When a hurricane tears through Texas, it doesn’t just damage property, it upends lives. Your home, your business, and your financial stability can all be left in tatters. Meanwhile, insurance companies often drag their feet or deny valid claims outright. If you’re tired of the runaround, it’s time to bring in a Houston hurricane damage lawyer who’s ready to go to war for you.
Daly & Black, P.C. boasts some of the foremost hurricane damage lawyers Houston has to offer, we know how to hold insurance companies accountable and pursue the maximum payout available to you. Whether your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’re here to help you take back control and rebuild your life.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we are ALL IN until your insurance policy is honoured to the fullest extent. Get in touch with Daly & Black P.C. and schedule your free consultation now.
The Impact of Hurricanes in Houston
Houston is no stranger to devastating storms. From Hurricane Harvey to Hurricane Ike, our city has endured some of the most destructive weather events in the country. With each storm comes overwhelming property damage—roofs ripped off, entire homes flooded, and businesses left in ruins.
Hurricane-related property damage in Houston typically includes:
- Roof damage and structural collapse
- Water and mold intrusion
- Wind damage to windows and siding
- Business interruption and inventory loss
For homeowners and business owners alike, the financial fallout can be catastrophic. That’s why it’s critical to have the right legal team when your insurer tries to minimize your claim.
How Much Damage Can a Hurricane Cause?
Houston has experienced some of the most devastating hurricanes in recent U.S. history, resulting in billions of dollars in insured and uninsured losses. Hurricane Harvey alone caused more than $125 billion in damage in 2017, making it the second-costliest hurricane in the nation’s history according to the National Hurricane Center.
A Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds exceeding 130 mph, can tear roofs off buildings, uproot trees, and flatten entire neighborhoods. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. When insurers lowball your claim or cite obscure exclusions, it’s not just frustrating, it’s financially devastating.
Don’t let them get away with it. Daly & Black knows how to turn their tactics against them.
Challenges in Filing Hurricane Damage Claims
Even when the damage is clear and the claim seems straightforward, policyholders can still find themselves stuck in a frustrating and unfair process. Here’s why it happens:
Insurers Dispute the Cause of Damage
Insurance companies may argue that your losses were due to “wear and tear” or a non-covered event instead of hurricane-related damage. These kinds of disputes can delay or derail valid claims unless aggressively challenged.
Policies Contain Complex or Ambiguous Language
Many homeowners don’t realize their policies are riddled with vague language and exclusions until they file a claim. Without a legal eye to interpret the fine print, you may accept less than you’re owed—or no payout at all.
Documentation Gets Twisted or Dismissed
Insurers may claim they never received critical documentation or undervalue the evidence you provide. Some even use third-party adjusters whose assessments are skewed to save the insurer money.
These are common tactics—and they’re exactly why you need experienced legal support from day one. We know how to shut down these games and make your insurer play by the rules.
How Daly & Black, P.C. Can Help
When your hurricane damage claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, an experienced Houston hurricane damage lawyer can step in to level the playing field.
An attorney can take over communication with the insurance company, ensuring deadlines are met and documentation is complete. We analyze the language of your policy to uncover the benefits you’re entitled to and confront vague or unfair exclusions.
We coordinate inspections, collect expert reports, and challenge lowball estimates from insurer-selected adjusters. And when negotiation isn’t enough? We’ll champion your case in court.
Our work is backed by years of success and one promise: you don’t pay us unless we win. Call now for a free consultation and let us show you what it means to have a team that’s ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Insurance policies are designed to confuse, but we make sense of the chaos. Understanding what is covered under your insurance policy is not just helpful—it’s essential. Before a hurricane ever forms in the Gulf, you should know exactly what protections your policy provides.
If you’re already facing storm damage, it’s critical to understand your rights before making a claim. Too often, policyholders assume they’re fully covered, only to be blindsided by exclusions, caps, or percentage-based deductibles.
