What We Do
Wildfire Damage
Wildfires can rapidly destroy homes, businesses, personal property, and entire landscapes, leaving families and business owners facing sudden and significant losses. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division assists clients in recovering compensation for structural damage, inventory loss, equipment destruction, and land restoration. For instance, when a client’s home and small business office were partially destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, our team worked to ensure the insurance claim covered repairs, replacement of essential property, and business-related losses.
Landslide & Mudslide Claims
Heavy rains, unstable terrain, and nearby construction can trigger landslides and mudslides, damaging homes, commercial buildings, vehicles, and surrounding land. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division advocates for property owners to ensure their insurance policies properly cover these often-overlooked natural disasters. In one case, a hillside residence and its adjoining home-based business suffered foundation and structural damage after a mudslide, and we guided the property owner through securing compensation for both the building repairs and lost business property.
Smoke & Ash Damage
Smoke and ash damage occurs when airborne debris from wildfires or industrial fires infiltrates properties, contaminating interiors, equipment, merchandise, and HVAC systems. Even properties miles away can be affected. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division assists clients in recovering costs for cleaning, restoration, and item replacement. This includes situations where a residence suffers smoke infiltration that ruins furniture and appliances, or where a nearby retail shop experiences HVAC contamination that impacts operations.
Tree, Wind, and Storm Destruction
Storm destruction includes damage caused by powerful winds, falling trees, heavy rain, and severe weather events. These forces can devastate homes, commercial buildings, vehicles, and essential business equipment. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division works to secure coverage for all necessary repairs, replacements, and business interruption losses. For example, when a large tree is uprooted during a windstorm and crushes a homeowner’s garage and a business van parked on the property, we assist in filing a comprehensive claim to cover all resulting damage.
Denied or Underpaid Claims
Denied or underpaid claims occur when insurers reject legitimate claims or offer compensation far below what is needed to restore the property. These situations can delay recovery and place financial strain on both homeowners and businesses. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division challenges unfair denials and undervalued assessments to secure proper compensation. In cases where an insurer offers only a partial payout for storm damage to a commercial property, we fight to obtain the full amount necessary for complete repairs and operational recovery.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Disputes
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) disputes arise when a property becomes uninhabitable or unusable, forcing families or businesses to temporarily relocate or operate elsewhere. ALE coverage should reimburse costs such as rent, utilities, and temporary workspace. The Geraci LLP Property Law Division ensures clients receive the full benefits owed under their policies. This includes situations where a family must secure temporary housing during flood repairs, or where a business needs to rent a short-term office space to continue operations.
Total Loss Claims
Total loss claims arise when a property is damaged so extensively that repair is no longer possible or economically feasible, leaving families and business owners to rebuild from nothing. The Geraci LLP Property Damage Division assists clients in securing full compensation for the complete destruction of homes, businesses, and personal property. For example, when a client’s residence and attached workshop were deemed a total loss after a structural collapse, our team worked to ensure the insurance claim reflected the full replacement value of the property, covered essential rebuilding costs, and included all associated personal and business-related losses.
Commercial & Business Property Claims
Commercial and business properties face unique risks when disaster strikes, often resulting in operational downtime, inventory loss, equipment damage, and costly repairs. The Geraci LLP Property Damage Division represents business owners in recovering compensation for structural damage, business interruption, lost revenue, and the replacement of essential assets. For example, when a manufacturing company experienced severe water intrusion that halted production, our team worked to ensure the insurance claim covered building restoration, replacement of damaged machinery, and the financial impact of interrupted operations.
Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer delays, underpays, or unfairly denies a valid claim, leaving policyholders without the protection they paid for. The Geraci LLP Property Damage Division advocates for clients whose insurance companies fail to act in good faith, helping them recover the full benefits owed under their policies. For example, when a business owner’s legitimate claim was repeatedly delayed without justification, our team stepped in to challenge the insurer’s conduct, secure proper compensation for the covered losses, and pursue additional damages resulting from the bad-faith practices.
Accidents Causing Injury
Accidents causing injury can occur suddenly and leave individuals facing medical expenses, lost income, and significant physical and emotional stress. The Geraci LLP Property Damage Division represents clients injured due to hazardous conditions, unsafe environments, or negligent actions that lead to preventable harm. For example, when a visitor at a commercial property suffered serious injuries after a structural fixture failed, our team worked to ensure the claim covered medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and compensation for the long-term impact of the injury.
Insurance Coverage Review
Understanding the scope of an insurance policy can be challenging, especially when coverage details, exclusions, and limits impact how a claim is handled. The Geraci LLP Property Damage Division provides comprehensive insurance coverage reviews to help clients identify what their policies truly protect and where gaps may exist. For example, when a property owner was unsure whether their policy covered a recent structural failure, our team conducted a detailed review that clarified the available coverage, uncovered overlooked benefits, and guided the client in pursuing the compensation they were entitled to.