Commercial property damage isn’t just a financial loss. It also takes a significant emotional toll. Structural losses and interrupted operations can cut into your bottom line, and dealing with insurance companies only adds to the stress. Most business owners pay insurance premiums expecting peace of mind, but the claims process can easily become a battle.
Fortunately, Insurance Claim HQ is here to help. Our skilled attorneys help business owners across Louisiana navigate commercial property damage claims. Whether your losses stem from fire, flood, hurricane, or another covered disaster, we’ll fight for the compensation your policy promises. Insurance companies often try to delay, underpay, or deny rightful claims. You need an aggressive advocate on your side to pursue a fair recovery.
As a Louisiana-based firm, we know the devastation storms and disasters can bring. Our team brings empathy, experience, and a relentless drive to demand the full amount you’re owed. If your commercial property has been damaged, put ICHQ to work for you. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced commercial property damage lawyer.
Why You Need Our Commercial Property Damage Lawyers in Louisiana
Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with property damage claims. Our commercial property damage lawyers represent Louisiana policyholders just like you.
We know the physical, emotional, and financial stress that follows a storm, fire, or other disaster. We’re devoted to fighting for Louisiana business owners to recover full and fair compensation for their losses.
When you work with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Client-first philosophy – Our team puts you first. You’ll receive clear communication throughout your case, strong representation, and a commitment to advocating for a fair result.
- Insurance law focus – With decades of combined experience, our attorneys know how to interpret complex insurance policies and counter tactics used to delay or deny valid claims. We’ll pursue maximum recovery so you can focus on rebuilding.
- Aggressive advocacy – Although insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, we know the strategies they use, and we push back — hard.
- Proven track record – ICHQ has recovered funds for thousands of business owners and homeowners, including compensation for fires, hurricanes, and other disasters.
Whatever your situation, our attorneys are here to help. Even if you simply want a second opinion on the value of your losses, we’ll evaluate your situation for free and explain your options.
What Is Commercial Property Damage?
Commercial property damage is any physical harm or loss that affects a company’s buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets. Unlike residential claims, these losses can directly disrupt business operations. A timely and full insurance payout is the key to protecting your business’s long-term viability.
Damage can range from structural issues like roof collapses and flooding to smoke damage and mold. Sometimes, the property may be rendered unsafe, shutting down operations until repairs are made.
When Louisiana business owners suffer property damage, their insurance company should step in to cover the losses. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen like you might expect. Insurers often dispute the cause or extent of the damage. Having a commercial property damage lawyer on your side is invaluable so you get fair treatment.
Your insurer should hold up their end of the deal so you can get back to business. When they fail to do so, consulting a commercial property damage claims attorney can help you learn your legal options.
Common Causes of Commercial Property Damage
Louisiana business properties face many risks. Some of the most common causes of commercial property damage include:
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Flooding and mold damage
- Fires
- Burst pipes and plumbing failures
- Vandalism or theft
- Tornadoes and severe winds
- Business interruption from property damage
No matter the cause, ICHQ can review your insurance policy and demand that your insurance company abide by its terms.
Steps To Take After Sustaining Property Damage
After experiencing property damage, your first priority should always be you and your employees’ safety. Once the area is secure, start documenting everything. Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage, including the structure, equipment, inventory, and furniture. Keep copies of receipts for any repairs or cleanup services. These records are key pieces of evidence for your insurance claim.
Next, notify your insurance company. Timely reporting is essential. Delays can give your insurer grounds to deny your claim, especially if they argue that the delay affected their ability to investigate.
While waiting for your insurer’s response, review the terms of your commercial property insurance policy. It’s crucial to understand what should be covered. However, don’t sign anything or accept a settlement offer without legal guidance. Insurance companies often move fast with lowball offers. They may try to close your claim before you realize its full value.
Filing An Insurance Claim for Commercial Property Damage
Filing a commercial property damage claim involves several key steps:
- Document the damage – Collect photos, videos, receipts, contractor estimates, and inventory lists to support your claim.
- Submit your claim and proof of loss – Provide your insurer with a detailed statement of the damages and associated costs.
- Expect a visit from the insurance adjuster – Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Cooperate with the visit, but remember, the adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.
- Watch for common delay tactics – Insurance companies may drag out the process in hopes you’ll accept a lower payout. Having an attorney helps apply pressure and speed things up.
- Be cautious about early settlement offers – Insurers may offer less than you’re entitled to. Do not sign or accept a settlement without legal review from an experienced commercial property damage insurance attorney.
- Know your deadlines – Insurance companies must act in good faith, and you may be able to sue if they fail to fulfill their obligations. You may have up to 10 years to file a bad-faith lawsuit over commercial property damage. However, some companies set shorter deadlines. Reviewing your policy to determine how much time you have to sue is vital.
- Work with a property damage attorney early – At ICHQ, we know how important your business is to you. Our lawyers can guide you through each step of the process and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Get Help from a Louisiana Commercial Property Damage Lawyer Today
If your Louisiana business sustained commercial property damage and the insurance company isn’t helping, you need an aggressive legal advocate in your corner. Reach out today for a free consultation with our Louisiana commercial property damage attorneys.
Results may vary.