Common exclusions and hidden limits
Most policies have fine-print exclusions for flooding, mold, or earth movement. Some even cap payouts based on depreciation instead of replacement costs, leaving homeowners with far less than expected.
What your deductible actually means
Many policies in hurricane zones come with percentage-based deductibles—not a flat fee. That means a 2% deductible on a $500,000 home equals a $10,000 out-of-pocket loss, often catching homeowners off guard when it’s time to make a claim.
If you’re unsure whether your policy provides adequate protection for hurricane damage, you’re not alone. Without professional help, it’s easy to think you’re covered—only to discover too late that you’re not. Let us help you understand exactly what your hurricane damage policy protects.
The Claims Process
Engaging in a hurricane damage insurance claim in Texas involves a sequence of steps that are not only important—but legally protected under state law. Knowing these steps can help ensure your insurer doesn’t cut corners or violate your rights.
Step 1: Filing the Claim
The process begins when you notify your insurance company of the damage. Under Texas Insurance Code § 542.055, insurers must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 15 calendar days, begin an investigation, and request any additional information they need. The law mandates timeliness and clarity, which means you’re entitled to know what’s needed to process your claim quickly.
Step 2: Investigation and Decision Deadline
Once your insurer has everything it needs, § 542.056 of the Texas Insurance Code gives them 15 business days to decide whether to accept or reject the claim. In some cases, they may request an extension of up to 45 days, but they must notify you in writing. If your insurer exceeds these deadlines without valid reason, they could be penalized with statutory interest and attorney’s fees.
Step 3: Payment Timeline
If your claim is approved, § 542.057 requires the insurer to pay within five business days. Failure to meet this timeline can result in financial penalties. If the claim is underpaid or unjustly delayed, you have the right to take action.
Step 4: Legal Recourse for Violations
When insurers act in bad faith or engage in deceptive practices, Chapter 541 of the Texas Insurance Code provides a legal avenue to seek additional damages. Furthermore, Chapter 542A allows policyholders to file a lawsuit if necessary and demand full compensation, including legal fees and statutory interest.
At Daly & Black, we don’t just guide you through this process—we enforce it. If your insurer violates these laws, we’ll hold them accountable. And because we treat every case like it’s headed for trial, we’re prepared to escalate the moment they fail to uphold their obligations.
The Daly & Black Difference
At Daly & Black, P.C., we don’t just represent clients—we go to battle for them. We built this firm on the belief that insurance companies should be held accountable when they play games with people’s lives. Our lawyers don’t hesitate. We investigate thoroughly, fight aggressively, and bring every legal resource to bear in pursuit of the compensation you deserve.
Our difference is simple: we treat your case like it’s personal. From the moment you call, we operate with urgency, precision, and purpose. We’ve recovered millions for hurricane victims across Texas, and our reputation is built on results. Recognized by Super Lawyers and named Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year, we combine elite legal firepower with relentless advocacy.
We work on a contingency basis, so you pay us nothing unless we win. That’s our promise—and our motivation.
You don’t have to face your insurer alone. Hire the firm that’s ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can a Houston hurricane damage lawyer do for me?
We review your policy, calculate true damages, deal with your insurer, and pursue every dollar you’re owed—even if it means going to court.
Q: Why do insurance companies deny hurricane damage claims?
They may cite exclusions, claim you failed to mitigate damages, or allege pre-existing conditions. We counter those tactics with evidence and legal firepower.
How long do I have to file a hurricane damage claim in Texas?
Most policies require prompt notice, but Texas law generally gives you up to two years from the date of denial to file suit. Don’t wait—deadlines can vary.
Weather the Storm with Daly & Black
Hurricanes leave chaos and destruction in their wake and far too often policyholders are left alone to fight their insurers for the coverage they paid for. As your trusted Houston hurricane damage lawyer, Daly & Black steps in to challenge denials, delays, and underpayments head-on, making sure you understand your rights, your policy, and every dollar you’re entitled to. Schedule your FREE consultation today and put a proven legal team in your corner.