Commercial Property Hurricane Damage Claim Lawyers

Hurricanes and other natural disasters are an unfortunate reality for many Texas homeowners and business owners. Between 1980 and 2023, hurricanes caused more damage than all other types of weather disasters in the United States, causing the highest number of weather-related deaths and more than $1.3 trillion in damages. According to government researchers, the average economic losses caused by hurricane storm surges, high winds, flood damage, heavy rainfall, and further damage total close to $54 billion annually. Commercial properties alone account for approximately $9 billion of hurricane losses in any given year.

When an area is hit by a natural disaster such as a hurricane, the storm causes catastrophic damage to homes, nature, infrastructure, and businesses. Companies of all sizes, big and small, are often faced with commercial property damage and other ongoing expenses when hurricane winds and inland flooding cause business interruption.

As a commercial business owner, you rely upon your insurance provider to replace damaged property and provide other forms of adequate compensation following hurricanes and tropical storms. However, both public and private insurers are often reluctant to pay commercial property owners what they are owed for their insurance claims. In such cases, those with a valid claim are encouraged to speak with a law firm about how to obtain compensation for their insurance claim. Our San Antonio law offices have extensive experience representing clients in complex legal matters related to commercial hurricane insurance, Texas law, and the bad faith practices of certain insurance company providers. To learn more about how we may be of legal assistance to you, please schedule your free initial consultation today.

Are Hurricanes Common in Texas?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th every year. Tropical storm activity is at its peak throughout August and September. During hurricane season, the Lone Star State is considered to be among the states most commonly impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. In fact, of the more than 300 hurricanes that have made landfall in the United States of America since the 1850s, more than 60 have struck Texas. Only Florida has experienced more hurricanes making landfall.

Approximately once every six years, the residents of Texas may expect a landfall hurricane. August is the most likely time for hurricanes to strike Texas. Any area along the coast is considered vulnerable to hurricanes, though Houston and Galveston have experienced the most severe hurricane damages.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Galveston, TX. This storm is considered among the most destructive natural disasters in our country’s history, causing billions of dollars in damages to Galveston and the greater Houston areas.

What Types of Property Damage Can a Hurricane Cause?

Hurricanes bring not only wind to the shores of Texas; these storms are also destructive forces of nature that can cause significant structural damage to residential and commercial properties.

Hurricanes are responsible for the following types of damages:

• Business disruptions: While the physical damage of a hurricane is often clear to see, sometimes hurricanes can be even more damaging in unseen ways for commercial businesses. If a hurricane leads to extended downtime, a business could face untold amounts of lost income
• Debris: Hurricane winds are capable of throwing trees, signs, posts, and other objects through the air, which can lead to structural damage, damaged roofs, broken windows, and more
• Flooding: Elevated sea levels from the hurricane storm surge often lead to flooding conditions, while additional rainfall can cause further inland flooding. Water can cause flood damage, damage to your mechanical and electrical systems, mold, mildew, and damage to inventory, equipment, and furniture
• High winds: Major hurricanes can produce high-speed winds that can cause catastrophic damage to structures, buildings, windows, doors, walls, and roofs. Hurricane wind damage can compromise the integrity and safety of a building
• Storm erosion: A hurricane storm surge can erode the shoreline, damaging structures close to the water and undermining their foundations. Erosion can also negatively impact the landscape, leading to drainage issues and other problems
• Tornadoes: In some hurricane scenarios, it is possible for the natural disaster to spawn tornadoes or twisters. This can lead to further damages

What Are the Five Hurricane Categories?

Hurricane damage varies depending on the category of the stormfront. Similarly, the value of your hurricane damage claim may depend on the category of the storm. The higher the category when the hurricane makes landfall, the worse the damage will be.

Category one hurricanes have winds between 74 and 95 mph and can damage foliage, nature, unanchored mobile homes, and poorly constructed structures. Examples of category one hurricanes include Hurricane Hannah and Hurricane Nicholas.

