Mississippi Insurance Dispute Lawyers Handling Vandalism Claims

Strong insurance claim advocacy for victims of vandalism in Mississippi

Vandalism is often described as the intentional destruction of real or personal property. If you have the appropriate insurance coverage, you deserve to be compensated for the damage caused to your property by acts of vandalism. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our lawyers understand that vandalism is often quite damaging to your valuable property. If you have adequate insurance coverage, the insurance company should pay you for the cost of repairing any property that can be fixed and pay you for the replacement value of your property if the property needs replacing. Our Mississippi vandalism lawyers work with skilled professionals and appraisers who can determine the true value of the damage to your home, commercial property, business, and possessions.

How can we help?

• What types of vandalism occur in Mississippi?
• What type of repairs are necessary when vandalism occurs in Mississippi?
• What types of insurance issues do your Mississippi vandalism claims lawyers handle?
• Do you have a Mississippi vandalism insurance claim lawyer near me?

What types of vandalism occur in Mississippi?

Homeowners, renters, and commercial property owners are encouraged to purchase property insurance to provide compensation due to acts of vandalism that:

• Destroy buildings
• Damage windows, doors, and any part of your home or business property
• Damage to trees and landscaping
• Involve spray painting or other graffiti 
• Any other intentional damage to your property, including your vehicles

If arson is involved, we’ll explain how your insurance can compensate you for that type of damage too.

Vandalism also includes the destruction of schools, churches / religious structures, and other public and private property.

What type of repairs are necessary when vandalism occurs in Mississippi?

The types of repairs necessary when vandalism occurs vary depending on what property was damaged and how the vandalism happened. Vandalism repairs may include, among many others:

• Removing graffiti
• Remedying bad smells
• Disinfecting your property
• Removing damaged items, such as windows and replacing them with new windows
• Repairing or replacing vehicles or other machinery located at the property
• Obtaining new computer equipment

When the damage is too costly to repair, our Mississippi vandalism lawyers seek payment for the value of the damaged item. Provided your insurance policy includes replacement damage, we demand that your insurance company pay for the cost of replacing your home, business property or any other damaged item.

What types of insurance issues do your Mississippi vandalism claim lawyers handle?

Our Mississippi vandalism insurance claim lawyers review every type of policy you have when vandalism occurs. Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover vandalism damage. There may be some exceptions. For example, if your home is going to be vacant for a certain period of time, there may be policy provisions that limit or preclude coverage.

We can assist in reviewing your business interruption loss insurance coverage. If vandalism affects your ability to run your business, we work with financial, technical, marketing, and other professionals to determine what is required to get your business up and running again, who needs to be notified that your business operations have moved or stopped, and the full value of your income losses. We also review what expenses, such as fixed overhead and payroll, you need to continue to pay while your business is stalled.

What steps can policyholders take to combat vandalism?

There are some steps that can help reduce the odds that your property will be vandalized or to help catch the people who commit the vandalism. Some of the steps you should consider taking include:

• Installing visible video and camera security systems. They need to be visible so the person who intends to commit vandalism knows that there will be proof of his/her misconduct.
• Installing alarm systems that ring out when there is an unauthorized person on your property.
• Installing fences and using other methods to control access to your property.
• Making sure your windows and doors are locked, especially when you’re away from your property.

If your property is vandalized, you should contact your local police immediately.

Do you have a Mississippi vandalism insurance claim lawyer near me?

Our Mississippi insurance loss lawyers consult with policyholders at our offices located at 600 Main St., Suite 301 in Tupelo and 4780 I-55 N, Suite 100 in Jackson. Our lawyers also speak with clients by phone and through video. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ll answer all your questions, determine the value of your damages, and work to obtain the total amount of compensation you deserve.

Speak with our respected insurance claims lawyers when acts of vandalism occur

It’s bad enough when natural disasters cause damage to your property. It’s worse when vandalism causes damage because vandalism is an intentional wrong, while natural disasters aren’t controllable. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our insurance loss lawyers explain that the wrongdoer doesn’t have to be held accountable for your insurance claim to be successful. When you do your part by paying your premiums, the insurance company should do its part and pay for your vandalism damage. Our Mississippi vandalism lawyers are skilled at ensuring that insurance companies do their part. 

To schedule a free consultation when vandalism occurs, call us, or use our contact form. We represent policyholders in Tupelo, Jackson, and across Mississippi.

