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Storm Damage Lawyer: Ohio Homeowner’s Insurance Claims

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Get the Most from an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

Storms in Ohio happen all year round. Spring and summer bring thunderstorms and tornadoes. Blizzards strike in the winter. Even the remnants of powerful hurricanes in the summer can reach the Buckeye State, such as the recent storms Beryl and Helene.

Storms bring multiple dangers, from high winds and hail to flooding and heavy snow. It seems to be getting worse. The record for the most tornadoes in a single year in Ohio’s history was set in 2024.

After sudden bad weather, homeowners need comprehensive insurance coverage to pick up the mess, restore your house, and safeguard your future.

But not all insurance companies are willing to help. In fact, claims are often underpaid for a variety of reasons, including:

  • An adjuster undervalues the damage because of inexperience or inattention.
  • An insurance company depreciates the value of your home, lowering your payout. 
  • Your policy has limits on what the insurance company will pay.
  • Their initial offer lowballs the cost of repairs. (Insurance companies like to bet that the stress of storm damage will push you to settle for less.) 

Some unfortunate homeowners run into problems months or even years after a storm. Maybe the wind and rain damaged your foundation, but it doesn’t become visible until it’s harder to convince the insurance company it was related to the storm event.

When you’re cleaning up after a weather event, you can be at your most vulnerable. Get sound legal advice, so you can be confident knowing you’re getting everything you’re owed.

The team of storm damage lawyers at Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal (HNB) have been helping Ohioans for more than 40 years. We’ve seen all types of weather damage cases. We can help you through yours.

If you live in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton or anywhere in Ohio, give us a call and let’s get your home back in the state it belongs.

“Helping me, that’s HNB.”

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    Storm Damage Claim Attorneys Help with all Types of Damage

    Almost every part of a home, shed, garage or fence can get damaged in a storm.

    • High winds dislodge shingles and blow off roofs. They knock trees onto homes, fences and power lines.
    • Hail tears up siding, splintering boards or denting aluminum or vinyl. 
    • Snow builds up, causing ice dams along gutters or collapsing roofs and water intrusion. 
    • Floods ruin homes and everything in them. 

    The damage can compound after the immediate storm. A damaged roof lets water into interior walls and rooms. Floodwater wrecks appliances and short-circuits electrical systems. Downed wires start fires.

    Standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from wind, hail, ice and snow.

    Flooding from weather conditions is a separate problem. Homeowners in flood zones may be required to buy flood insurance overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program. In other areas it’s optional, but always a good idea.

    Homeowner’s insurance covers sudden and unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. An insurance company may even try to say that damage existed before the storm, or that a structure was in poor condition already, and deny your claim.

    Dealing with insurance after a disaster is rarely straightforward. You can benefit from having a trained legal professional look at your case before you agree to anything from the insurance provider.

    At HNB Law, our storm and wind damage attorneys will evaluate your case free of charge.

    We’ve won millions in payments and settlements for Ohioans. We’ll fight for you to get everything you need and get back on your feet.

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    How to Handle an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

    You can do some things to prepare for storm damage risk before there’s even a cloud on the horizon.

    • Take an inventory of your home. List your furniture and personal possessions. 
    • You can even get belongings appraised so you have a clear idea of their value.
    • Take photos of the structures on your property. This will help when an adjuster comes to examine damage. 
    • Shop around for homeowner’s insurance. Buy a policy that best fits your needs and the risks of where you live. 
    • Once a storm passes and it’s safe, assess the damage. Take photos and detailed notes.
    • Make sure you’re available to meet an insurance adjuster when they inspect your property. 
    • If you make repairs, keep your receipts.
    • File a claim with your insurance provider (ideally with help from a lawyer). 

    Fill out the paperwork correctly. Insurance companies deny claims for mistakes or misrepresentations—whether intentional or not.

    Be ready to appeal a denial from the insurance company. You not only can appeal an outright denial, but you can also appeal an award you feel is inadequate.

    At any point after a storm, enlisting an experienced storm damage lawyer is a good idea. Your lawyer can review your policy, help you assess damage, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and bring legal action should your insurance fail to meet its responsibility to you.

    HNB has helped many Ohioans repair and rebuild after damaging storms.

    Our storm and wind damage attorneys pride themselves on helping neighbors get back up when a storm has knocked you down.

    Call HNB Today