Homeowners and commercial property owners suffering damages following a disaster may need help handling debris removal and cleanup. Storms, fires, and natural disasters can wreak havoc on property, causing extensive and overwhelming messes and loss.
Property owners experiencing substantial damages and complex insurance claims should consult a property damage attorney immediately. They can provide guidance on debris removal and cleanup claims.
When insurance companies refuse to pay fair settlements or deny claims, property damage lawyers are here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss the specifics of handling debris removal and cleanup after a disaster through your insurance company.
What Is Debris Removal Insurance?
Debris and cleanup removal insurance is a section of your commercial property or homeowners insurance policy coverage. It reimburses debris and cleanup costs for damage to your property from disasters. Standard homeowner's insurance may or may not include coverage, or it may be coverage as a supplemental policy. An attorney will review your policy and clarify the terms.
How Debris Removal Insurance Works
Debris removal insurance policies generally have a cap limiting reimbursement amounts on property damages. A property insurance lawyer will fight to secure maximum damages from all liable insurers to recover damages. The debris removal and cleanup policy deductible must be paid out-of-pocket by the home or property owner unless otherwise stated.
What to Do Before Handling Debris Removal and Cleanup
Several steps must be taken before handling debris removal and cleanup. Homeowners and property owners with insurance should not be concerned about removing the debris themselves. Before handling debris removal and cleanup, property owners must:
- Assess the Situation—identifying dangers such as exposed wires, downed powerlines, unstable structures, and hazardous materials.
- Wear Protective Gear—before handling debris removal and cleanup, wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, eye protection, hair coverings, and good shoes.
- Document Damages—take clear and detailed photographs and videos of damaged property, debris, and items lost to the disaster.
- Separate Debris Type—sort debris into separate types. FEMA divides debris into five categories: electronics, large appliances, vegetative debris, construction debris, household garbage, discarded food, paper, or packaging.
Hiring professional help is highly advised for massive and dangerous debris removal and cleanup. You may also find volunteer organizations willing to assist. Speak to a property insurance attorney to determine your policy's coverage and exclusions. They will help ensure safe and proper debris removal and cleanup under your coverage.
Why You Need a Property Damage Lawyer
Homeowners and commercial property owners with complicated cases involving extensive damages may benefit from hiring a property damage attorney. Reasons why you may need a lawyer include claim disputes, liability issues, contractor disputes, property damage disputes, hazardous materials, and natural disasters.
Insurance Claim Disputes
When debris removal and cleanup claims are complex, involving considerable damages, you may run into insurance disputes. Your property or homeowner's insurance company may significantly undervalue or deny your claim.
An attorney can review your coverage and negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit on your behalf. Additionally, they can help claimants with unfairly denied claims by strategizing an appeal.
Liability Issues
Sometimes, liability is unclear or disputed when multiple liable insurers are involved. For example, if a tree falls on neighboring properties, the owner may be liable for damages to both properties. A property damage attorney will investigate the damage to determine all liable parties and demand fair compensation for damages and repairs.
Contractor Disputes
If you have disputes with debris removal and cleanup contractors about the quality of service, costs, and scope of work, it helps to have a property insurance lawyer. They can mitigate the issue and take it to court if your legal rights are being infringed upon.
Property Damage Disputes
Natural disasters and fires cause massive property destruction and extensive financial damage. In these cases, liable insurers often undervalue claims to minimize their company's losses. Your property damage attorney will navigate handling debris removal and cleanup claims by demanding fair compensation for losses. They help homeowners and commercial property owners thoroughly assess their damages and fight for their right to recover maximum compensation.
Hazardous Materials
When handling debris removal and cleanup involves disposing of hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos, a property damage lawyer can help ensure proper removal. Debris removal insurance generally covers the costs of hazardous material removal; however, there are exceptions, including pollutant removal from water or land.
Natural Disasters
Property insurance lawyers understand federal regulations and local permitting for debris removal and cleanup following a natural disaster. They will ensure professional and proper handling of debris removal and cleanup following natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
Commercial Properties
Commercial property debris removal and cleanup claims are much more complicated and have different legal regulations than residential claims. They can include comprehensive property assessments, interrupted business losses, and extensive negotiations with multiple liable insurers.
How a Property Insurance Claims Lawyer Can Help
Thoroughly investigating your damages is necessary before filing debris removal claims properly. It's common for legally unrepresented property owners to miss damages and absorb financial losses they didn't need to due to improper damage assessments. A debris removal lawyer will investigate all damages, including income losses, hotel lodging costs, and out-of-pocket expenses for emergency and temporary repairs. Other services they provide include:
- Reviewing Insurance Policies: Your lawyer will review your homeowner or property owner's insurance policy to clarify coverage and strategize recovery.
- Reviewing Contracts: Your attorney will review contracts with debris removal companies, identifying potential concerns or areas of disagreement.
- Gathering Evidence: Evidence of your damages is vital in proving loss. A property insurance lawyer will recommend a professional document of all damages with a written assessment, timestamped video, and photographic evidence.
- Negotiating Fair Settlements: A property insurance attorney is a skilled and confident negotiator who won't back down until securing a fair settlement for your property damages.
- Consulting Experts: Lawyers may work with experts, such as engineers and environmental consultants, to assess the extent of handling debris removal and cleanup on your property, including potential dangers.
- Filing Lawsuits: Insurance companies prefer to handle claims outside of court and will generally settle. However, your attorney may file a lawsuit for your damages if they're unwilling. If your case proceeds to trial, they will handle all litigation.
If you need help filing a debris removal claim with your insurance company due to the intricate nature of the claim and extensive damages, consult a property insurance lawyer. Claimants with an insurance claim denied for debris removal and cleanup after a disaster should also contact an attorney. You may still appeal and recover your losses.