Mississippi Water and Mold Damage Claim Dispute Lawyers

Accomplished advocacy for water and mold insurance claimants in Tupelo, Jackson, and across Mississippi

Home and commercial property insurance often covers water damage that is otherwise not flood-related. Non-flood causes include pipes that burst, leaking roofs, broken windows, wind-caused leaks, ice-damming, toilets that overflow, etc. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our Mississippi water and mold damage lawyers are skilled at showing when your coverage applies and when exclusions do and don’t apply. If your policy covers water damage, we can work to show the full scope of the damage and the complete cost of removing the water, clearing the mold, and repairing the remaining damage.

How can we help?

• What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy include?
• What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy exclude?
• What are the different ways water and mold can damage my property?
• Who should clean up my mold damage?
• How do your Mississippi insurance loss lawyers help water and mold damage victims?
• Do you have a Mississippi water and mold damage claim lawyer near me?

What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy include?

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our lawyers begin your claim by reviewing the precise language of your homeowner’s insurance policy or your commercial property insurance policy. In the end, the terms of your policy are very important in determining what is covered.

Water and mold damage is normally covered under the following conditions:

• Burst pipes. If your pipes burst due to freezing temperatures or other causes, you may be covered subject to certain terms and limitations in the applicable policy language. 
• Roof leaks. Roof leaks are often covered by your policy. These leaks may be caused by heavy rain, wind, a hailstorm or debris (such as trees or tree limbs) striking the roof. You do need to file your claim promptly and take steps to secure the roof so further water damage doesn’t occur.
• Other types of leaks. Other leaks into your property, such as leaks in siding, skylights and/or other roofing components, may also be covered.
• Water damage due to fire control. If your property fills with water because fire hoses or sprinkler systems were used to extinguish the fire, your policy may provide coverage.

Your homeowner’s or commercial property insurance should normally cover damage due to snow, ice, sleet, or hail. Mold growth caused by covered water damage may also be covered.

What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy exclude?

There is no substitute for allowing our team to review the terms of your policy to be sure we understand what your policy actually covers. Normally, water damage is covered unless it is specifically excluded by the language of the policy. Keep in mind that you may need to have separate flood insurance for flood-related damages. Our Mississippi water damage lawyers will review your policies to determine if your damage is covered by your homeowner’s policy, your commercial property policy, or, if you have it, your flood insurance policy.

What are the different ways water and mold can damage my property?

In addition to structural damage and roof damage, water damage can cause the following types of damage that should be covered if you’re covered for water damage – unless any exclusions apply:

• Mold damage. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold grows where there is a lot of moisture. Common places where mold grows include leaks in roofs and anywhere water gathers after a storm or a flood. Mold is often detected by smell or sight. For people who are sensitive to mold, the complications can include wheezing, itchy or red eyes, fever, and shortness of breath. Some people may develop respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Our Mississippi mold damage lawyers work to show that the mold is related to water damage that is covered by your policy.
• Wood decomposition. Wood that decomposes due to water damage can attract fungi, carpenter ants, and termites that can cause your home to become structurally unsound.
• Warping. Wood, floorboards, and walls can warp when water accumulates.

Who should clean up my mold damage?

We’ll help you choose a mold cleanup contractor who has experience with removing mold and understands the EPA’s mold cleanup guidelines. Mold cleanup of your structure and heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) generally should be done by professionals due to compliance requirements and health risks. For example, the EPA recommends that mold cleanup professionals wear masks, gloves, and goggles. Mold and water damage caused by “sewage or other contaminated water) is especially dangerous.”

How do your Mississippi insurance loss lawyers help water and mold damage victims?

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we:

• Review your insurance policies to determine what coverage you have and what exclusions or limitations may apply.
• Make practical recommendations to help support your claim. You should document the damage by taking pictures of the damage, indicating the source of the water damage, and obtaining any images you have of the affected area prior to the damage. You should keep receipts for any immediate repairs you do to prevent any further immediate damage.
• Explain what questions your insurance adjuster is likely to ask you.
• Work with water damage and mold damage contractors who can evaluate the damage, the cost to fix the damage, and the time needed to make the repairs.
• Prepare a proof of loss statement.
• Negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
• Pursue your claim in court if the insurance company fails to make a reasonable settlement offer.

Do you have a Mississippi water and mold damage claim lawyer near me?

