Homeowners in Massachusetts are subject to high-velocity winds that can severely damage their homes and personal property. These damages can displace families for extended periods while repairs take place. If wind damaged your property, you may wonder how you will pay for and ultimately recover the damages the structure suffered.
GED Lawyers is committed to helping our clients make full recoveries when they suffer damages to their personal property. When you are in need, our Massachusetts wind damage claims lawyer can help you file your property damage claim, understand your policy, and determine the damages to include in your claim with your insurance carrier.
Our Massachusetts property damage lawyer is ready to help if you suffer property damage. Property owners may recover the cost of repairs, replacement of personal property, and other losses based on their homeowners insurance plan.
Is Wind Damage Covered Under Standard Homeowner’s Insurance in Massachusetts?
As the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development notes, most standard homeowner’s policies in Massachusetts cover wind damage. This includes any damage from wind-driven rain or objects that damage your home because of high winds.
If you suffered damage to your roof, windows, or the foundation of your home, then you should recover compensation from your insurance company as outlined in your homeowner’s policy. You can always call your insurer to confirm what your policy covers if you are unsure. Beyond that, home and business owners often work with property damage lawyers to ensure they recover fair compensation in a reasonable time.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
You should file your wind damage claim as soon as possible. Though you may hear horror stories about how insurance companies have treated other people, you should be respectful when speaking with an insurer and submit the documentation the insurance adjuster asks for.
If you are unsure how to go about filing your insurance claim, you can seek the assistance of a wind damage attorney from our personal injury law firm. At GED Lawyers, we have helped numerous clients recover compensation for damages suffered from wind damage. This often includes actual cash for the cost of repairs, roof damage, personal items, and additional costs within the applicable coverage limits.
What Should I Do After Wind Damages My Massachusetts Home?
First, you need to make sure you and your family are safe. If severe storms are in the weather forecast, make sure you follow all local guidance, even if that means leaving your home until the storm passes. Once your home is safe to return to, you can do a few things to give yourself the best chance for recovery.
Take Photographs
Taking photographs can make it easier to completely assess the damage done to your home. The insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your home, but it is also good to have your own pictures or videos.
You should do this first before you make any repairs or cover the damage. However, your next step should be to limit any further damage. This often requires tarping roof damage, boarding broken windows, and covering siding damage to protect the structure.
If you have photographs from before your home was damaged, that will also help in showing just how much damage was done to your home.
Repair Damage
While it is important to have the damage to your home repaired so that you can safely inhabit the home as quickly as possible, it is even more important that you do not have these repairs done until the insurance company has had a chance to see your property.
If you make repairs before the insurance company can determine the cost of your damages, you could risk not recovering the compensation you should receive. Even if you take photos, wait to start the repairs after the insurance company visits your property.
Track Your Expenses
If you have permanent or temporary home repairs done, keep your receipts. This will allow your attorney to better assist you when it comes to recovering compensation.
In addition to repairs, you likely have additional coverage for other costs and losses. Other recoverable expenses may include the price of a night in a hotel or a temporary home rental. Your insurance company and an attorney can assist you with determining the accommodations you are entitled to after suffering property damage that makes your home unlivable.
There will be coverage limits on these expenses, and the insurance carrier will expect you to return home in a reasonable time. You need to ensure you can pay the additional cost if any of these expenses will not be reimbursed by your insurance coverage.
What If My Insurance Company Offers Me Less Compensation Than I Deserve?
Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon. If an insurance company does not offer to pay you what you believe you are due, you can seek the assistance of an attorney who can speak with the insurance company on your behalf. An insurance dispute attorney may negotiate a better payout or file an insurance coverage lawsuit on your behalf to get the wind and water damage claim paid based on your insurance coverage.
Damages Not Covered Under Standard Insurance
While you are almost certainly entitled to compensation for wind damage done to your home, the same cannot be said for other damages that may occur during a storm.
For instance, if you suffer flood damage to your home but do not have other damage to the rest of your home, it is unlikely you will recover these damages unless you have flood insurance. If a tree falls on your roof, creating a hole, then the interior water damage you suffer could be proven to be a result of the wind. If there is simply too much rain and the water floods in, this would require additional coverage.
What If I’m Unsure If It’s Covered?
You should contact a legal representative. Your insurance company may try to claim the damage you suffered was not a direct result of the storm or is excluded for another reason. It could claim that certain damages were already there or that the damage was unrelated. In some situations, they may even try to claim this when it is evident that your policy should cover the damage.
An attorney from our team understands the applicable homeowners insurance laws and how to protect your property. That is why it can be helpful to speak with us when you run into a problem. We can help you understand your insurance policy and ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.
Contact GED Lawyers Today About Your Massachusetts Wind Damage Insurance Claim
GED Lawyers’ attorney team is ready to assist you when you need us most. Call us or complete our case evaluation form today for a free consultation. Our team will assess your coverage and options, and you will learn how our Massachusetts wind damage attorney can help you seek financial recovery.
