Knowing how to document storm or tornado damage can reduce the time it takes to get critical rebuilding funds through your property damage insurance policy. From filing your claim to photographing every detail, taking the right steps early on can make a major difference.
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our experienced property damage lawyers help homeowners across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky get the coverage they paid for—especially when insurers undervalue or deny valid claims. Follow our checklist below to document your losses and protect your right to full compensation.
Assessing the Situation Before You Begin
Your safety comes first. If the storm resulted in an emergency order, wait for the all-clear before inspecting damage. Wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves and boots, and have a mask within reach. If possible, wear heavy pants, a jacket, and other clothing to protect yourself against sharp objects.
Bring a flashlight to navigate potentially damaged floors and inspect dark areas. Check first for damage that requires emergency intervention, such as live wires, gas leaks, or unstable structures. Vacate immediately and contact local authorities if you see any of these danger signs.
The Importance of Videos and Photos When Documenting Damage
To get fair compensation, you must have clear evidence of damage. Take wide shots and close-ups of all visible damage inside and outside your home. Use natural lighting when possible, and capture multiple angles to avoid disputes later. Double-check that each image and video has a timestamp.
Be sure to document damage to the following areas and items:
- Roof and siding damage
- Broken windows or doors
- Damaged floors, walls, and ceilings
- Flooding or water damage
- Damaged items such as furniture, appliances, carpeting, electronics, and personal belongings
You can use a smartphone, tablet, or digital camera, but be sure it takes quality pictures and videos. Save everything to a cloud storage system so you have a backup.
Create a Detailed Inventory of Damaged Items
Create a detailed list of damaged items for all appliances, furniture, electronics, clothing, artwork, and other personal property. Create an electronic spreadsheet or a binder with inventory information, including:
- Item name
- Brand and model
- Estimated value
- Receipts or proof of purchase from a bank or credit card statement
- Approximate purchase date and price, if you don’t have other proof
Why It's Important To Wait for an Adjuster
Do not do any major cleanup or dispose of damaged items before your insurance adjuster visits. This can prevent allegations that you removed items before the storm or caused damage through your cleanup attempts. Do not dispose of damaged items unless absolutely necessary to prevent further harm. If you must move something, such as pulling furniture out of standing water, take clear photos from multiple angles first.
Document any repairs that you must make immediately. Take multiple pictures of the area before you begin work. Your insurer may challenge your claim if it appears that you did further damage. Be mindful of potential contractor fraud, especially if they show up unsolicited and before your adjuster. Your insurer or a consumer organization can give you a list of reputable contractors.
Keep Records of All Communication and Expenses
Storm damage claims can get complicated, especially if your insurance company denies or delays coverage. Protect yourself by keeping detailed records throughout the claims process. Store everything in a safe place, such as a dedicated folder or cloud drive, and include:
- All emails and texts with your insurance company
- Names and dates of adjuster visits or calls
- Receipts for emergency repairs, hotel stays, food, and other costs
- A diary that outlines daily events while they are still fresh in your mind
- Repair estimates
Having this information and property damage documentation helps when you seek reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses or fight denied homeowner insurance claims.
How Can a Lawyer Help After Property Damage From a Storm?
A skilled lawyer knows how to properly document property damage from a storm based on their experience with insurance adjusters. Your attorney can also explain time limits on homeowner insurance claims that apply to your circumstances.
If your insurer delays, ignores, or denies your claim or offers a settlement well below your damages, contact us immediately. Our property damage attorneys fight for fair compensation from insurance companies that profit by limiting payouts. We also know when it’s time to take the next step and file a property damage lawsuit.
Don’t take chances with your financial future. Reach out by calling (513) 951-6723 in Ohio or (859) 251-3045 in Kentucky for a free insurance claim review.
Meagan Tate
Attorney
“I did not understand how emotionally exhausting a property and casualty claim could be or how greatly an insurance company could and would undervalue a claim until the roof of my own home was damaged by a storm. If I did not have the knowledge and experience as an attorney who had represented insurers in the past, I may have felt forced to accept the insurance company’s initial offer of replacing a few roof shingles instead of fighting for the full roof replacement that I needed. That experience made me determined to fight for other insureds.”
Choose Our Property Damage Attorneys for Your Storm or Wind Damage Claim
It can be challenging to calculate all of your losses after a storm, and you may face an uphill battle against your insurer to get fair compensation. At Lawrence & Associates, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way. Our experienced Ohio property damage attorneys can guide you on what to do—and what to avoid—so you don’t unintentionally harm your case.
We handle a variety of storm and related claims, including:
- Hail damage
- Tornado damage
- Other storm and wind damage
- Denied water damage claims
- Denied fire damage claims
- Denied roof repair claims
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation in Ohio at (513) 951-6723 or in Kentucky at (859) 251-3045, or fill out our online form to get started. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on rebuilding your life.
