Our Texas Attorneys Will Fight for What You’re Owed

When a natural disaster or another catastrophic event like a fire wreaks havoc on your commercial structure, more often than not, the exterior is not the only part of the building that sustains damage. Hailstorms, windstorms, tornadoes, and fires, among other causes of property damage, can all cause serious and very extensive damage to a building’s interior. Insurance companies will often try to limit their exposure to exterior business property damage, and even then, they give policyholders a hard time about paying claims.

When it comes to interior damage, insurance companies are known to delay, underpay, and deny valid claims much more often. This is because these repairs can sometimes be even more expensive than exterior repairs and the carriers view these costs as more subjective. For example, if you had your office custom painted, an insurance company will generally not pay the full cost you paid to have this work done without a fight, arguing that the actual cash value of your paint job is far less than what you paid.

Common bad faith practices by insurance companies include:

• Denied property damage claims
• Unreasonable delays in paying claims
• Failure to promptly pay claims
• Inexperienced or biased adjusters
• False claims that the damage resulted from wear and tear or other preexisting conditions rather than the issue at hand
• Failure to promptly investigate and assess the damage
• Undervalued claims assessments and low-ball settlement offers
• Accusations that the property did not meet specified code requirements

Causes of interior damage can include roof leaks, ice damming, broken windows, and other damage to the exterior of a building that results in water intruding into the interior. If water damage occurs to a building’s interior and is not quickly addressed, mold, mildew, and other health hazards may begin to take over the space. If you fail to take precautions such as tarping the roof or boarding up the windows, the insurance company may try to hold you liable for the entirety of the interior damage.

Portions of a Building’s Interior That Can Be Damaged

• Ceiling tiles
• Flooring, including hardwood floors, carpet, commercial tile, and more
• Sheetrock, stone, and stucco
• Painting
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• Furnace
• HVAC system
• Walls
• Furniture
• Equipment
• Fixtures such as lighting fixtures
• Personal effects

With all of these forms of potential damage, your business can experience a great amount of downtime until it is repaired. This may not only impact your livelihood but that of your employees, too. Without receiving the proper compensation for your insurance claim, it may be financially impossible for your business to bounce back after the damage is sustained. Don’t let insurance companies cost you your business. Hire an experienced legal team of insurance coverage lawyers like those with Raizner Slania to protect your rights.

We have a team of experts that we hire to provide accurate and honest estimates that can be compared with the assessment conducted by the insurance adjuster. These professionals include independent roofers, contractors, engineers, and independent adjusters. This helps us to know exactly how much you should receive on behalf of your business in response to your claim.

Commercial Property Building Interior Damage Claims Attorneys

Interior repairs are detailed, time consuming, and expensive. They can involve all of the components of an interior of a commercial building. If your insurance company has delayed, underpaid, or denied your interior damage claim, the team of property damage attorneys at Raizner Slania will aggressively protect your interests during claims negotiation and in the courtroom. Our experience includes representing individual owners, property management companies, small and large business owners, and more. To discuss your situation with an experienced building insurance claim attorney, please contact Raizner Slania today. We can help you protect your investment and recover what you are entitled to under your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file an insurance claim for interior damage to my business?

After the damage occurs, you will want to assess the damage on your own. Use your camera to take pictures of the damage. Each insurance company has its own process for filing claims. It is best if you read through your policy or reach out to your specific insurance provider to uncover the proper procedure. When filing, be sure to let the carrier know if the damage is severe or if this is an emergency. If any emergency repairs are necessary, keep receipts, then, take care to handle any emergency repairs that are necessary. 

How long do I have to file a claim for interior damage to my commercial property?

Most insurance companies allow you one (1) year from the date the damage occurred to file a claim. This can vary, though, so it is important to review your policy.

Should I accept a settlement offer from my insurance company?

You want to get back to work, so you may feel inclined to take the first settlement offer from your insurance company. However, you want to make sure that this settlement amount is sufficient to cover all applicable damage so that you won’t be left paying for uncovered repairs.

Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer low-ball settlements, so do your due diligence before accepting any offer – regardless of how tempting.

What should I do if my insurance company has denied my commercial property damage claim?

If your commercial insurance claim was denied, delayed, or a low-ball settlement was offered in response, then you need to call Raizner Slania today at (844) 554-9099. We will review your claim and help you fight to recover the compensation you are due to repair and/or replace the damages your business has suffered.