What Documents Are Needed to File a Claim?

If you’re making a business interruption claim, you’ll need these primary kinds of documents: Insurance policy Expense reports Revenue reports Inventory Payroll history Temporary lease or equipment rental expense

Business Interruption Attorneys | Disaster Insurance Claims

We Know Business Interruption Is Costly and Scary

An uncontrollable interruption, such as a natural disaster, can drastically impact your business and leave you feeling fearful for the future of your company. Not only will you be losing revenue, but you may also have to cover the cost of repairs if your business was damaged by a disaster of some kind. Your employees’ suffering must also be considered, so it’s essential that you get coverage for payroll along with any other costs associated with a business interruption.

Navigating the insurance claim process for a business interruption can be complex and confusing. If your claim is denied, you may be at even more of a loss as to how you can receive compensation. The Disaster Insurance Claims attorneys have years of experience helping our community recover from disasters that affect their lives and businesses. Let us take care of the insurance companies for you so you can focus on getting back to business.

A business owner is forced to hang up a “closed” sign after a natural disaster.

We Have Recovered Over$950 Million for Policyholders

We’ve won more than $950 million for policyholders — money that insurance companies would have otherwise withheld. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, you can count on our team to serve as a trusted partner in your fight to get compensation.

Our Results Speak for Themselves

$90,000,000

Hurricane disaster and storm surge litigation recovery.

$35,000,000

Hurricane rain and wind pre-litigation settlements

$10,000,000

Hurricane rain and wind claim litigation recovery.

$5,500,000

Pre-suit settlement for hurricane damage to a marina. The prior settlement offer was $1,200,000.

$4,000,000

Additional recovery for a hurricane-damaged hospital.

$3,800,000

Recovery for hurricane damage to a shopping center. The prior settlement offer was $445,000.

$3,500,000

Pre-suit settlement for damage to multi-owner residential property.

$3,000,000

Business interruption pre-suit settlement for Hurricane losses. Prior offer was $350,000.

Common Reasons for Denial of Business Interruption Claims

Unfortunately, even if a business has sustained serious losses from an interruption in operations, claims can still be denied. Insurance companies are a money-making business, and they will take any opportunity to avoid paying a claim. Below are some of the common reasons a business interruption claim may be denied:

Many insurance policies have exceptions for certain circumstances, leaving your business vulnerable and without coverage if those exceptions apply. It is possible for insurance companies to misinterpret the facts of your case, assume an exception is appropriate, and deny your claim by mistake.

Without consistent and accurate records of inventory, payroll, and business expenses, the insurance company may not be able to pay you what your claim is actually worth.

It’s important to check your policy after a business interruption because insurance companies often require business owners to address the damages in some way. If you don’t take reasonable actions to deal with the damage, perhaps causing further damage or more extensive losses, you could be denied compensation.

If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, it’s vital that you contact a Disaster Insurance Claims lawyer immediately to help with your appeal.

Call Long & Long Today

If you’ve experienced a business interruption and need help with your insurance battle, our attorneys at Long & Long are here to help. Call us today or fill out our easy online form for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today

We Are 5 Star Rated

My home was damaged in Hurricane Laura and like pretty much everyone in our area, the repairs were underestimated by my insurance company. Realizing I was out of my depth I contacted Long and Long for assistance in keeping the insurance company honest in holding up their end of our agreement, returning my home to its pre-damage condition. My attorney, Cate Biggs, and her whole team worked tirelessly on my behalf through this process and made sure I was "done right" by my insurance company. I hope I never need to work with Long and Long again, but should I ever find myself on the wrong [end] of an insurance companies' malfeasance, I will not hesitate to give them a call.

Chris T.

We want to thank the team at Long & Long for helping us through our Hurricane claim. From the initial phone call we had with Long & Long, to our updates from our attorney, and everyone on the team in between; we were treated like royalty. We wish we had called sooner. We would recommend them to any of our friends and family. Thank you Long & Long!

Mike Dupre

I am a Hurricane Laura and Delta victim from Lake Charles, LA. After receiving NOTHING from my homeowners insurance company I was forced to get a lawyer. My health wouldn’t allow me to fight them myself. My attorney Cate Biggs was such a blessing. To have such good representation and having never met her was a relief. Her team was just as good as she was. I have never had a lawyer for anything like this and although I hope I never need another for this reason but if I do Long and Long will be representing me again. God bless them all.

D’Awndra Kirkwood

Our home was extremely damaged and flooded after Hurricane Sally. I was at a complete loss of how to navigate through the process of making spreadsheets or how to handle our flood and wind claims. Cate and her team did a wonderful job helping me. They handled everything and I was very pleased with the settlements they got for us. I would definitely recommend them!

Beverly Ford

Long & Long completely exceeded my expectations. I didn’t know that anyone needed a lawyer when you have an insurance claim, but you do. Long & Long explained everything that was owed to me under my fire insurance contract and made sure the insurance company paid it. Long & Long knocked it out of the park on my settlement.

