30

YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

1846+

SATISFIED CLIENTS

500+

SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS

FREE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE LAWYERS
CASE EVALUATION

30

YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

1846+

SATISFIED CLIENTS

500+

SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS

 

TESTIMONIALS FOR Commercial Property Damage LAWYERS

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

Celebrating Excellence in Personal Injury

At our personal injury law firm, we take immense pride in our dedication to providing exceptional legal representation to our clients. Our commitment to delivering outstanding results has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, our team of highly skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers has received numerous prestigious awards and recognition within the legal community.

Top 100 Settlements - Personal Injury 2023 Badge
Top 100 Settlements - Personal Injury (Texas) 2023 Badge
Number 1 Settlement - Residential Premise Liability (Collin County) 2023 Badge
Number 1 Settlement - Slip & Fall Accdients 2023 Badge
2025 Best Lawyer Award
NTL-Top-40-Flat-Badge
Attorney at Law - Law firm of the month award
Sean Chalaki Rising Star Award sticker
Best Lawyers Ones To Watch Award 2

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COMMUNITY AND FIRM EVENTS

Here at Gosuits we understand that being a part of the community means more than just providing legal services. Whether we are participating in a community event or hosting a firm event, our goal is always the same: to build strong relationships with the people we serve and to make a positive impact in our community.

First-Party Commercial Property Damage: Your Business’s Safety Net in Times of Crisis

Commercial property damage can disrupt your business operations, strain your finances, and leave you facing a mountain of uncertainty. Whether it’s a fire, flood, theft, or another catastrophe, the losses go far beyond just physical damage. Your business may face downtime, diminished revenue, and the overwhelming task of rebuilding—all while navigating an insurance process that can feel anything but straightforward. This is where first-party commercial property insurance becomes critical.

What Does a First-Party Commercial Property Claim Cover?

A first-party commercial property claim allows you to seek compensation for damages caused by covered events. These claims typically include coverage for the following:

  1. Physical Damage to Property
    Damage to the structure of your commercial building caused by events such as fires or storms.
  2. Loss or Destruction of Equipment and Inventory
    Coverage for damaged or lost equipment, machinery, or stock necessary for your business operations.
  3. Relocation or Temporary Operational Costs
    Compensation for expenses incurred from temporarily relocating your business or halting operations due to property damage.
  4. Business Interruption Losses
    Provisions to recover lost revenue and additional expenses, such as payroll or utility bills, during the downtime caused by the damage.

For example, if your property sustains significant fire damage, your claim could include coverage for structural repairs, replacement of damaged equipment, and income lost while your business is non-operational. However, the extent of coverage often depends on the specific terms of your policy.

Certain types of damage—such as those caused by floods or earthquakes—may require additional endorsements or separate policies. Knowing what is and isn’t covered under your policy can prevent unpleasant surprises when you file a claim.

Policies also outline different methods for valuing losses, which significantly affect the amount you can recover:

  • Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Covers the cost of replacing damaged property with something of similar quality, without factoring in depreciation.
  • Actual Cash Value (ACV): Accounts for depreciation, reimbursing you for the current value of the property, which is typically less than the replacement cost.

The Complexities of Navigating First-Party Claims

Filing a first-party claim is rarely as simple as notifying your insurer and waiting for reimbursement. While insurers are obligated to process claims in good faith, many take a more adversarial approach, working to minimize payouts and protect their own bottom line. Disputes often arise over key issues, such as the cause of the damage, the valuation of losses, or whether specific exclusions apply to your policy. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed at a time when your focus should be on restoring your business.

One of the most common hurdles involves coverage disputes. Insurance policies are often filled with complex technical language, exclusions, and conditions that can be difficult to interpret without legal proficiency. For example, a policy may cover water damage caused by a burst pipe but exclude damage caused by flooding. Insurers often use these ambiguities to deny or limit claims, leaving policyholders questioning whether they’re being treated fairly. This is where having an attorney who understands the nuances of policy language becomes critical. An attorney can advocate for your rights so that your claim is properly evaluated and not dismissed based on a misrepresentation of your policy.

