Residential Insurance Claim Attorneys

For most people, a home is the single largest investment they will ever make. It’s where families grow, memories are made, and security is cultivated. When that home is damaged by fire, storm, or another disaster, the financial and emotional toll can be devastating. Homeowners insurance is supposed to protect you from that burden — but too often, the process becomes an uphill battle.

After years of paying premiums, many policyholders discover that their insurance company now treats them as an adversary. Claims are minimized, delayed, or denied outright. Adjusters often interpret policy language in the insurer’s favor, and settlement offers frequently fall far short of the actual cost of repairs or replacement.

At Vishio Watkins & Forry, PLLC, we are intimately familiar with the stress homeowners face when insurers don’t play fair. Because all of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers, we know exactly how carriers evaluate, delay, and deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to level the playing field and help homeowners recover what they are rightfully owed.

Common Types of Property Damage Claims

Property damage can occur in many forms, and every type of loss requires different evidence and expertise. At Vishio Watkins & Forry, we handle all types of residential property damage claims, including:

According to the Insurance Information Institute, wind and hail are among the leading causes of residential property loss nationwide, followed closely by fire and water damage.

Steps to Take After Your Home Is Damaged

If your home has suffered damage, whether from a hurricane, fire, or frozen pipes, your first priority is safety. Once everyone is secure and immediate hazards are addressed, taking the right steps early can make the difference between a smooth claim and a denied one.

  1. Ensure safety and mitigate further damage.
    Secure the property, shut off utilities if necessary, and take reasonable steps (such as tarping a roof) to prevent further loss.
  2. Contact your insurer and report the claim.
    Document all communications, including names, claim numbers, and times of contact.
  3. Document everything.
    Take photos and videos of every affected area, both wide shots and close-ups. Date-stamp your images if possible.
  4. Save receipts and invoices.
    Keep all records related to emergency repairs, temporary housing, and associated expenses.
  5. Don’t sign anything prematurely.
    Be cautious with insurer-provided release forms or quick “final” settlement offers.
  6. Contact VWF immediately.
    Early involvement helps us preserve your rights, identify coverage issues, and gather expert evidence to strengthen your claim.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), early documentation and mitigation are critical for protecting both your safety and your right to full compensation.

Recent Case Results

HURRICANE DAMAGE

Hurricane damage to Southwest Florida residence

INSURER’S OFFER: $0

VWF RECOVERED:
$725,000

HURRICANE DAMAGE

Hurricane damage to Southwest Florida residence

INSURER’S OFFER: $0

VWF RECOVERED:
$510,000

HURRICANE DAMAGE

Hurricane damage to Southwest Florida residence

INSURER’S OFFER: $0

VWF RECOVERED:
$486,000

The above information is accurate and represents only some of the results obtained by our firm. Unfortunately, and for good reasons, insurance companies always insist upon a non-disclosure agreement when paying up, so exacting case details cannot be disclosed. Each case is different, and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

How Vishio Watkins & Forry Helps Homeowners

We combine insurance-claim expertise with litigation readiness so we can pursue the highest lawful recovery for our clients. When you retain our services, we will:

Evaluate Your Claim Thoroughly

We review your policy, claim history, and insurer communications line by line so you fully understand your coverage and where disputes may arise.

Build and Present a Strong Case

Our attorneys assemble comprehensive documentation, expert reports, and detailed inventories to ensure your claim is supported by evidence — not assumptions.

Leverage Expert Insight

We work with structural engineers, roofing specialists, and restoration professionals to confirm the true cause and extent of your loss.

Guide Emergency Repairs

We help you coordinate immediate, reasonable repairs while ensuring that your insurer’s responsibilities are preserved and your claim remains valid.

Negotiate for Full Recovery

We handle all insurer communications and push for the full cost of repair or replacement. If your insurer delays, underpays, or acts in bad faith, we’re prepared to take the case to court — and we have the trial experience to back it up.

Nationwide Representation for Homeowners

While our firm is based in Florida, we represent homeowners across the country, including:

  • Gulf Coast states (Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas) affected by hurricanes and windstorms.
  • Mountain West states (Utah, Idaho, Montana) facing hail, snow, and winter storm damage.

Wherever your property is located, we know how to navigate the challenges of insurance disputes in both coastal and inland regions.

Discuss Your Residential Property Damage Claim with Our Attorneys

When your home sustains damage, timing and precision matter. Insurance companies may slow the process, undervalue claims, or deny coverage altogether — even when your policy clearly provides for it.

A homeowners’ insurance attorney at Vishio Watkins & Forry will review your policy, explain your coverage in plain language, and stand up to insurers that delay or underpay.

Don’t let an insurer’s tactics jeopardize your recovery. Contact our residential property damage lawyers today for a case review. Call (239) 703-7210 or complete our online form to get started. Commercial property inquiries are also welcome.

Schedule a
Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
You can also call for
immediate assistance