Russel Vaughn

Bennett Long represented my company and me in a complex property damage and lost income claim. His knowledge and capabilities far exceeded all my expectations. The entire staff at Long and Long are professional and friendly. After handing over to them one of the most difficult business challenges I've faced, not once did I question their abilities or dedication to work towards what was best for me, the client. I am extremely happy with the outcome and shudder to think where I might be without their expertise and ability. Working with Long and Long is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Moreland Machinery

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What Losses Can Be Recovered?

Because every policy has different coverage and each business has unique needs, the types of compensation you can seek in a business interruption claim will vary. The legal experts of Disaster Insurance Claims can review your policy for free and determine every dollar you’re due. Here are a few of the main expenses covered by business interruption insurance:

Lost revenue
Costs relating to maintaining the property (e.g. rent or lease payments, utilities, taxes)
Relocation costs, if your business is destroyed by a natural disaster and you have to move
Payroll, to account for your employees’ lost income

We Are 5 Star Rated

I am a Hurricane Laura and Delta victim from Lake Charles, LA. After receiving NOTHING from my homeowners insurance company I was forced to get a lawyer. My health wouldn’t allow me to fight them myself. My attorney Cate Biggs was such a blessing. To have such good representation and having never met her was a relief. Her team was just as good as she was. I have never had a lawyer for anything like this and although I hope I never need another for this reason but if I do Long and Long will be representing me again. God bless them all.

D’Awndra Kirkwood

We want to thank the team at Long & Long for helping us through our Hurricane claim. From the initial phone call we had with Long & Long, to our updates from our attorney, and everyone on the team in between; we were treated like royalty. We wish we had called sooner. We would recommend them to any of our friends and family. Thank you Long & Long!

Mike Dupre

My home was damaged in Hurricane Laura and like pretty much everyone in our area, the repairs were underestimated by my insurance company. Realizing I was out of my depth I contacted Long and Long for assistance in keeping the insurance company honest in holding up their end of our agreement, returning my home to its pre-damage condition. My attorney, Cate Biggs, and her whole team worked tirelessly on my behalf through this process and made sure I was "done right" by my insurance company. I hope I never need to work with Long and Long again, but should I ever find myself on the wrong [end] of an insurance companies' malfeasance, I will not hesitate to give them a call.

Chris T.

Our home was extremely damaged and flooded after Hurricane Sally. I was at a complete loss of how to navigate through the process of making spreadsheets or how to handle our flood and wind claims. Cate and her team did a wonderful job helping me. They handled everything and I was very pleased with the settlements they got for us. I would definitely recommend them!

Beverly Ford

Long & Long completely exceeded my expectations. I didn’t know that anyone needed a lawyer when you have an insurance claim, but you do. Long & Long explained everything that was owed to me under my fire insurance contract and made sure the insurance company paid it. Long & Long knocked it out of the park on my settlement.

Russel Vaughn

Bennett Long represented my company and me in a complex property damage and lost income claim. His knowledge and capabilities far exceeded all my expectations. The entire staff at Long and Long are professional and friendly. After handing over to them one of the most difficult business challenges I've faced, not once did I question their abilities or dedication to work towards what was best for me, the client. I am extremely happy with the outcome and shudder to think where I might be without their expertise and ability. Working with Long and Long is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Moreland Machinery

See More Testimonials

The Insurance Adjuster Is Not on Your Side

To get the most out of your insurance claim, you’ll need a full assessment of the damages incurred by the business interruption. Insurance adjusters will come out to complete their own assessment, but they will do so with the goal of paying you as little as possible for your losses.

Only an experienced business interruption claim attorney with your best interests in mind can conduct an assessment that doesn’t underestimate the value of your losses. Our team of Disaster Insurance Claims lawyers will negotiate with the insurance adjuster if they don’t pay out as much as they should. We make sure no stone is left unturned, getting you every penny you’re owed.

If Your Business has Sustained Damage:

Following these steps will help to ensure you get the most out of your claim.

DOCUMENT YOUR DAMAGED PROPERTY

Take photos of the property that showcase all aspects of the business that suffered damage.

DON’T SUBMIT A CONTRACTOR BID

You could receive much less than what you need if your policy is subject to under-insurance penalties.

BEWARE OF UNDERINSURANCE PENALTIES

Don't submit contractor bids until after work begins.

CONSULT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Because public adjusters often turn claims over to attorneys anyway, you could be charged twice for your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

While every policy is different, the potential for business interruption insurance coverage is quite extensive. Lost revenue, rent or lease payments, and taxes are pretty standard, though you can also get a policy that covers relocation costs and employee wages.

For the most part, there are three primary types of business interruption insurance. Direct business interruption covers loss of income during the period of restoration of the business’s property. Extended business interruption includes the income that’s lost after the property is repaired but before it returns to its pre-loss level. Finally, contingent business interruption covers damage to the property of any of the business’s suppliers and consumers.

If you’re making a business interruption claim, you’ll need these primary kinds of documents:

Insurance policy
Expense reports
Revenue reports
Inventory
Payroll history
Temporary lease or equipment rental expense

At Long & Long, you will work with a business interruption claim attorney who works on a contingency-fee basis. That means you won’t be charged anything at all until you’ve received compensation.

Business Interruption Insurance Claims