Category two hurricanes have winds between 96 and 110 mph. These types of hurricanes, perhaps best represented by Hurricane Alex, can cause significant damage to trees, power lines, roofs, and certain poorly constructed objects.

Category 3 hurricanes have wind gusts between 111 and 130 mph. These storms can blow down large trees, destroy flimsy constructions, break windows, damage doors, and tear up roofing. They also endanger mobile homes and small buildings, which may sustain structural damage.

Category 4 hurricanes, including Harvey, have wind gusts between 131 mph and 155 mph. It is not uncommon for them to cause significant damage and torrential rains.

The strongest category of hurricanes is category 5. These hurricanes, which included hurricanes Katrina and Rita, have winds of 155 mph and upwards. Small buildings often fail in the face of these storm gusts, many buildings suffer complete roof failures, and flooding is common.

What to Do if Your Commercial Property Suffered Damage from a Major Hurricane?

Hopefully, you have taken the necessary risk management steps to prepare your property for the possibility of a hurricane. But if a hurricane has already made a direct hit or nearby landfall, then you must take certain steps to protect your claim and safeguard your commercial property.

You must inform your insurance company and agent promptly following the hurricane’s damage to your building. Early notification allows the insurance agency to assign you a case number and start your commercial hurricane insurance claim in a timely manner.

In addition to filling out spreadsheets of lost inventory and lost income, it is important that you take photos and videos of all the damage done to your commercial property. If possible, perform a video walkthrough of the entire property. This evidence will prove useful to your insurance claim.

Attempt to refrain from making any constant repairs until later. Only make small, temporary repairs that may prevent further ongoing damage. Leave the other repairs until after you receive confirmation that the insurance company is covering your claim.

You would then file your claim with your insurance company with the help of Texas storm damage insurance lawyers. Do not be surprised if you are met with delays, denials, or other problems common for commercial property policyholders. As your attorneys, we will do everything within our power to help you get reimbursement for your commercial policy.

What is Texas Insurance Law?

In Texas, homeowners and commercial property owners must retain proper coverage for certain hurricane losses by signing up for a commercial hurricane insurance policy. Texas law requires insurance companies that cover policyholders to provide additional coverage for damage caused by windstorms. This is known as windstorm insurance and can be available through private insurance and those operating via the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Additionally, Texas commercial property owners can purchase flood insurance. The law does not require commercial policyholders to have flood insurance, but lenders may require flood insurance as a condition of business deals and loans in high-risk areas. Even if you are not required to obtain flood insurance, it is recommended that you retain flood insurance from an insurer associated with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage Claims?

The typical commercial insurance policy protects your business property against property damage claims. However, standard commercial property insurance or business owner policies usually do not cover natural disasters. Hurricane insurance needs to be added as a separate policy at an additional cost.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage to Commercial Property?

For small business owners working out of their homes, it is important to understand that homeowners’ and renters’ insurance typically excludes coverage of commercial property damage resulting from extreme weather conditions.

What is Texas Hurricane Insurance Coverage?

A commercial hurricane insurance policy covers business disruptions resulting from the damage of hurricanes and other natural disasters, such as wind damage from powerful storms and water damage from flooding and heavy rains.

In some regions, commercial property insurance may include protection against wind and hail damage. However, these storm damages are not covered in all regions, particularly those in high-risk areas for natural disasters.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our San Antonio Insurance Lawyers to Discuss Your Commercial Hurricane Damage Claims Today

If you have the necessary hurricane coverage to protect your business interests in the event of a natural disaster, you should expect prompt payment and replacement costs from your insurance provider following a storm. However, sometimes, insurance companies use bad faith tactics to avoid paying their insured clients what they owe. In such cases, retaining the professional legal representation of experienced attorneys in this practice area is essential.

Our San Antonio law firm has years of experience representing clients in complex cases involving storm damage and insurance claims. To learn more about our legal services and how we may be of assistance to you during this difficult time, please contact our law firm to schedule your free case review about your hurricane damage insurance claims today.

You may reach us at877-890-6372