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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We represent homeowners, families, and businesses in disputes with insurance companies after property damage caused by fire, water, storm, smoke, ash, mold, landslides, mudslides, wind, and other catastrophic events. We handle delayed, denied, and underpaid claims and ensure insurers honor the full coverage provided under your policy.
Often, yes. Insurance companies use complex policies, depreciation tactics, and claim-evaluation software designed to minimize payouts. A lawyer ensures your damages are properly documented, challenged when undervalued, and paid in full. Many clients come to us after their insurer has failed to respond appropriately or has issued a lowball offer or denial.
You still have rights. Denials and underpayments can often be reversed through supplemental claims, expert evaluations, policy analysis, or legal action. Geraci LLP frequently recovers compensation even after an insurer claims the matter is closed.
Bad faith may include:
• Unreasonable delays
• Lowball offers without explanation
• Failing to properly investigate your loss
• Ignoring clear evidence
• Misrepresenting policy terms
• Pressuring you to accept inadequate repairs
• Repeatedly requesting the same information
If you suspect bad faith, contact us immediately for evaluation.
Depending on your policy, coverage may include:
• Structural repairs
• Roof and exterior replacement
• Water and mold remediation
• Smoke and ash cleanup
• Personal property replacement
• Code-required upgrades
• Debris removal
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
• Business interruption (for commercial claims)
We review your policy to determine exactly what you’re entitled to.
ALE covers the cost of temporary housing, meals, transportation, storage, laundry, and other necessary expenses if your home is uninhabitable. Insurers frequently undervalue or prematurely cut off ALE. We ensure you receive safe, comparable living arrangements and full reimbursement.
• Prioritize safety
• Document everything with photos and videos
• Prevent further damage (tarp, board up, shut off utilities)
• Keep damaged items for evidence
• Notify your insurer — without giving recorded statements
• Avoid signing contractor or cleanup agreements under pressure
• Contact a property damage attorney early
Acting quickly protects your claim and prevents insurers from disputing coverage later.
You have the right to choose your own contractor. Insurance “preferred vendors” often work under pricing limitations and may not perform a full restoration. We protect your right to proper and complete repairs.
It depends on the type of damage, the responsiveness of the insurer, and whether disputes arise. Simple claims may resolve in weeks; complex or disputed claims may take months. When Geraci LLP is involved, insurers tend to respond faster and more thoroughly due to legal oversight.
Most homeowners pay nothing upfront. We typically work on a contingency basis, meaning we only collect legal fees if we recover money for you. This ensures every homeowner has access to powerful legal representation regardless of financial circumstances.
Adjusters are not final decision-makers. They often misinterpret policy language, overlook hidden damage, or rely on software-generated estimates. Many exclusions have exceptions, and many denials are reversible. We review the policy and dispute improper findings.
Absolutely. Smoke and ash can cause significant hidden damage to HVAC systems, insulation, electronics, surfaces, and indoor air quality. These claims are frequently undervalued, and we ensure full testing, cleaning, and remediation are included.
Yes. We represent businesses, landlords, multi-family property owners, and commercial tenants facing structural damage, business interruption losses, inventory destruction, and other insurance disputes.
Delays are a common tactic to pressure homeowners into accepting less. If the insurer is unresponsive, repeatedly requests the same documents, or stalls inspections or payments, contact us immediately. Delay can be a form of bad faith.
Immediately if:
• The insurer is delaying or ignoring your claim
• You received a low offer
• Your claim was denied
• Damage was extensive or complex
• ALE benefits were denied or cut off
• You’re unsure what your policy covers
Early involvement helps preserve evidence, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you maximize your recovery.
Contact Geraci LLP for a free consultation. Our property damage attorneys will review your claim, explain your rights, and guide you through the next steps.
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