When tornadoes strike Houston, they don’t just leave behind twisted roofs and splintered walls—they disrupt lives, livelihoods, and entire communities. In the aftermath, you expect your insurance company to show up for you, but too often, they show up late—or not at all.
If you’re searching for a Houston tornado damage lawyer, you’re likely already facing a frustrating battle with your insurer. At Daly & Black, P.C., we fight relentlessly to make sure you aren’t left picking up the pieces on your own.
The insurance company has their team—make sure you’ve got yours. Daly & Black is ready to fight for every dollar your policy promises. Schedule your FREE consultation with us today.
Tornado Risk in Houston Explained
Houston and the broader Harris County region face a higher tornado risk than many people realize. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Harris County has experienced over 200 tornado events since 1950.
While many of these tornadoes fall on the lower end of the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale—ranging from EF-0 to EF-2—it doesn’t take an EF-4 tornado to wreak havoc in a densely developed metro like Houston. When powerful winds, debris, or hail tear through a compact urban neighborhood or commercial corridor, even a relatively moderate storm can lead to catastrophic damage.
One clear example is the EF-2 tornado that struck Kennedale and Arlington, Texas in April 2012, causing approximately $200 million in damage. The storm tore through homes, businesses, and public infrastructure—proving that intensity isn’t the only factor that determines financial loss.
Despite this risk, many policyholders are underprepared or misled about the scope of their coverage. That’s exactly why having an experienced Houston storm damage lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.
Tornado Damage in Houston: Why Claims Get Denied
Even with modern warning systems, tornadoes often strike with little time to prepare—they rip through neighborhoods, leaving destruction in their wake. In those chaotic aftermaths, policyholders expect relief but are often met with delay tactics, undervaluation, and stonewalling from the very companies that promised to protect them.
Claim delays
Insurance companies often drag out the process after a tornado, blaming the delay on the need for further assessments or third-party evaluations. These investigations can stretch for weeks or months, leaving policyholders in limbo, unable to begin repairs or return to normal life.
Underpayments
Insurers may send adjusters who spend minimal time on-site, overlook critical damage, or rely on software estimates that under-represent the true cost of repair. The result? Offers that barely scratch the surface of what it will actually take to rebuild.
Denials
One of the most common—and frustrating—tactics is to deny the claim outright. Insurers may point to vague exclusions buried in your policy or argue that the damage existed before the tornado struck. Without legal pushback, many policyholders simply give up.
At Daly & Black, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to hold insurers accountable and fight back against bad-faith behavior. If your tornado damage claim is being mishandled, denied, or dragged out, you’re not alone. Get in touch and schedule a free consultation with us today.
Does Home Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
In most cases, yes—homeowners insurance covers tornado damage but insurers often dispute the cause or extent of the damage. They might argue:
- The damage is due to flooding (not covered without a separate NFIP policy).
- Wear and tear caused the roof failure.
- Wind-driven rain isn’t covered if the structure was already compromised.
In Texas, standard homeowners insurance policies typically include wind and hail coverage, which encompasses tornado-related wind damage. However, flooding—whether caused by storm surge, overflowing bayous, or heavy rains—is not covered unless the homeowner has a separate flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Additionally, coverage limits and exclusions vary widely depending on the type of policy (HO-3, HO-B, etc.), the age of the property, and endorsements selected at the time of purchase. Policyholders should review their declarations page and ask:
- Am I covered for temporary housing if my home is uninhabitable?
- Is my roof covered at actual cash value or replacement cost?
- Do I have extended dwelling or ordinance & law coverage in case of code-required upgrades?
Too often, policyholders only learn about gaps in their coverage after the storm has hit. That’s why it’s critical to consult with experienced attorneys who understand the fine print and know how to challenge insurer tactics.
If you’re unsure whether your claim is valid or if the insurer is playing games, a tornado damage lawyer at Daly & Black can cut through the noise and make sure you’re protected—before and after disaster strikes.
Types of Tornado Damage Claims We Handle
Daly & Black, P.C. represents clients across the full spectrum of property types and storm-related losses:
Residential Claims:
Homes with structural damage, roof loss, window shattering, water intrusion, or complete destruction.
Commercial Property Claims:
Office buildings, warehouses, and retail centers with business interruption and property damage.
HOA & Multi-Unit Properties:
Claims involving shared roofs, common areas, and disputes between HOAs and insurers.
Total Loss Claims:
Cases involving total rebuilds where insurers try to lowball or challenge valuation.
We understand the technical nature of tornado damage, and we work with trusted engineers and construction experts to prove the full extent of your losses.
How a Houston Tornado Damage Lawyer Helps
Insurance companies have their own teams of lawyers, adjusters, and engineers—and they’re not working for you. When you hire Daly & Black:
- We interpret your policy to determine your full coverage.
- We investigate and document every aspect of your damage.
- We negotiate directly with the insurer and fight bad faith tactics.
- We file lawsuits when insurers refuse to pay what’s fair.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win. Our interests are fully aligned with yours—we only succeed when you do.
The Daly & Black Difference
We don’t just dabble in storm damage litigation, we’re recognized nationwide for it. Daly & Black was named Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year in 2022 and our attorneys are consistently ranked among the best in the industry. Why? Because we don’t just show up, we go ALL IN for every client.
We Bring Proven Experience
We’ve recovered millions for victims of tornado and storm damage across Texas and beyond. Our deep understanding of insurance law, and how insurers operate, gives us the upper hand in every negotiation and courtroom battle.
We Fight With Relentless Aggression
At Daly & Black, we don’t ask nicely. We demand what our clients are owed. We hold insurers accountable when they delay, deny, or underpay legitimate claims. And if they won’t make it right, we’ll see them in court.
We Prioritize Clarity and Control
You’ll never be left in the dark. From day one, we explain your options clearly and keep you in the loop as your case progresses. Empowering you with information is part of how we win.
We Deliver Results That Matter
We’re not here for quick settlements or partial payments. We pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under your policy. Our results speak for themselves—and so do our clients.
Daly & Black is headquartered right here in Houston. This isn’t just another city on a case file—it’s our home. When insurers try to shortchange our neighbors, we take it personally.
FAQ
What should I do if my property is damaged by a tornado in Houston?
Document everything. Take photos and videos of the damage, file your claim immediately, and avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer inspects the property. Then, contact a Houston tornado damage lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
Why do insurance companies deny tornado damage claims?
They may argue exclusions apply, claim damage predated the storm, or say your repairs were unreasonable. Many denials are based on vague policy language or poor faith interpretations. An attorney can push back hard.
How can a Houston tornado damage lawyer help with my claim?
We level the playing field. From reviewing your policy to litigating bad faith denials, Daly & Black ensures you’re not outmatched or misled by your insurance company.
Call Daly & Black Today
Tornados and the damage they do are often beyond our control, but being cheated by your insurance company is unacceptable and preventable. Don’t let delay tactics, lowball offers, or outright denials keep you from rebuilding.
Call Daly & Black, P.C. today to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re not just your attorneys—we’re your weapon against insurance companies who act in bad faith.
Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME for Houston policyholders.