Over the weekend, even parts of Texas experienced the effects of Winter Storm Izzy! Reports of Ice and Sleet came in from the DFW area, as well as widespread high wind reports in the greater Houston area. As a result, insurance claims are likely to increase from the weekend’s weather.
Credit: KHOU
The report by KHOU channel 11 early in the weekend stated that, “Strong wind conditions Saturday could lead to widespread power outages and delays across the Houston area, according to CenterPoint Energy.”
Credit: KHOU
KHOU also reported that a wind advisory has been extended to 9:00 p.m. Saturday for Harris and Chambers County and some parts of Brazoria and Galveston County. Those other parts along with Matagorda County are under advisory until 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. “
Credit: Newsweek
Newsweek also reported on other parts of the country impacted by Winter Storm Izzy stating that, “ More than 100,000 power outages have been reported across the United States as major winter storm Izzy sweeps through parts of the southeast, bringing chilling temperatures, high winds, inches of snow and ice.”
.png)
Credit: Newsweek
The Newsweek report goes on to state that, “Storm Izzy which prompted storm warning from the national Weather Service on Sunday, has left more than 130,000 people without power in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, according to poweroutage.us.”
Izzy Tornadoes!
The Newsweek report also tells us about the Izzy Tornadoes in Florida stating that, “Winter storm Izzy also saw a large tornado with 118mph near Naples, Florid, which toppled a semi-trailer truck on Interstate 75, the NWS said.”
Credit: Florida Highway Patrol
Newsweek also reported that “Meanwhile at least 27 buildings were destroyed in Lee County, Florida, amid the harsh weather conditions. Footage on social media showed waterspouts and flying debris in the county’s Fort Myers area.”
Credit: Wink News- KC Sherman
Local insurance agents have already seen an increase in property damage claims, coming in since Izzy struck. Some of these claims could be denied, delayed, or underpaid for various reasons.
.jpg)
Insurance Claims
Insurance claims of the damaged properties have already begun. The estimates have not yet been stated on what the total economic impact to the region will be. However, estimates will surely be in the millions, if not billions.
We have published several earlier blogs on the insurance process, specifically as it relates to tornado damage, straight line wind damage, and also winter freeze damage at www.deniedclaim.com.
As reported on in earlier VLF blogs, when there is a catastrophic event of this magnitude, sometimes insurance companies will try to mitigate their losses by certain time tested tactics.
A good policyholder attorney will hold the carrier’s feet to the fire when claims arise. It is well documented that insurance carriers can sometimes implement various tactics when trying to lessen their financial exposure to claims, including: underpayment, denial, and the delay of claims. This is no surprise, given the record number of increasing weather events in the last several years (as
documented in earlier VLF blogs).
This is why it is important to consult with a reputable policyholder attorney when filing a claim, and especially if your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid.
The Voss Law Firm, P.C. has been protecting policyholder’s rights for the past sixteen years, recovering billions of dollars in settlements for our clients.
Feel free to call, or email today for a free consultation on your file.
We are 100% contingency fee based. No recovery, no fee.
Todd Farr- Director of Client Relations.
