Wind Damage Claims Lawyer

Wind damage can disrupt lives and create significant challenges for New York property owners navigating insurance claims. Filing a detailed and timely wind damage claim is essential to ensure a swift and fair recovery.

palm trees in front of a beach house being blown in the wind

We’re Here to Help Maximize Wind Damage Claims

At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, our attorneys, backed by years of experience and extensive resources, leverage their expertise in wind damage claims to help New York property owners recover maximum compensation and protect their rights. Our team includes specialists in insurance law, property damage assessment, and negotiation, ensuring you have the strongest possible representation for your wind damage insurance claim.

What You Need to Know About Wind Damage Insurance Coverage

Most homeowners' insurance policies in New York include coverage for wind damage, but the specifics can vary based on the property's location, the insurer, and the terms of the policy. Typically, these policies cover damage caused by wind events, such as:

Torn roof shingles
Broken windows
Fallen tree limbs

However, there are often important distinctions between wind damage caused by hurricanes and that caused by other types of storms, which can impact deductibles and the extent of coverage.

Understanding Deductibles

If a hurricane or named storm causes property damage in New York, you may be subject to a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible that is typically higher than your standard policy deductible.

These deductibles are generally calculated as a percentage of the insured value of your home, usually ranging from 1% to 5%, rather than a flat dollar amount (New York Department of Financial Services).

For example, if your policy insures your home for $100,000 and carries a 2% hurricane deductible, you would be responsible for the first $2,000 of any hurricane-related claim.

It is essential to review your insurance policies carefully before storm season to fully understand your deductible obligations and prepare for the potential financial implications of filing a wind damage claim (DFS Consumer Guide).

Wind damage claims attorneys play a crucial role in helping homeowners and business owners interpret complex policy language and fulfill all policy requirements. They can also present strategic options for your claim, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. Their expertise and advocacy can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair and full recovery.

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Steps to Take After Wind Damage

Safety First: Ensure it is safe to inspect the damage. Avoid any areas with downed power lines, exposed electrical wiring, or structural instability, as these can pose serious hazards.
Document the Damage: Take comprehensive photos and videos of all damage immediately. Detailed visual evidence is crucial for supporting your insurance claim.
Report the Damage: Notify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. Timely reporting can speed up claim processing and avoid accusations of negligence for failing to prevent further losses.
Prevent Further Damage: Take reasonable steps to mitigate additional damage, such as covering broken windows with tarps or moving belongings to protected areas. Be sure to save receipts for any expenses related to temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable under your policy.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand the specific terms of your policy, including your deductible for wind or hurricane damage and coverage limits. Being familiar with these details can aid negotiations with insurance adjusters and protect your rights.
Prepare for the Adjuster’s Visit: Gather all documentation related to the damage, including photos, videos, and receipts for any emergency repairs. Providing thorough, organized evidence can help the adjuster assess the claim more accurately and fairly.

Problems With the Claims Process

One major hurdle is the insurance adjuster's assessment. Adjusters employed by insurance companies may undervalue the extent or cost of necessary repairs, often resulting in settlement offers that do not fully cover the damage. Homeowners may need to negotiate these assessments or seek a second opinion to verify the scope and cost of the repairs accurately.

Another significant challenge is the delay in claim processing, particularly following widespread disasters like hurricanes or severe storms. After major weather events, insurance companies often experience high claim volumes, leading to longer wait times for inspections, assessments, and payouts (New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services). These delays can create hardship for homeowners eager to repair their properties and return to normal life.

Our experienced wind damage claims attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the entire claims process, advocating for your rights, and fighting to secure the full and fair settlement you deserve. We work proactively to expedite your claim whenever possible, helping you move forward with rebuilding and recovery as quickly and confidently as possible.

Trust Vargas Gonzalez Delombard

The wind damage attorneys at Vargas Gonzalez Delombard are always ready to assist New York property owners. Our team understands the unique challenges posed by the local environment, building codes, and insurance laws—critical factors when handling wind damage claims in the city and across the state.

At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, we are committed to protecting your rights. We stand strong against insurance company tactics designed to delay, dispute, or deny legitimate claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to under New York law.

Every case we handle is unique. We dedicate time and resources to investigate and resolve each claim thoroughly. Schedule a free case review today and let us support you through this difficult time. As always, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.