Our Mississippi insurance lawyers meet homeowners and business owners at our offices located at 600 Main St., Suite 301 in Tupelo and 4780 I-55 N, Suite 100 in Jackson. We also review claims by phone and through video conferences. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ll guide you calmly and clearly through each step of the claims process.

Talk with an experienced Mississippi insurance loss lawyer today

At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ve obtained more than $100 million dollars for policyholders. We’re skilled at the practical and claims issues involved with water and mold damage and the claims issues. We anticipate the arguments carriers will use to try to deny or limit your claim. We’ve helped many property owners obtain strong recoveries, often for the insurance policy limits. To assert your right to insurance proceeds, call our Mississippi water and mold damage lawyers today. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Mississippi Wind Damage Claim Lawyers

Strong advocacy when winds damage homes, businesses, trees/landscaping, and personal property

High winds can cause extensive damage to structures, including windows, doors, roofs, and entire homes and businesses. Office buildings, landscaping, and personal property can suffer severe damage, too. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’re skilled at holding insurance companies liable for your damage. We’re skilled at anticipating the defenses these carriers will use to try to deny or limit your claim. Our Mississippi wind damage lawyers have helped our insurance policy clients obtain more than $100 million in recoveries. We can help you determine whether wind alone caused your damage or if the damage was due to wind, rain, or other natural disasters.

How can we help?

• What types of winds cause property damage in Mississippi?
• What type of damage can strong winds cause in Mississippi?
• What types of insurance issues are involved with wind damage insurance claims in Mississippi?
• How do your wind damage insurance claims lawyers advocate for policyholders in Mississippi?
• What steps can be taken to reduce the severity of wind damage in Mississippi?
• Do you have a Mississippi wind damage insurance claim lawyer near me?

What types of winds cause property damage in Mississippi?

Generally, the stronger the wind and the longer the duration of the wind, the more damage the wind will cause. But that is not always the case. For instance, short bursts of strong winds can be just as damaging. There are many different types of winds:

According to The Weather Channel,  

Straight-line winds are a significant push of air in one direction usually associated with thunderstorms. These winds don’t swirl like a tornado does, but can still cause significant damage to trees, signage, canopies, and in some cases, homes… 

Damage and debris from straight-line winds are often found in a straight line — hence the name. Straight-line winds usually either outflow from strong to severe thunderstorms (downbursts or microbursts) or occur along a line of thunderstorms (Derechos).

Straight-line winds can cause severe damage to homes, buildings, and vehicles. Straight-line wind damage is more common than damage from tornadoes. 

A tornado is “a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris.”

There are also gale winds, hurricane winds, and other types of winds.

What type of damage can strong winds cause in Mississippi?

Winds can cause the following types of damage:

• Downed trees 
• Downed power lines
• Structural damage to buildings
• Water damage
• Window damage 
• Roof damage
• Damage to landscaping
• Vehicle damage

Mobile homes generally cannot handle as much wind as homes built with a strong foundation.

What types of insurance issues are involved with wind damage insurance claims in Mississippi?

The first issue that our Mississippi wind insurance claim lawyers handle for you is determining which insurance policy protects your property. 

• Normally, your homeowner’s or property owner’s insurance should cover any damage due to winds. 
• Other policies, such as umbrella policies, may provide additional coverage.

Some of the other issues our insurance loss lawyers handle include:

• Contesting any effort by the insurance companies to argue that your claim is “excluded” or that the amount of your damages is less than it actually is
• Verifying that your damage is due to wind damage 
• Verifying the source of the wind damage – thunderstorm, hurricane, tornado, or other environmental causes
• Determining what repairs need to be done and the timelines for those repairs
• Showing that part or all of your property needs to be rebuilt
• Obtaining advance payments for temporary lodgings
• Reviewing what laws, building code requirements, and ordinances require compliance

For business clients, we work to obtain compensation for your lost income, fixed overhead costs, payroll, marketing, IT, and other business expenses.

Our Mississippi wind damage lawyers are skilled at working with professionals to value the full cost of repairing or rebuilding your property. We also work with appraisers to value the damage to your personal property. The repair and rebuild costs should include using materials of “like kind and quality” as before the damage occurred.

We quickly file legal claims when it’s clear that the insurance carriers are bargaining in bad faith, such as taking unwarranted positions and delaying your claim.