Signs You May Need A Storm Damage Attorney For A Hurricane Claim

Prepare Your Property

• Trim or remove branches: Eliminating overhangs and dead limbs reduces damage risk from high winds.
• Secure loose items: Anchor or store patio furniture, grills, and plants to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
• Reinforce windows & doors: Consider storm shutters or impact-resistant materials. Ensure garage doors are rated for high winds.
• Check roof & gutters: Secure loose shingles and clear debris to prevent leaks and water damage.
• Elevate critical systems: Whenever possible, raise HVAC units, water heaters, and electrical panels above expected flood levels

1. Gradual Leaks & Ongoing Seepage

State Farm generally covers only unexpected water incidents, such as a burst pipe, without any signs of long-term or gradual leaks. If the damage results from slow drips or ongoing leaks, insurers often deny coverage, claiming it falls under maintenance issues rather than a covered risk.

2. Wear, Tear & Maintenance Neglect

Most standard insurance policies, including those from State Farm, typically do not cover damage caused by age-related wear and tear, such as corroded pipes or malfunctioning appliances. When State Farm evaluates a claim and determines it to be a maintenance issue, they often deny it, even if a sudden incident triggered the damage. This means that if the loss is linked to ongoing maintenance problems, policyholders may have their claims denied, regardless of whether an unexpected event caused the situation.

3. Policy Exclusions or Missing Endorsements

Many policies exclude coverage for:

• Flood and subsurface/groundwater
• Sewer or drain backups (unless specifically endorsed)
• Microbial contamination or mold (unless specifically endorsed)

4. Delay in Reporting or Poor Documentation

Delayed reporting or a lack of adequate evidence (such as photographs, contractor documentation, or mitigation records) gives insurers a legal basis to reject or reduce claims. Additionally, homeowners are obligated to take steps to minimize damage, like hiring plumbers or water extraction services, to ensure coverage eligibility.

5. Misclassification of Cause or Alleged Pre-Existing Damage

Insurers may assert that the damage existed before the policy began or mischaracterize the source. Some cases feature State Farm-appointed experts concluding damage was pre-existing, contradicting homeowner evidence. Courts have found such tactics problematic when policyholders present timely evidence.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

According to the complaint, plaintiffs sustained roof damage from hail between March and June 2025. Many also reported subsequent interior issues like ceiling stains and drywall damage due to delayed repairs. Despite being fully insured under what they believed were comprehensive homeowners policies, their claims were denied with little explanation.

The complaint further states that State Farm’s insurance adjusters and agents misrepresented policy coverage, specifically, that hail damage would be included. These homeowners, some of whom have been with State Farm for over two decades, now find themselves paying out of pocket for roofing and structural repairs they expected would be covered.

Damages in the complaint are estimated between $18,000 and $20,000 per property. In addition to roof damage, many of the homes sustained water damage to personal belongings, insulation, and even HVAC system components.