theft
  • Injury or damage to a person or goods
  • Striking submerged objects
  • Fires and explosions
  • Lightning damage

Policy Types

There are three common types of maritime and marine insurance policies that cover most individuals and businesses. These policies include hull, cargo, and protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance.

  • Hull – Hull insurance policies usually cover physical loss or damage to a vessel. Such coverage can be on an “all-risk” or “named perils” basis.
  • Cargo – Cargo insurance policies generally cover physical loss of or damage to goods while the cargo is in transit. The policy may cover a single shipment of goods or multiple shipments over a specified period.
  • Protection and Indemnity (P&I) – The P&I insurance policy covers the vessel owner’s liability resulting from their ownership of the insured vessel. Also, the policy provides coverage for bodily injury, death, or damages to building structures.

Exclusions that May Limit Coverage

Unfortunately, not every risk is covered by marine insurance policies. Some of the most common risks that are often not covered include:

  • Ordinary leakage
  • Inherent vice
  • Civil commotion
  • Willful misconduct
  • Contamination from radioactive rays
  • Delay
  • Insolvency of owners
  • Insufficient, improper, or unsuitable packing
  • Riots
  • War
  • Other exclusions that are included in your policy terms

The Claims Process

Here are the general steps involved in recovering a marine insurance claim:

  • Take adequate steps to reduce the damage or loss.
  • Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as you can.
  • Gather the necessary documentation.
  • Depending on where the damage occurred, arrange for a comprehensive joint port or ship survey.
  • File your insurance claim within the specified time limit in your policy.

To ensure that you have followed all of these steps adequately, you should work with an experienced attorney who can help file your insurance claims or negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider.

How a Knowledgeable Insurance Coverage Attorney Can Help

Filing marine insurance claims often involves a lot of complex legal procedure. The investigators and insurance adjusters will only work to protect the bottom line of the insurance company. That is why it is so important that you hire a knowledgeable insurance coverage attorney to protect your legal rights and help you pursue your deserved compensation.

With more than a decade of experience representing clients on marine insurance claims, Attorney Jason McLaurin has the legal resources and skill to fight for your rights and advocate for your best interests. As your legal counsel, he will review and investigate every detail of your case, gather all necessary evidence and documentation, and handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer.

Through it all, attorney Jason McLaurin will fight diligently to protect your legal rights and do everything he can to help you pursue the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. He will protect you against any bad faith practices employed by the insurance companies and will not back down, no matter how big the opposition is. Do not face this battle alone. Contact McLaurin Law today to schedule your own free case consultation.

Maritime & Marine Insurance Claims Attorneys Serving Houston, Texas

If you want to make a claim with your marine insurance policy, contact McLaurin Law today to schedule a free case assessment. Attorney Jason McLaurin can offer you the detailed legal guidance, assistance, and compassionate representation you need to pursue your marine insurance claim. Jason is proud to serve clients throughout Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Sugar Land, Baytown, Katy, and Pearland, Texas — so call today for reliable legal counsel!

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Why Choose McLaurin Law?

Consultations: Whenever you need legal advice, McLaurin Law offers consultations for free. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our lawyers are happy to allot a 30-minute free consultation and strategy session.
Insider Advantage: Our lead attorney, Jason C. McLaurin, has previously worked as an insider for insurance companies. His experience in the industry allows him to guide clients in choosing comprehensive insurance policies and exploring strategies in case of denied claims.
Years of Experience: Since 2017, McLaurin Law has served hundreds of clients in Houston, Texas. The firm focuses on commercial and insurance laws and handles personal injury cases, ranging from road accidents to maritime liabilities.
Available 24/7: Legal troubles can arise at any day or time. McLaurin Law has your back if you need legal advice in the wee hours of Sunday. Our lines are open 24/7, and you can book a consultation online.

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Frequestly Ask Questions

Should I Take What the Insurance Company Offers Me?

Typically, the answer to this is absolutely not. Insurance companies are looking out for their own best interests and will try to get you to settle for an offer that is far below what you deserve. At McLaurin Law, we can help you seek an appropriate settlement.

What's the Time Limit for Filing a Claim?

After an accident, you should typically file a claim with the insurance provider of the negligent party who is responsible for your accident. It is important that you move with haste in filing a personal injury claim with the insurance carrier after an injury has occurred. Should a lawsuit eventually become necessary, it is also important to keep in mind that in the state of Texas, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date the injury occurred.

Theft And Vandalism Claims

FAQS About Theft And Vandalism Claims

Below are some frequently asked questions about Theft and Vandalism Claims:

What is the difference between vandalism and theft, and how might it affect my claim?

Commercial insurance policies often cover losses due to vandalism, or the intentional destruction or defacement of property, but will not cover theft or burglary losses. This can be particularly complicated in cases where vandalism leads to the theft of certain items on the premises.

Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies generally cover vandalism and theft for residential properties. If you own your home, your homeowners’ policy will cover damage to the structure and your contents or personal belongings. If you rent your home, the property owner’s policy will cover damage to the property, while your renters’ insurance will cover your personal belongings inside the home.

Can my insurance company adjust my coverage based on my risk?

Insurers often don’t like paying claims for damages sustained by their policyholders. They may assess the risks associated with your home or business location and income levels and adjust their coverage limits, so they have a decreased responsibility to pay for damages due to theft or vandalism.

For commercial policyholders, your insurance company may require you to minimize the risk of vandalism or theft. Your insurance company could require you to install security cameras and devices, advanced locking systems, and appropriate lighting. Your insurance company could still require higher coverage limits if your business is in an area that reports an increased number of thefts or vandalism.

Why did my insurance company deny my theft or vandalism claim?

There are several reasons your insurance company might deny a claim. A vandalism and theft attorney from our office can help you review your policy and claim denial to determine the following:

  • Whether you can prove you owned the items listed in your claim
  • Whether you can prove that a break-in led to the vandalism or theft
  • Whether you know the value of the items taken or the damage caused
  • Whether you took proper preventive measures
  • Whether you have appropriate business interruption coverage in your policy (for commercial property owners)

How can a theft and vandalism insurance lawyer help me file and manage my claim?

A theft and vandalism lawyer with our firm can help you determine which losses listed in your policy best fit the situation and file the appropriate evidence for your claim. Your theft and vandalism claims attorney can also speak with the insurance adjusters on your behalf. Call us at (713) 461-6500 when you need more than luck!

Wind And Hail Damage Claims

FAQS About Wind And Hail Damage Claims

Below are some frequently asked questions about Wind and Hail Damage Claims:

What do I need to file a wind or hail damage claim with my insurance company?

You will need evidence that the damage your home sustained came from wind or hail.

Common signs of wind and hail damage include:

  • Lifted, torn, broken, or missing shingles
  • Fallen tree limbs or uprooted trees
  • Impact strike marks from hail
  • Dents from hail, especially on metal roofing features or vinyl siding or fencing
  • Broken windows from debris strikes
  • Broken or loose gutters and downspouts

Get an inspection if you suspect your home sustained damage during a recent storm. Roofing contractors with certifications in home inspections will often be willing to mark and take photos of the damage they identify during inspection of your home and roof. A wind and hail damage attorney with our firm can use their reports to fight for approval of your claim with your insurance company.

How can a Houston wind damage lawyer help me manage my claim after a storm?

Call our McLaurin Law wind claims attorney if your home shows signs of wind damage after a hurricane, tropical system, or particularly windy day. We can help you file your claim with your insurance company and represent you when the insurance company’s claims adjuster has additional questions.

Many insurance companies try to deny or underpay claims based on arbitrary rebuttals. For example, if you have both wind and hail damage, they may reject a portion of the claim because you filed a wind claim.

How can a hail damage lawyer help me get my roof repaired or replaced?

Hail damage often affects roofs more than any other part of the home. Sometimes hail only damages part of a roof, requiring a simple repair. Other times, you’ll have enough roof damage to require a full roof replacement. A McLaurin Law attorney can work closely with your roofer and insurance company to fight for full claim approval.

What if my insurance company still denies my claim?

Insurance companies often deny claims despite ample evidence of legitimate storm damage. When this happens, the next step is to file a lawsuit against the insurance company with the guidance of a wind and hail damage claims attorney. If your insurance company denies your claim, contact us. Call McLaurin Law in Houston, TX, at (713) 461-6500 when you need more than luck!

What Should I Do after an Injury?

Your number one priority should be your well-being. Seek out medical advice as soon as possible to ensure that you get the treatment you need. You should also move quickly to consult with an attorney to assist you with your personal injury claim. Critical events occur early in the personal injury claims process—such as interviews with adjusters and early damages assessments—so do not delay speaking with an attorney.

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Browse our growing library of multimedia educational content to better understand the rules and processes involved in your Texas injury case or insurance claim. Review the items relevant to your issue, and let us know your questions.

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Contact McLaurin Law, PLLC

Schedule a consultation with McLaurin Law, PLLC if you have an insurance issue, or if you have suffered an injury or property damage in Texas. We will review your personal injury case, assess your insurance claim or appeal, address your questions, and strategize paths to seek fair compensation. We aggressively pursue our clients’ interests, armed with an insider’s perspective on Texas insurance claims. Call our office or fill out our online form to get started.
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Ask A Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Consultation

Call (713) 461-6500 or fill out the short form below. We will respond within 1 business day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
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We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

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Professional Associations

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Whether you are recovering from a personal injury or attempting to recover compensation with an insurance coverage claim or appeal, our legal team will vigorously advocate on your behalf.
Personal Injury and Insurance Law Attorneys in Houston, TX
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship
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