Another significant challenge is the burden of proof. Insurers typically require claimants to provide extensive documentation to substantiate their losses, including repair estimates, receipts for damaged equipment, and evidence of lost revenue. The process of gathering and organizing this information is often time-consuming and stressful, particularly when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of property damage. Working with an attorney relieves this burden by ensuring that your claim is meticulously prepared, leaving no room for disputes over incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

Even when insurers approve a claim, disputes over the valuation of damages can arise. For instance, an insurer might undervalue the cost of repairs or depreciate the value of damaged property, offering you far less than what it will actually cost to restore your business. Attorneys with experience in commercial property damage claims know how to challenge these undervaluations, ensuring that the true extent of your losses is accounted for and appropriately compensated.

Business Interruption Losses and Their Impact

For many businesses, the loss of income caused by downtime is just as devastating as physical damage. Business interruption coverage, often included in commercial property policies, is meant to address this. It can cover lost revenue, operating expenses, and even payroll during the period your business is unable to function normally.

However, business interruption claims can be particularly contentious. Insurers often challenge the projected revenue loss or argue that certain expenses are not covered. For example, if your business was already experiencing a downturn before the damage occurred, the insurer may argue that the loss isn’t entirely attributable to the covered event. Calculating these losses requires a thorough understanding of your financial records and often involves working with forensic accountants to substantiate your claim.

Why Legal Support Is Essential

Handling a first-party commercial property damage claim without legal assistance can leave you vulnerable to an array of challenges, from insurer tactics designed to minimize payouts to the overwhelming complexity of policy language and procedures. At Gosuits, we pride ourselves on providing more than just legal representation—we offer personalized support and cutting-edge resources that make a real difference in your case.

Unlike larger firms, where clients are often passed off to case managers or support staff, Gosuits ensures that you work directly with one of our attorneys from start to finish. Your attorney will personally guide you through every step of the claims process, offering tailored advice and consistent communication. Our firm has developed a reputation for excellence and innovation. By combining traditional legal advocacy with proprietary technology, such as our custom-built software utilizing machine learning, we streamline the claims process while maintaining a focus on superior outcomes. 

Our legal team is composed of advocates with extensive experience in first-party commercial property damage claims. Having worked on both sides of the table, we bring a balanced perspective and a results-driven strategy to every case. Whether it involves negotiating with insurers, challenging unfair denials, or pursuing litigation, we tailor our approach to your unique needs so your business may receive the compensation it deserves.

Let us get to know you

Date of Incident:

Type of Case:

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE LAWSUIT
STEPS AND PROCESS

1

Collect All Available Evidence


Every case rests on the backs of investigators who dig deep. We’ll investigate your accident and find evidence like police reports, hospital records, and witness statements. Our injury attorneys go deep into each potential avenue of inquiry, leaving no stone unturned in their exhaustive search for justice.

2

Write a Letter of Demand


A demand letter will be addressed to the offender and their insurance provider or legal counsel. The full financial burden is considered, including future medical expenditures, wage losses, and other expenses.

3

Negotiation


By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.

4

Begin Filing a Lawsuit for Injury


By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.

5

Discovery


Now that we have filed suit, we have the right to obtain information from the defendants that they were previously unwilling to release. By serving them with Requests for Admissions, Interrogatories, and Document Production, we can investigate the validity of their allegations.

6

Mediation


Once both parties have reviewed the facts of the case, a mediation session may be planned to see whether or not an amicable resolution may be reached. The defense will hear our position from a non-biased individual (Mediator), and we may continue bargaining with the insurance company over a reasonable payment.

7

Civil Trial for Injury


We will go to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. We’ll argue your case in court, using the information found through discovery and any necessary expert testimony. Many of us would rather have a jury decide our cases than a judge, as juries tend to be more compassionate in times of tragedy.

