Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod
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Where Results Matter.
The April 2011 tornadoes that swept across the State of Alabama caused millions of dollars in property damage. In the wake of the destruction, insurance companies did not want to pay for their insured’s damages. Gary Conchin and Kenny Cole represented the owners of a 1,200-unit apartment complex that houses thousands of University of Alabama students. The apartment complex’s insurance company disputed that our client’s damages were caused by the tornado. After four days of presenting evidence to the jury in a Tuscaloosa federal court, Gary and Kenny were able to obtain a jury verdict in the amount of $1,822,000.
$900,000 settlement for a Lawrence County couple against their homeowner’s insurance company, which underpaid them for the fire damage to their residence and their personal property. The insurance company also treated them unfairly with regard to alternative dwelling expenses. There was a provision in the policy providing full and reasonable accommodation while they were unable to move back into the home during the repair process. The settlement was over three times the insurance coverage amount because of the misconduct alleged. This case was filed and handled to conclusion in the Federal Court in the Northern District of Alabama. Gary V. Conchin handled the case.
Kenny Cole represented a family who lost their loved one to a habitual drunk driver in a high-speed head-on collision. There was no settlement offer, so Kenny tried the case. The verdict was in favor of Kenny’s clients in the amount of $10 million.
Huntsville injury lawyer, Kenny Cole, represented the family of a man who was killed when an 18-wheeler driver fell asleep at the wheel. Kenny uncovered evidence that the trucking company required its drivers to violate the hours of service regulations. This created the deadly situation of sleep-deprived employees driving monstrous pieces of machinery on our highways. The company was sacrificing safety for profits. Just before trial, the company paid $10.8 million and agreed to change its safety procedures.
$433,899 settlement against an insurance company that provided coverage for a restaurant in Auburn, Alabama. The insurance carrier previously paid a smaller amount but did not pay for all the damages. The case was handled by Gary V. Conchin.
$250,000 settlement for a Cullman business that sustained tornado damage, including significant roofing damage. Its insurer refused to pay. Allegations were breach of contract and bad faith. The case was handled by Gary V. Conchin.
When your home, vehicle, or business suffers property damage, the financial consequences can extend far beyond the initial loss. Repair costs, temporary living arrangements, damaged belongings, and interruptions to your business can create significant stress. If an insurance company delays your claim, disputes the cause of the damage, or offers less than you believe your losses warrant, understanding your legal options becomes especially important.
At Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod, we help clients navigate property damage disputes and insurance claims. Our attorneys evaluate the circumstances surrounding a loss, review relevant insurance issues, and help property owners understand the options available under Alabama law.
Whether your property was damaged by severe weather, a fire, a vehicle collision, or another covered event, you deserve a clear understanding of your rights and the process for pursuing compensation.
If you are dealing with property damage in Athens or elsewhere in Limestone County, contact our team at (256) 705-7777 to discuss your situation and request a free consultation.
Property damage can affect nearly any type of asset, from a family vehicle to a commercial building. The available remedies depend on how the damage occurred, the insurance coverage involved, and whether another party may be legally responsible.
Our property damage practice addresses disputes involving residential, commercial, and other property losses.
| Type of Property Damage | Common Issues That May Need Review |
|---|---|
Storm, tornado, and wind damage
|
Roof damage, broken windows, fallen trees, damaged siding, and disputes about the scope of repairs
|
Fire and smoke damage
| Structural repairs, damaged personal belongings, and eligible additional living expenses |
Water damage
| Burst pipes, plumbing failures, water intrusion, and disagreements about policy exclusions |
| Vehicle-related property damage | Collision damage, damaged fences, buildings, and other structures, along with disputes over repair costs |
Commercial property damage
| Damage to business buildings, equipment, inventory, and potentially covered business interruption losses |
Vandalism and other third-party damage
| Intentional damage, destruction of belongings, and claims involving a potentially responsible person |
Not every loss is covered by every insurance policy. For example, flood damage may be excluded from a standard homeowners policy and require separate flood insurance. Reviewing the policy language and the facts of the loss is an important part of determining which options may be available.
An insurance claim does not always proceed as expected. You may submit photographs, repair estimates, and other requested documents only to receive a partial payment or a denial that does not adequately explain the insurer’s position.
Seeking legal guidance may be useful when you encounter issues such as:
A denied insurance claim: Your insurer refuses to cover some or all of your property damage.
An underpaid claim: The insurance company’s estimate appears insufficient to address the documented damage.
Disagreements about the cause of damage: The insurer attributes the loss to an excluded event, deterioration, or a preexisting condition.
