CLOSE

You’re a responsible homeowner who pays your bills on time and treats others fairly. But when an accident, theft, or natural disaster damages your property, your insurance company may not treat you with the same courtesy. If you’re struggling to get the fair settlement you’re owed, you might be wondering when to hire a home insurance attorney to represent you.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need a lawyer from the very beginning. However, if you’re facing a pattern of unfair treatment, pressure tactics, or a company that doesn’t follow the law, it may be time to hire a property damage lawyer, like the professionals at Brasher Law.

What Is a Residential Property Damage Claim?

A property damage insurance claim is a formal request for compensation from your insurance company after a covered incident. These claims cover expenses related to repairing parts of your home and land, replacing damaged personal property, or paying for your living expenses until your home is safe to live in again.

Homeowners’ insurance policies place limits on how much you can request for a single claim and specify whether your settlement accounts for depreciation or current market value.

Common Home Insurance Claims in Texas & Louisiana

Texas and Louisiana are no strangers to extreme weather, from hurricanes along the Gulf Coast to ice storms that cause widespread power outages. Beyond natural disasters, house fires, burglaries, and other incidents often lead to home insurance claims.

Some of the most common causes include:

  • Hurricanes and thunderstorms
  • Wind and hail damage
  • Freezing weather and burst pipes
  • Fire and lightning
  • Theft and vandalism

How to File a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim

Most homeowners don’t need to call a lawyer right away. Instead, you can set yourself up for a stronger claim by following these key steps and using our property damage checklist.

1: Document the Damage & Protect Your Property

Immediately after the incident, document the property damage with photos and videos.

This documentation will be helpful if you eventually need legal representation. It provides visual evidence of the damage, especially if the insurance company delays or disputes your claim.

2: File Your Claim & Cooperate with the Investigation

As soon as possible, contact your agent or insurance company to file your claim, including all relevant documents and the photo and video evidence you gathered.

The insurance company will likely send a claims adjuster to inspect the damage in person. Stay courteous and cooperative. If they request to see something, provide it and answer their questions truthfully.

You can also hire a contractor you trust for a third-party assessment, which may be helpful if you disagree with the adjuster’s initial evaluation.

3: Stay Proactive & Cooperative

Throughout the investigation, answer questions honestly, respond to emails promptly, and remain polite and respectful.

If you’re unsure whether additional steps are needed, ask—preferably in writing—and keep records of all responses.

4: Evaluate Your Estimate

Once you receive your estimate, review it carefully. If anything is unclear or seems incorrect, contact the insurance company and ask for clarification.

If you believe the adjuster missed elements of your claim or is not addressing your concerns, it may be time to escalate the issue.

5: Contact the Internal Claims Department

If the insurance company is making the process difficult, you can contact the insurer’s claims department and file an appeal. You may need to go through multiple rounds of negotiation and provide additional evidence to reach a fair settlement. If you’re still unable to get a fair result, it may be time to involve a home insurance lawyer.

Common Bad Faith Homeowner Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Why do some insurance companies struggle to honor their policies? It often comes down to their business model. The less they pay in claims, the higher their profit margins—and the more you’re left to cover on your own.

An unscrupulous claims adjuster may use the following tactics to protect the company’s bottom line and leave you feeling frustrated.

Delayed Claims

Some adjusters will create delayed claims, dragging out the claims process to pressure you into settling. They may ignore calls and emails, extend investigations beyond a reasonable timeframe, or request unnecessary documentation.

Underpaid or Lowball Settlements

When you finally receive a settlement (or received an underpaid claim), it may be far lower than what your policy should cover. This can happen if the adjuster disputes coverage or the cause of the damage, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

Claim Denials

Sometimes, your claim may be outright denied. Insurers may attribute damage to aging, claim poor maintenance, or argue that you delayed filing. In some cases, denials come with little or no explanation.

When to Work with a Home Insurance Lawyer

If you’re tired of being given the runaround, dealing with excessive paperwork, and still not making progress toward a settlement, it may be time to let a home insurance lawyer take over.

A lawyer can help when any of the following apply:

The Company Ignores Parts of Your Claim

A claims adjuster is expected to fully evaluate the scope of your damage. However, they may omit key elements to reduce the settlement amount.

You Have a Complex Claim

High-value or complicated claims may not receive the attention they deserve, especially when insurers handle large volumes of cases.

They Use Pressure Tactics or Threats

Adjusters may use language like “final offer,” threaten denial, or suggest policy cancellation to push you into settling.

They Misrepresent Your Coverage

Insurance policies can be complex, and adjusters may interpret the language in ways that limit your coverage.

The Company Doesn’t Follow State Laws

Insurance companies must follow the law. If they violate requirements—such as Texas’s mandate to respond within 15 days of receiving your claim—you may need legal help to hold them accountable.

Speak with a Residential Property Damage Lawyer Serving Texas & Louisiana

At Brasher Law, we stand up for homeowners who are tired of dealing with bad-faith insurers and help them recover the compensation they deserve.

We’ll meet with you personally to review your case, explain your policy, and guide you toward the best legal strategy. Whether negotiating with insurers or representing you in court, we’ll support you every step of the way.

If we take your case, you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement. Your consultation is always free. Contact us today to get started.

 

Brasher Law Firm is licensed in TX, LA, CO, UT, OK, and NV