Among the tens of billions of dollars in damage caused by Hurricane Sandy are the losses sustained by businesses both big and small. You may have worked your whole life to get your business to where it was on Oct. 29, only to see it damaged, flooded or destroyed in the coming days through no fault of your own.
That’s why business owners take out insurance policies to help them rebuild and business interruption insurance policies to cover the loss of business in times of unforeseen emergency. Without assistance in a time of disaster, each day a small business is closed can be a day of financial hardship for the families of owners and employees alike.
Know Your Policy
As you track your losses and get your business back to where it was, be diligent to abide by the terms of your policy in dealing with your insurance company. Cross every “T” and dot every “I.” Save every receipt associated with the losses you sustained. Your insurance company will likely inspect them, as well as the property itself.
Unfortunately, just because you keep up your half of the bargain doesn’t mean they will do the same.
Is Your Insurer Acting in Bad Faith?
Unfortunately, even if you diligently do everything you are required to do, some insurers will deny a valid claim out of sheer bad faith in an attempt to boost the company’s bottom line. They are trying to enrich their business at the expense of the one you’ve worked so hard to make successful. Common practices include demanding excessive paperwork, requiring you to submit documents you have already submitted or claiming your losses are not covered under your policy when they are. These are just a few ways an insurance company might try to deny or indefinitely delay your valid business interruption claim.
Get Help
The Oshman Firm LLP will not stand for this kind of dishonest behavior, which throws yet another hardship on you, your family and your business when you’re already dealing with so much. Insurance companies have a duty to deal with their policyholders honestly and fairly. That’s what you pay them to do. When they take advantage of customers by denying them the benefits to which they are entitled, they need to be held accountable.
The attorneys at The Oshman Firm are prepared to stand up to big insurance companies on behalf of businesses and homeowners in New York and New Jersey that have been taken advantage of in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. We’re New Yorkers, and we saw firsthand the unparalleled troubles Hurricane Sandy wrought on the area. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how you can seek reimbursement from your insurer for the damages you have suffered, as well as potentially additional compensation for their despicable behavior, by filing a lawsuit. Hold them accountable.
About Ted Oshman
Ted Oshman has been with The Oshman Firm since 1988 serving clients for over 25 years. Learn more about Ted's background and featured practice areas here.
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