8

Settlement


A settlement has been reached if an agreement can be made before trial. In return for release of all personal injury claims, you should get a settlement that accounts for all your losses up to and including the date of your injury, fees, taxable cost, medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.

9

Appeal


Suppose the jury decides against you. We will then file an appeal if we believe the defense or the court made a legal mistake. Additional data and legal arguments on our part will likely be required to convince the court of our position. The court, if we prevail, may decide to overturn its earlier ruling or even retry the case.

MORE QUESTIONS?

RESPONSE TO SOME GENERAL QUESTIONS

Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?

Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?

Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?

What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?

Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?

Who Will Pay for My Car Accident Medical Bills

Determining who will be responsible for your car accident medical bills depends on several factors: the cause of the accident, your level of fault, and the insurance coverage held by the other driver. In such circumstances, seeking guidance and support from a personal injury lawyer, Dallas can prove invaluable.

Following a car accident and sustaining injuries, it is natural to wonder who will bear the burden of your medical expenses and treatment costs. While a car accident injury settlement or a trial verdict can provide financial relief, they may not offer immediate assistance in covering your medical treatment. The answer, in essence, relies on the accident’s nature, the relevant state laws, and the specific insurance policies involved.

General Rule – Ongoing Payment Responsibility Rests with the Injured Party

It is crucial to understand that, in most cases, if you are involved in an accident, you are responsible for paying your medical bills as they are incurred. The only exception occurs in “no fault” states, which will be discussed below. Even if the at-fault party is clearly responsible for your injuries, the law does not mandate them to cover your bills on an ongoing basis.

The law only requires them to provide damages to resolve your lawsuit, and in many instances, your medical claim is included in those damages. However, the defendant is not obligated to pay your medical invoice as they arise.

Car Accidents – “No Fault” States

In motor vehicle accident cases, the coverage of hospital bills depends on whether the accident occurred in a “no fault” state. In “no fault” insurance states, your automobile insurer will cover some or all of your hospital bills resulting from a car accident, regardless of fault. However, there is typically a limit to what your own automobile insurance company will pay, varying from state to state but generally around $10,000 or less.

Once your medical expenses exceed the state’s “no fault” limit, you become responsible for paying them. If you have health insurance, your provider will cover your bills. In the case of Medicare or a state-run health insurance program through Medicaid, these entities will handle the bills. If you lack health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you will need to arrange payment agreements directly with your healthcare providers.

Motor Vehicle Accidents – Non-“No Fault” States (Dallas, TX)

If you are involved in a serious accident in a state without “no fault” insurance, you will generally be responsible for paying your expenses until you claim compensation from the at-fault party. However, some drivers in these states have medical payment or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, commonly known as “med pay” and “PIP” coverage.

This coverage will pay for the fair compensation of drivers or passengers involved in a car accident with the insured party, up to the “med pay” policy limits, which are typically less than $10,000. Once your bills exceed these policy limits, you will be responsible for payment.

Medpay and PIP funds can be utilized initially to cover health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and lost wages until you recover from the at-fault party. If you lack such coverage, in most cases, you will need to find healthcare providers willing to treat you upfront and defer their bills until you receive compensation from the insurance company.

Premises Liability: Slip or Trip and Fall Accidents

In premises liability or slip and fall cases, the responsibility for payment of medical bills typically falls on the injured person, unless the premises owner’s property insurance policy includes “med pay” coverage.

Dallas personal injury attorneys with experience in handling personal injury claims related to premises liability understand that “med pay” coverage can be beneficial. If the premises owner has this type of insurance coverage, the injured person’s medical bills will be paid by the insurance carriers, up to the limits specified in the “med pay” policy. However, once the “med pay” limits are exhausted, the injured person becomes responsible for paying the remaining bills.

Boating Accidents

Boating insurance policies seldom include “med pay” coverage. Consequently, personal injury victims involved in boating accidents will likely be responsible for covering their own expenses. It is crucial for individuals who suffer injuries caused by boating accidents to consult the right lawyer in Dallas to understand their legal options and seek rightful compensation for their injuries.

