Commercial Property Claims

At Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we understand how devastating commercial property damage can be for business owners. Whether the loss results from a storm, fire, flood, or other disaster, the financial and operational impacts are immediate and far-reaching. We understand business operations and how a disaster can result in losses which impact your business. We’re here to help you regain stability by managing your claim efficiently and pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to receive under your insurance policy.

From day one, our focus is on minimizing business disruption. Our attorneys move quickly to evaluate the damage, analyze your coverage, and develop a strategic plan that aligns with your business priorities. We represent clients across a wide spectrum of professions and industries—including retail, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and beyond.

Whether your claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, we are committed to fighting for your rights with the speed, precision, and professionalism your business deserves. Schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

How Insurers Undervalue or Deny Commercial Property Claims

Insurance companies have a financial interest in limiting payouts. They often rely on technicalities or vague policy language to reduce settlement amounts or avoid liability altogether. At Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we know how to identify these strategies and hold insurers accountable.

Common tactics used to deny or underpay commercial claims include:

• Business Interruption Miscalculations: Insurers employ forensic accountants who often underestimate income losses or disregard indirect effects like supply chain delays or loss of clientele.
• Code Upgrade Denials: Modern building codes often require substantial upgrades after damage. Insurers may attempt to avoid covering the full cost of compliance.
• Coinsurance Penalties: If your insured value falls below a certain threshold, insurers may reduce your payout—regardless of the actual damage.
• Coverage Sublimit Application: Policies often contain sublimits for specific perils, such as floods or mold, capping compensation even if your overall policy limit is higher.
• Depreciation Manipulation: Overstating depreciation can dramatically reduce the claim amount, leaving you to cover the rest. This is a common practice by insurers that many businesses never consider.
• Maintenance History Disputes: Insurers may blame alleged lack of upkeep, claiming the damage was avoidable, and therefore not covered.
• Multiple-Cause Disputes: When more than one cause contributed to the damage, insurers may argue that the loss isn’t fully covered under the policy.
• Property Valuation Challenges: Disputes over the value of specialized or high-value commercial properties can lead to reduced payouts.

Understanding how insurers operate is the first step toward pushing back. Our attorneys have the experience to challenge these denials and secure what your business is owed.

Properties and Industries We Represent

We tailor our legal strategies to the unique risks and needs of each type of commercial property we serve. Our clients include:

• Office buildings and retail centers
• Multi-unit residential buildings
• Shopping centers and malls
• Manufacturing facilities and warehouses
• Hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues
• Medical clinics and professional offices
• Mixed-use commercial developments
• Industrial complexes and specialized facilities

No matter your industry or location, we bring the same level of diligence, experience, and strategic focus to every case.

Types of Commercial Property Claims We Handle

Weather-Related Damage

Extreme weather events continue to rise in both frequency and severity. Hurricanes, tornados, hailstorms, and floods can cause catastrophic structural damage, equipment loss, and operational shutdowns.

We handle claims involving:

• Wind, hail, and lightning damage
• Storm surges and flooding
• Ice and snow-related collapses
• Tornado and hurricane destruction
• Burst pipes and water infiltration
• Roof damage and debris impacts

Prompt action is key—both to limit the damage and to preserve your right to a fair claim. We help businesses respond quickly and effectively, from mitigation to resolution.

Fire-Related Damage

Fires can devastate a commercial property in minutes. Even after the flames are out, smoke, soot, and water damage can create lasting harm.

We represent clients facing losses due to:

• Structural fire damage
• Smoke infiltration
• Electrical system failures
• Restaurant kitchen fires
• HVAC-related fires
• Equipment malfunctions
• Firefighting water damage

We coordinate inspections, loss assessments, and claim presentations that capture the full impact of fire-related events—including hidden damages often “overlooked” by insurers.

Water Damage

Water damage is among the most complex and costly types of property loss. Causes include:

• Plumbing system failures
• Sprinkler system malfunctions
• Roof and HVAC leaks
• Sewer backups and drain clogs
• Water main breaks
• Groundwater infiltration

These issues often overlap with maintenance disputes or exclusions, which insurers may use to limit payouts. We work to ensure your claim includes both direct and consequential damages.

Building System Failures

Building infrastructure issues can grind your operations to a halt. We assist clients whose claims involve:

• Electrical system breakdowns
• HVAC and mechanical failures
• Elevator and escalator malfunctions
• Roofing and foundation issues
• Building envelope leaks and deterioration

These failures are often excluded or undervalued without thorough documentation. Even with thorough documentation insurers find ways to dispute your losses. We ensure your insurer addresses the true scope of the loss.

Human-Caused Property Damage

Not all claims stem from natural disasters. Human actions—whether accidental or malicious—can also lead to major losses.

Our legal team handles:

• Vandalism and theft
• Equipment operator error
• Contractor or tenant-caused damage
• Glass breakage and vehicle impacts
• Construction defects and code violations
• Damage caused by third parties in a wide variety of ways.

We work to hold all responsible parties—and insurers—accountable for damage recovery.

Business Interruption

Business interruption coverage can be your lifeline following major property damage, but it is one of the most frequently disputed claim types.

We help you recover compensation for:

• Lost revenue during repairs
• Supply chain disruptions
• Civil authority shutdowns
• Utility and service interruptions
• Inaccessible property or displaced tenants
• Dependent business losses (e.g., suppliers or neighboring stores)

Our attorneys work with forensic accountants to present a complete financial picture, ensuring your losses are accurately quantified and fairly compensated.

Our Proven Legal Strategy for Commercial Claims

At Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we use a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to the details of your loss and policy.

Step 1: Claim Evaluation and Documentation

We begin with a business impact assessment to understand how your operations were affected. Our team gathers documentation—photographs, invoices, inspections, repair estimates and income statements—and works alongside restoration experts and accountants to build your claim from the ground up.

Step 2: Policy Analysis and Damage Calculation

We closely review your policy to identify coverage limits, sublimits, exclusions, and conditions that may affect your claim. Then we calculate losses, including business interruption and related costs, to determine the full scope of your recovery.

Step 3: Negotiation and, If Needed, Litigation

We begin negotiations by confronting your insurer with a clear, evidence-based demand. If they remain uncooperative or act in bad faith, we are fully prepared to litigate the case and pursue a fair outcome in court.

Our goal is always to reach resolution promptly and efficiently—but we won’t hesitate to escalate when your business’s future is on the line.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If your commercial property has sustained damage and your insurance claim has been denied, undervalued, or delayed, contact Vishio, Watkins & Forry, PLLC. We help business owners nationwide stand up to insurance companies and secure the compensation they need to rebuild.

Call today to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced attorneys help you move forward with confidence.