Often times a commercial insurance policy will contain “business interruption coverage.” In light of the recent wildfires which have scorched the state of Texas in 2011, many businesses are being forced to make claims which fall under this type of coverage. This type of coverage will cover losses from the time your business is not in operation, fixed costs from bill which may accrue, cost associated with operating your business from an alternative location, and other extra expenses like rental equipment.
Aside from being profit oriented enterprises, the Amaro Firm realizes that Texas business often provide a valuable service to the community. Accordingly, we here at the Amaro Law Firm believe that Texas business should be fully and adequately compensated for their reasonable business interruption claims so that they may continue to serve the community in which they are located. The attorneys at the Amaro Law Firm understand that when disasters like wildfires prevent Texas businesses from operating and they will have to substantiate loss of profits. Many people outside of the business can also suffer the consequences. In the event of an emergency like a wildfire, businesses have usually diligently paid insurance premiums in order to ensure that their establishment can be up and running again as soon as possible and minimize their damages with insurance proceeds. Unfortunately, insurance companies are typically not interested in paying the true value of the claim.
Insurance companies are there to make a profit and this industry trains its adjusters to pay the smallest amounts they can get away with on claims. In most cases, an adjuster can receive a bonus or promotion to validate their ability to pay as little as possible. Some adjusters are subject to performance review to measure their effectiveness in underpaying valid insurance claims. Adjusters understand that they can lower a settlement amount by simply wearing you down and they understand that time is money – your money. The longer insurance companies hold onto the money they have collected from their policyholders, the better it is for them as that money is typically invested and earning interest for their benefit – not yours.
Sometimes, insurance adjusters request information they do not need and they are not entitled to obtain. It may cause the business to think there is something wrong with their claim or that there is a reason for the undue delays. An insurance company adjuster will pretend to be your friend and try to convince you that they are operating with your best interests at heart, when the truth is the opposite. In some cases, an insurance company may even threaten to lower a settlement amount if you retained an attorney to act on your behalf or hire a contractor to complete the repairs that they did not recommend.
Don’t be a victim twice. Under the Texas Insurance Code and other laws of our state, there are actions that can be taken by a proven Houston insurance lawyer to seek relief and attorney’s fees for wrongfully denied benefits. At the Amaro Law Firm, we take pride in stepping forward on behalf of everyday citizens who face an uphill battle against insurance companies. Mr. Amaro began his legal career defending property damage claims for major insurance companies and knows exactly how the insurance business works, what strategies the companies employ, and how to effectively combat them as your representative.
In conclusion, if you feel your insurance company has treated you unfairly or refused to compensate you for legitimate commercial property damages caused by the wildfires in Texas, please feel free to call our offices at 713-864-1941 or toll-free at 1-877-292-8797 for a free consultation and evaluation of any potential claims you may have against them. You can also contact us through our website or email us here.