Delays in claim handling: Your claim remains unresolved while repair costs, temporary accommodations, or other expenses accumulate.
Disputes over repair scope: The insurer’s estimate does not account for damage identified by a contractor or other qualified professional.
Damage caused by another party: You need to evaluate whether an individual, business, driver, or another potentially responsible party may be liable.
A disagreement with an insurance company does not automatically mean that the insurer acted unlawfully. The policy, supporting evidence, applicable law, and handling of the claim all matter. An attorney can help evaluate the dispute and explain potential next steps.
When a property damage claim becomes disputed, understanding the insurance company’s position and the evidence supporting your loss can help you make informed decisions.
At Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod, our attorneys can evaluate property damage disputes and help clients understand the available legal options.
Depending on the circumstances, legal assistance may include:
Reviewing insurance policy provisions
Insurance policies contain conditions, exclusions, limits, and documentation requirements that can affect a claim. Reviewing the relevant provisions can help clarify the issues in dispute.
Evaluating the damage documentation
Photographs, inspection reports, repair estimates, receipts, and other records can help establish the nature and extent of a property loss. When estimates differ, additional documentation or a qualified assessment may be appropriate.
Communicating with the insurance company
An attorney may help organize supporting evidence, address questions raised by the insurer, and challenge a decision when the facts or policy terms support doing so.
Evaluating potential legal action
If a dispute cannot be resolved through the available claim process, an attorney can assess whether litigation or another legal remedy may be appropriate under the circumstances.
The goal is to help you understand your options and pursue any compensation to which you may be legally entitled. No particular recovery or outcome can be guaranteed.
Property damage claims can involve insurance policy deadlines, contractual requirements, and legal filing limits. The applicable rules depend on the type of claim, the parties involved, the relevant policy language, and the facts surrounding the loss.
For example, an insurance claim under a homeowners policy may involve requirements that differ from a claim against another driver or a lawsuit involving damage to real property. Reporting a loss to an insurer also does not necessarily satisfy the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Delays can make it more difficult to preserve evidence or pursue a claim. If your property damage dispute remains unresolved, consider having the relevant documents reviewed promptly so you can better understand the deadlines and procedures that may apply.
Property damage can leave you facing unexpected expenses and difficult decisions. When an insurance company questions your claim or the proposed payment does not appear to account for your documented losses, you deserve an opportunity to understand why and determine what to do next.
Conchin, Cole, Jordan & Sherrod represents clients in property damage and insurance disputes. Our attorneys can review the circumstances of your loss, discuss the relevant insurance issues, and explain possible courses of action.
We serve individuals and businesses in Athens and surrounding Limestone County communities.
Call (256) 705-7777 to request a free consultation. Let our team help you understand your options after a property loss.
You are not required to hire an attorney for every insurance claim, but legal guidance may be helpful when a denial raises questions about policy coverage, the cause of the damage, or the evidence considered by the insurer. An attorney can review the denial, examine the relevant policy provisions, and explain whether challenging the decision may be appropriate.
Potentially, yes. An initial payment or repair estimate does not necessarily resolve every issue surrounding a claim. You may be able to submit additional estimates, inspection findings, photographs, or other supporting evidence. Whether you can pursue further payment depends on the policy, the documented damage, and the circumstances of the claim. Review any settlement documents carefully before signing them.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable insurance coverage or liability rules, a claim may involve reasonable repair or replacement costs, damaged personal belongings, certain temporary living expenses, loss of use, or covered business interruption losses. When another party is legally responsible, other damages may be available under applicable law. The types and amounts of recoverable losses depend on the evidence, policy terms, legal requirements, and limits that apply.
There is no single deadline that applies to every property damage dispute. Insurance policies can establish notification and proof-of-loss requirements, while Alabama law provides different filing periods depending on the legal basis of a claim and the circumstances involved. Waiting too long can affect your options, so it is best to review the applicable deadlines with an attorney as soon as a significant dispute develops.
We had a really hard case. We called around and it seemed like the lawyers that are out there just want easy money. This was not the case with Mr. Jordan. He worked hard and went over every obstacle not to give up and in the end he won - he deserved it. Want someone to fight for you this is the law firm.
Best experience! I had a complicated case others were hesitant to pursue. Brent was not only patient with me/my concerns/questions, but he validated my experience while giving objective/big picture counsel. He was well equipped to handle the case complexities, provided timely updates and communication, and gave great advice/options throughout. I had full trust in him, which these days is a RARE find. 10/10 recommend!
By far the best attorney amongst the many. Highly recommend to anyone seeking help with their issues.
Mr. Conchin handled my case with professionalism and kept me updated as best and as soon as he could. I appreciate his services
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