Work-Related Accidents

In the unfortunate event of a work-related accident due to gross negligence, personal injury victims may find relief if their company carries workers’ compensation insurance. In such personal injury cases, the workers’ compensation insurer will cover all the medical bills incurred by the injured party. It is important to note that these victims involved in work-related accidents are not required to contribute any money towards their expenses, including bills or deductibles.

Moreover, our Fort Worth, Dallas personal injury lawyers who handle personal injury cases are well-versed in the laws pertaining to workers’ compensation and can ensure that victims receive proper reimbursement for transportation expenses related to medical appointments. However, if a company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, pursuing damages under Texas non-subscriber laws becomes necessary.

Reimbursement for Medical Bills Paid by Insurers

If health insurers, Medicare, or the state agency administering Medicaid benefits have paid for your medical bills in relation to the accident, they are entitled to reimbursement for the amount they disbursed to your healthcare providers. Skilled Dallas personal injury attorneys can help navigate the complexities of dealing with insurers and ensure fair reimbursement processes.

Worst-Case Scenario

In the worst-case scenario where an accident occurs, insurance coverage is unavailable, and it is determined that there is no personal injury case due to factors such as personal fault or insufficient evidence, the injured party becomes solely responsible for all medical expenses. These victims facing this situation have limited options and should seek legal counsel to explore any possible alternatives.

Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?

Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident in Dallas?

In Dallas, Texas, the responsibility for covering the cost of property damage resulting from a car accident lies within specific legal parameters. As a car owner, you have the right to choose the body shop for repairing your vehicle. However, determining who will foot the bill for your property damage depends on the urgency of your vehicle’s repair and whether the at-fault party has accepted liability.
In Dallas, as in most places, the responsibility for the cost of property damage after a car accident typically falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for covering the damages.

If you were not at fault in the accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your property damage. Their insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, such as your vehicle or any other damaged property involved in the accident.

It’s important to gather evidence and documentation of the accident, including photographs, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. You should notify your insurance company about the accident as well, even if you are not at fault, to ensure they are aware of the situation.

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the property damage costs.

Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?

Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?

When you engage the services of our Dallas personal injury law firm, we ensure complete transparency regarding our fee structure. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees that catch you off guard. We take the time to explain the details of our contingency fee agreement, outlining all the fees and expenses involved.

In fact, paragraphs 1 and 2 of our agreement provide a comprehensive breakdown, and we require your initials next to each item to confirm your understanding. Our aim is to establish trust with our clients, providing them with peace of mind and alleviating any concerns. Our goal is not to profit at your expense but rather to obtain the best possible results for your injuries and damages.

Are My Medical Bills And Attorney Fees Combined?

It’s important to note that your medical bills and attorney fees are separate entities. While our law firm fees are based on the “No Fee, No Recovery” concept, your medical bills remain your responsibility. For instance, if you received a bill from the emergency room following your accident, it is your obligation to settle that bill as it does not fall within our purview to waive it.
However, when you enter into a contract with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Dallas, such as ourselves, you grant us permission to reimburse the medical providers from the eventual settlement or judgment you receive. This arrangement ensures that your expenses are appropriately handled while allowing us to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve for your harm or serious injury.

Who Covers the Expenses of Managing My Case?

The good news is that, as experienced personal injury attorneys in Dallas, TX, we have provisions in our contingency contract that allow us to bear the expenses associated with your case. Our law firm agreement enables us to cover the necessary costs throughout the process, and once we secure a settlement on your behalf, we will deduct those expenses from the settlement amount.

It’s important to understand the typical expenses involved in a personal injury case, as they can be significant. For instance, the police department charges a fee for providing copies of the police report, collision videos, and the police call log. Medical providers charge per page to produce your medical records. Filing a lawsuit incurs fees imposed by the court.

