Tree Fall Claims — Insurance Litigation Lawyer

Treefall losses are caused when big trees (perhaps most frequently Douglas firs, but often other big trees like maples or box elders) fall on or near homes. This is a growing problem in Oregon. A direct impact from a tree weighing several tons can cause very serious damage to a home, destroying its roof, impairing the structural integrity of remaining support structures, and posing grave danger to the lives of the inhabitants. Even a near miss by the trunk itself can cause devastating damage from the impacts of the tree’s branches. Treefall usually occurs in connection with a serious weather event like a winter windstorm, and for that reason can be accompanied by significant water intrusion which can lead to a host of further problems, including mold growth and other issues. An insurance claim lawyer can help you navigate the loss claim with your insurance company.

And all too often, the terrifying impact of the tree itself is only the beginning of the catastrophe. Homeowners who have suffered a treefall loss may be told by their insurance company’s adjuster that their roof can be patched, or that jacked window frames are the result of natural settling of the home’s structure. The adjuster may claim that the repair can be effected for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars less than the amount the homeowner’s chosen contractor says the necessary repairs will cost.

Homeowners pay policy premiums to obtain peace of mind that, in the event of a catastrophe, their insurer will step in and restore their home to its pre-loss condition. Nevertheless, in many cases, it proves necessary to hire an experienced insurance litigation attorney in order to compel the insurance company to act on its obligations to its policyholder.