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The May 26 hailstorm didn’t just pass through San Angelo; it hit hard. From crushed roofs to broken windshields and flooded interiors, it left thousands with unexpected repair costs. Neighborhoods across the region reported hailstones the size of golf balls, leaving visible, long-lasting damage to both residential and commercial properties.

In the aftermath, residents are dealing with a second blow: insurance companies minimizing valid claims. Some may label serious damage as “cosmetic,” while others may delay action in the hopes homeowners will settle for less. That’s where Palker Law steps in, to get San Angelo policyholders full and fair compensation.

How Insurance Companies Push Back

Tactics That Prioritize Profits

When catastrophe strikes, insurers often enter protection mode, not for you, but for their bottom line. Reports show that nearly 47% of home insurance claims in Texas were closed without payment in 2024. Denials and underpayments aren’t just errors; they’re strategies. Adjusters are trained to control costs, sometimes even if it means ignoring parts of your damage.

Delay and Deny: A Common Pattern

Insurers may repeatedly reschedule inspections or claim that a backlog prevents swift action. These delays aren’t harmless; they are meant to wear you down. Most policyholders don’t realize that prompt handling is legally required. That’s why working with a law firm from the start can make all the difference.

Misclassification: A Common Tactic

Claims adjusters often say damage is “pre-existing” or “not covered,” even if the evidence says otherwise. For example, roof pitting, cracked vents, or water seepage after a hailstorm may be dismissed if you don’t push back. At Palker Law, we fight to make sure your case, and your damage, are not ignored.

Your Rights Under Texas Law

Chapter 541: Unfair Claim Practices

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541 protects you from deceptive, unfair, or abusive insurance practices. If your provider misrepresents your coverage, fails to reasonably settle, or drags their feet intentionally, you may be eligible for not just compensation—but legal penalties against them (Texas Code §541).

Chapter 542: Prompt Payment Requirements

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542 means you don’t have to wait endlessly for action. Once you submit your claim, the insurer has 15 days to respond and 15 more to accept or reject. If approved, payment must be issued within five business days. Violations can mean added interest and attorney’s fees.

HB 1774 and Legal Reforms

House Bill 1774, passed in 2017, reformed how insurance disputes are handled, limiting interest penalties and creating a 60-day pre-suit notice requirement (source). While it adds red tape, it doesn’t take away your right to pursue justice, especially with legal guidance.

Pre-Suit Requirements and Legal Deadlines

The 60-Day Notice Rule

Before you can sue your insurer for bad faith or breach of contract, Texas law requires you to send a formal notice 60 days in advance. This step outlines what your insurer did wrong and gives them a chance to respond. It’s also required to recover legal fees, so skipping it can cost you.

Two Years To File

The Texas statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of loss to take legal action. While that might sound generous, delays in evidence gathering or insurance negotiation can eat into that timeline. That’s why acting quickly is in your best interest.

Time and Evidence

Witness statements fade. Damage repairs erase proof. Photos get lost. All of these issues make waiting risky. Palker Law helps preserve your claim’s strength by documenting early and filing before critical deadlines.

Why Claims Are Denied, And What You Can Do

Your Best Defense: Documentation

Start with time stamped photos from multiple angles. Capture indoor and outdoor damage, including your attic, ceiling, and foundation. Keep contractor estimates and all correspondence with your insurer. Every document supports your case, and we’ll help you organize and submit it strategically.

Supplements Are Your Right

If more damage becomes evident later, like mold, water damage, or structural issues, you’re entitled to submit a supplemental claim. Many homeowners don’t realize this and walk away with incomplete compensation. We, on the other hand, make sure that no damage gets overlooked.

How Palker Law Stands Apart

Local Knowledge, Local Focus

Palker Law knows West Texas. We know San Angelo’s neighborhoods, contractors, and weather patterns. That gives us unique leverage in holding insurers accountable. We’ve dealt with the same providers in your area and know how they operate.

Real Results, Real People

We’ve helped clients recover thousands more than their initial offers, turning small payouts into large settlements through documentation and persistence. Whether it’s residential or commercial, we fight hard and don’t back down.

Full-Service Legal Support

From your first call to final settlement, we manage the entire process: inspections, notices, negotiations, and if needed, litigation. You won’t be buried in forms or left wondering what’s next, because we guide you through every step.

Protect Your Rights

You pay for your policy every month. When disaster strikes, that contract should work in your favor. If it doesn’t, you have the right to fight, and win, with legal support.

Whether your insurer is stalling, denying, or lowballing, we’re ready to take your side. At Palker Law, we offer free consultations and don’t charge unless we recover for you.Let’s make sure this recent storm doesn’t define your year. Start with Palker Law on your side and schedule a free case review.