Lightning Damage Claims
Damage from hail, flooding and tornados are our greatest concerns during a thunderstorm. But let’s not forget about lightning. Many of us believe being struck by lightning is rare. Though this is true, we still need to be protected in the event it strikes on our property.
Lighting can cause grave amounts of damage to a home or business. These electrical currents could cause a fire, damage a roof and destroy appliances. Filing an insurance claim will help you recover the money you need to repair the damage, but you will have to deal with your insurance company first.
Lightning Damage Insurance Claims Attorney in Texas
Insurance is a for-profit business. Providers and adjusters will go to great lengths to ensure the company remains profitable. Some may even go as far as breaking the law. Contact LeMaster Law Firm if you believe your insurance company has mistreated you. Ms. Ahmed and Ms. LeMaster will evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Whether your claim has been unjustly denied, or you are having a hard time negotiating the settlement you need, you can count on LeMaster Law Firm. Call 832-356-7983 to schedule a time to speak with a experienced lightning damage claim attorney in Texas. We assist policyholders throughout the great State of Texas including Montgomery County, Collin County, Harris County, Dallas County and Galveston County.
Information Center
- Coverage Provided for Lightning Damage
- Common Damage Caused by Lightning
- Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
- Additional Resources
Coverage Provided for Lightning Damage
Most home and commercial property insurance policies cover lightning damage. Some property owners, however, forget their provider will cover more than structural damage. Listed below is a brief general description of the coverage typically provided for lightning damage:
- Personal property coverage pays for personal items destroyed by lightning, but only up to a certain amount. Coverage for expensive items like jewelry and fine art will likely need additional protection.
- Additional structural coverage pays to repair structures on your property that are not attached to the home. This can include garden sheds, fences and detached garages.
- Loss of use coverage will cover living expenses if you cannot live in your home while it’s being repaired. These living expenses can include rent, hotel bills and other costs you would not have incurred had you been living at home.
Common Damage Caused by Lightning
Lightning contains about one billion volts of electricity. When it strikes your home or business, the energy will move through the metal structures and wiring until it finds its way to the ground. This movement of electricity can cause grave damage to your property. Common lightning damage can include the following:
- Fire: Lightning can emit enough heat through materials like wood and insulation and cause it to go up in flames. Roofs and attics are especially susceptible to fire damage since lightning typically strikes at the highest point of a structure.
- Shock wave: A lightning strike can emit shock waves powerful enough to move bricks and roof shingles, causing damage to your roof.
- Power surge: Lightning will find its way to the ground through electrical wiring, causing damage to all devices and appliances plugged into the electrical system.
Other signs your home or business was struck by lightning include:
- Power outage
- The smell of melting plastic or smoke
- A humming or buzzing sounds
- Structural damage
- Fire or sparks
Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Nothing is more frustrating than being mistreated by your insurance company. Insurance companies have deep pockets, and they would like to keep it that way. Some providers and adjuster will violate your rights as a policyholder to protect their bottom line. Violating a policyholder’s rights is considered bad faith and may be cause for litigation.
Listed below are examples of bad faith practices:
- Failing to pay a prompt and fair settlement
- Misrepresenting policy information surrounding your claim
- Failing to provide a reasonable explanation for denying a claim
- Failing to confirm or deny a claim within a reasonable time
- Refusing to settle a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation
- Refusing to pay a claim because of race, religion, gender or another characteristic
Speak with an insurance lawyer right away if you believe your rights as a policyholder have been violated. You may be entitled to up to three times the amount of your claim, attorney fees and any other damages deemed appropriate by the court.
Additional Resources
Unfair Settlement Practices | Texas Insurance Code – Follow the link provided to read the chapter of the Insurance Code governing bad faith insurance practices. Scroll to section 541.060 to find a complete list of bad faith acts. You can also find more information on misrepresenting policy information and hearing procedures. The statute can be read on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website.
Homeowners Insurance | Texas Department of Insurance – Visit the official website of the Texas Department of Insurance to learn more about homeowner’s coverage. You can find a full list of provided coverage and learn about replacement and actual cash value coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance is responsible for regulating insurance in Texas.
Texas Denied Lightning Damage Claims Lawyer
Did your property suffer lightning damage? Is your adjuster unwilling to negotiate a greater settlement? Ms. Ahmed and Ms. LeMaster are proven insurance litigators. They are well aware of the tactics used by insurance companies to limit their liability. LeMaster Law Firm will use this experience to your advantage and ensure your insurance company does not take advantage of you.
Call 832-356-7983 to schedule a consultation today with LeMaster Law Firm. LeMaster Law Firm assists clients across the state of Texas including the greater Houston area such as Tomball, Pasadena, Conroe, League City and Galveston.
