404-636-4900 The aftermath of a storm may wreak havoc and leave behind massive destruction, debris, shattered glass, tree damage, floods, and power and water outages. If your home gets damaged, which may include roof damage to even total structural loss; it can be very stressful how to handle cleanup and home disaster repairs.
We encourage our members to contact our office during an impending storm and throughout the recovery process to answer your questions and provide guidance during uncertain times. We are prepared, so you should be, too, when it comes to taking preemptive measures to protect your property. Also, if there is damage to your property, beware of insurance issues, and exercise caution when selecting contractors. Members should be on the lookout for workers and companies engaging in fraud, and avoid predators. Here are practical suggestions and measures our attorneys want to alert our members about:
1.) Before the storm hits your area, develop a disaster preparedness plan with your family and figure out what you should do in an event of an emergency or if you get separated. There may be evacuation routes in your area, you may research beforehand, especially if you live on or near a floodplain, coastline, or in an area prone to disasters. You may want to write down the contact information of your utility providers in the event you lose power, have a downed power line, or have to report a gas leak.
2.) Standard homeowner policies protect your property for most “storm” activity. Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy and call us to review your policy to better understand the terms, including exclusions and limitations. You should gather all copies of your health, automobile, homeowner and renter insurance, and estate planning documents and keep them in an easily accessible place so you’re prepared to access them immediately when the need arises.
3.) Prior to a storm, you should also make reasonable efforts to protect your property from damage and continue to take protective measure to prevent any further loss if there is damage to your property. For example, if you have a hole in your roof as a result of storm damage, you have a duty to mitigate further damage until the insurance adjuster can determine the extent of the loss. Keep all receipts to submit to the insurance company to get reimbursed. It is necessary to document, take pictures, and keep lists of all your losses (e.g., home, auto, or other property damage) in order to pursue any recovery claims with your insurance company.
4.) If you disagree with the insurance company about the claim settlement, ask them to review the specific language in the policy and make sure to obtain a written letter explaining the denial and specific language from the policy. You may also try to negotiate with the insurance company if you disagree with the settlement offer. You may contact our office to discuss the denial or settlement offer from the insurance company.
5.) Always confer with your insurance company, utility providers, or even Homeowners Association, before contacting a contractor to repair damages. Make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded. The Georgia Secretary of State’s website maintains a list of licensed residential and general contractors. See http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/
If you have any questions or pressing concerns then please contact our office immediately. We recognize the importance of speaking to a qualified professional who can guide you or your loved ones during trying and challenging times. Our Attorneys review the facts and circumstances uniquely inherent to your situation and can provide important advice and tools to better assist you and your family. We look forward to receiving your call.
