Oklahoma High Winds and Wildfires: What Homeowners Need to Know

The past few days have seen Oklahoma facing some extreme weather, with unusually high winds fueling wildfires across the entire state. Many families have lost their homes, while others are dealing with significant property damage. If you are one of the many affected by this weather, you may be wondering what you should do next. At Biby Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers, we can help guide you through the process of handling insurance claims and property disputes so you can focus on rebuilding your life.

What are my rights after a natural disaster?

Windstorms and wildfires can cause all sorts of destruction. Homes have been reduced to rubble, roofs have been torn apart, and valuable property has been lost. Insurance is supposed to help you recover from these types of disasters, but unfortunately, the process is not always smooth. Many people, just like you, struggle with denied claims, lowball settlement offers, or delays in getting the money they need to rebuild.

If you’re dealing with property damage, it’s important to understand your rights as a homeowner. You pay for insurance to protect yourself during times like these, and your insurance company has a responsibility to handle your claim fairly and in good faith. However, at the end of the day, the insurance company is a business, and will sometimes try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. This is where we can help.

What issues are homeowners facing after wildfires and high winds in Oklahoma?

After this kind of disaster, you may run into problems with your insurance claim. Some of the most common issues homeowners deal with include:

• Insurance companies dragging their feet when it comes to paying out claims, leaving you in a tough spot.
• Insurers arguing that the damage wasn’t caused by the windstorm or wildfire, even when it clearly was.
• Insurance companies offering a settlement that doesn’t fully reflect the cost of repairs or rebuilding.
• Insurers disputing the scope or extent of damage, such as whether a home as sustained cosmetic v. structural damage, or whether a roof can be repaired or necessitates being replaced.

If you’re facing any of these issues, don’t give up. You have legal options, and the insurance denial attorneys at Biby Law Firm are here to help you fight for what you need and deserve.

What steps should I take if my home was damaged?

If your home or property was damaged by the high winds and wildfires in Oklahoma, taking the right steps can help protect your claim. Here’s what you should do:

• Take detailed photos and videos of all the damage to your home and property. This evidence will be vital in proving your claim.
• Look over your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is covered and what exclusions might apply.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to get the claims process started.
• Obtain independent repair estimates from contractors to compare with what your insurance company offers.
• Document every phone call, email, or letter exchanged with your insurance company.  Additionally, correspond in writing (email or text) as frequently as possible to eliminate the possibility of verbal misunderstandings and miscommunications.
• Don’t accept the first offer without talking to an attorney. Many insurance companies will start with a low offer. Ensure it truly covers your damages before accepting.

If you run into problems, you don’t have to handle them alone. The team at Biby Law Firm is experienced in dealing with property damage disputes, and we can step in to negotiate with your insurance company or take legal action if necessary.

How can a Tulsa lawyer help with my insurance claim?

If your insurance company is not treating you fairly, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference. Here’s how we can help:

• We can push back against lowball offers and fight for full compensation for your losses.
• If your insurer is acting unfairly — like denying a valid claim without reason or unreasonably delaying payments — we can take legal action to hold them accountable.
• If your claim was denied, we can help you appeal or challenge the decision.
• If negotiations don’t work, we can file a lawsuit to ensure you get the compensation you need.

Why choose Biby Law Firm?

At Biby Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand how devastating natural disasters can be. We are based in Tulsa, and we care about our fellow Oklahomans. We know how insurance companies operate, and we’re not afraid to stand up to them on behalf of our clients. Our goal is to make sure you get the compensation you need to repair or rebuild your home and move forward.

If you’re struggling with your insurance claim after the recent wildfires and high winds, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We can review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. We’re here to fight for you and have the tools and expertise to level the playing field. For more information about how we can help you with your insurance claim, call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.