Commercial Tornado Damage Lawyers

Tornadoes are an impressive force of nature capable of causing complete devastation to everything in their paths due to their high winds, damaging rains, and thrown debris. Impressive though they may be, for business owners, they represent the potential for serious property damage, which can result in financial losses that are difficult to quantify. If, as a commercial property owner, your business has sustained extensive property damage due to a tornado and other types of storms, it is highly recommended that you retain professional legal representation from San Antonio and Houston tornado damage attorneys.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping homeowners and commercial property owners recover fair compensation for necessary repairs and other losses sustained in Texas natural disasters. We proudly represent clients who are facing difficulties recovering compensation with their property insurance after disaster strikes. As your legal counsel, our lawyers will do everything within our power to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the payout you require after your property was damaged in a windstorm.

To learn more about our legal services, please contact our San Antonio law office to schedule your free initial consultation today. In your free, no-obligation case evaluation, we will discuss your legal options and help you determine the best course of action to pursue the most favorable outcome of your tornado insurance claim.

Are Tornadoes Common in Texas?

Large portions of Texas are part of the dreaded Tornado Alley. Along with areas of Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, the Lone Star State is familiar with Tornadoes and other types of natural disasters that cause complete destruction to residential and commercial property.

Texas is second only to Mississippi for states witnessing a high frequency of tornado activity. In 2022, more than 180 tornadoes struck Mississippi, whereas 160 tornadoes hit Texas. Our state ranks third in the country for tornado-caused fatalities. Iowa ranks as the number one deadliest state for tornado fatalities. In terms of tornado storm density, we average nearly six tornadoes per 10,000 square miles.

The state of Texas suffers nearly $5 billion in tornado property damage annually. This has resulted in higher insurance rates and fewer choices for commercial properties and homeowners, as insurance companies are pulling out of the state and taking their business elsewhere.

Tornadoes are only one of the many different types of natural disasters that Texas must contend with. Focusing only on the tornado still shows a natural disaster capable of causing roof damage, wind damage, hail damage, water damage, and other extensive damage.

If you have suffered a direct hit from a Texas tornado, you need the legal representation of storm damage attorneys familiar with your region. Our legal team has extensive experience representing clients who suffer damage from strong winds and tornadoes. To learn more about how we may be of legal assistance to you and your case, please schedule your free consultation today.

What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale?

When it comes time to rate a tornado in terms of its power and the damage it causes, meteorologists and others turn to the Fujita Scale. A tornado that is technically larger than another but causes less damage will be rated lower on the Fujita scale. Additionally, the length of time that a tornado exists and causes further damage will factor into determining its scale.

Most tornadoes in the United States are considered relatively weak. However, one severe storm front can produce a tornado capable of causing extensive wind and flood damage.

What Should You Do if a Tornado Damaged Your Business or Commercial Property?

If a tornadic storm has damaged your business, commercial property, or storefront, you must wait until it is safe to access the property and then begin assessing the damage done. Do not attempt to assess the damage while the storm is still raging, as you may be in danger of being hit by the storm or injured by exposed electrical systems.

If the tornado caused extensive property damage, it would be advisable that you file an insurance claim with your provider. When submitting your tornado damage insurance claim, do so with evidence to support your claim, including photographs, videos, and other documentation of the damage done. It is essential that you be as thorough as possible.

Attempt to refrain from beginning any repairs. If, however, you must make minor repairs to your property, document the cost of the repairs and keep all receipts.

What Are Common Losses Suffered from a Texas Tornado?

Tornadoes can cause significant damage to buildings, equipment, motor vehicles, and nature. Often, the damage caused by a tornado is more severe than the wind damage caused by other strong storms.

Common examples of structural damage and property damage suffered in tornado storms include:

• Broken or cracked windows
• Cracking interior and exterior walls
• Damaged electronics, furniture, appliances, and personal items
• Damaged roofs
• Debris impact
• Exterior damage, such as damage to landscaping, driveways, and fences
• Flood damage
• Frame damage
• Lightning strikes
• Missing roof decking
• Structural damage to the foundation of a building
• Totaled motor vehicles on the property
• Torn or missing gutters
• Warped and broken flooring

How Long Do You Have to File Tornado Damage Claims in TX?

In most cases, the terms of your insurance coverage dictate how long you have to file a tornado damage claim for your commercial property. Ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policies so that you do not miss the opportunity to recover fair value compensation for the damage you’ve sustained.

Most insurance policies allow up to one year from the date of the inciting damages for an insurance claim to be filed.

What Does the Insurance Company Consider an ‘Act of God?’

Depending on your insurance policy, your insurer may regard tornadoes as an act of God. Acts of God may or may not be covered. To determine whether or not your insurance policy covers tornadoes as acts of God, you must carefully read your policy terms and consult with an insurance agent. Our legal team would be proud to lend legal assistance.

If your insurance company regards tornadoes as acts of God and such events are typically covered by your policy, you should have reason to expect prompt and complete financial compensation for damages sustained. However, be prepared for insurance companies to fight to provide as little as possible after receiving your insurance claim.

What Are Bad Faith Tactics That Insurance Companies May Employ to Avoid Honoring Your Insurance Claim?

While an insurance company provider typically covers a valid claim, insurance adjusters and their employers do not always operate in good faith.

Some insurance companies have been known to practice certain bad faith tactics to deny or devalue storm damage claims.

Such tactics include:

• Accusations that your commercial building did not meet specified code requirements
• Allegations of fraud
• Completely denying property damage claims
• Failure to pay claims in a timely manner
• Improper or late investigation into the tornado damage
• Inaccurately states that storm damage was the result of poor maintenance
• Lowballing claim assessments and settlement offers

What Should You Do if Your Insurance Provider Denies Your Tornado Damage Claim?

Insurance companies are looking out for their own interests, not yours. If your storm damage insurance claim is delayed or denied, or you were offered what you believe to be an unreasonably low settlement, you must work with knowledgeable attorneys in this practice area. You fought hard to make your commercial business a reality, and you should not accept illegitimate insurance practices that could cause your property to never get back on its feet again after the severe damage of a tornado.

Our legal staff has extensive experience representing clients in complex insurance claim disputes, and we would be proud to represent your interests as you pursue maximum compensation for your insurance claim.

Schedule a Free Case Review to Discuss Your Storm Damage Insurance Claim Today

Our San Antonio law firm would be proud to represent your storm damage insurance claims as you seek full compensation for the damage suffered in a tornado storm.

To learn more about how Stormlex Law Group can be of legal assistance to you during this difficult time, please schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation with our law firm today. You may reach us at 877-890-6372.