What sets our law firm apart is our commitment to leveraging digital resources to streamline these requests and save you money at every turn. For example, our Dallas personal injury attorney makes digital requests for your medical records and bills, opting for a flat fee instead of a per-page charge.
Our communication is predominantly conducted through email and client portals, providing you with convenient and cost-effective access to our Dallas personal injury lawyers. This approach allows us to operate as a faster and more affordable law firm, dedicated to serving your needs.

What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?

What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?

“No Recovery, No Fee” or “No Attorney Fee if No Recovery” means that you will not be responsible for your attorney fees if we lose your case, or do not settle your case with the responsible party or their insurance company. We will charge you a percentage of the settlement instead of the typical retainer and hourly fees that attorneys charge.

Therefore, if we lose your case any percentage X $0.00 = $0.00 and you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This agreement allows you as a victim of a car accident to receive the proper medical attention that you need without worrying about the outrageous legal fees piling up. Also, this will give you the opportunity to handle your property damage much faster and get back to your daily lives.

In the other Sections, we explain that although there are no attorney fees if there is no recovery, your medical bills and expenses are still due and the medical providers will want payment irrelevant of the results. In addition, we explain in some rarer circumstances that if we lose you may be responsible for attorney fees and taxable court costs of the defendant if the judge exercises discretion and grants them.

What makes first-party claims different from third-party claims?

First-party claims are filed with your own insurance company under your commercial property insurance policy. These claims arise when your business experiences damage or loss that is covered by your policy, such as fire damage to your building or theft of inventory. In contrast, third-party claims involve seeking compensation from another party’s insurance provider when they are legally responsible for the damage or loss you’ve suffered. For instance, if a contractor’s negligence causes damage to your property, you would pursue a third-party claim against their insurance.

First-party claims often involve disputes over the interpretation of your policy terms, valuation of damages, or exclusions, whereas third-party claims focus on proving the other party’s liability. The processes for these claims differ significantly, which is why having legal representation familiar with your specific type of claim is crucial.

Yes, most commercial property insurance policies include business interruption coverage, which is designed to compensate you for lost income and necessary expenses when your business operations are disrupted due to covered property damage. This type of coverage can help bridge the financial gap while you’re repairing your property or addressing the damage.

Business interruption coverage may include:

  • Lost profits that you would have earned if the damage hadn’t occurred.
  • Ongoing operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, and loan payments.
  • Payroll for employees to ensure you retain your workforce during the downtime.
  • Temporary relocation costs if you need to move your operations to another location while repairs are underway.

If your insurer denies your claim, don’t panic. The first step is to have your attorney carefully review the denial letter provided by the insurer. This document should explain why your claim was denied, referencing specific terms in your policy. Common reasons for denials include disputes over coverage, alleged policy violations, or insufficient documentation.

Once you’ve identified the reason for the denial, consult an attorney who handles commercial property damage claims.They can:

  • Review your policy to determine whether the denial is valid.
  • Challenge the insurer’s interpretation of the policy if it is misleading or inaccurate.
  • Gather additional evidence or documentation to support your claim.
  • Negotiate with the insurer on your behalf or, if necessary, pursue legal action to hold them accountable.

Denials that result from bad faith practices—such as unreasonable delays, misrepresentation of policy terms, or refusal to investigate the claim properly—may entitle you to additional compensation. Your attorney can help you identify and address these unfair tactics.

The timeline for resolving a first-party commercial property claim varies widely based on factors such as the complexity of the damage, the responsiveness of the insurer, and whether disputes arise during the process. Some straightforward claims can be resolved within a few weeks, while more complicated claims involving significant losses, extensive documentation, or disputes over coverage can take months or even years.

Common delays occur when:

  • Insurers request additional documentation or evidence.
  • Disputes arise over the cause of the damage or the valuation of losses.
  • The insurer undervalues the claim, requiring negotiation or legal intervention.

Working with an attorney can help expedite the process by ensuring your claim is prepared thoroughly and all necessary documentation is submitted promptly. Additionally, if the insurer engages in unreasonable delays, your attorney can take appropriate action to protect your rights.

Insurers are legally required to handle claims in good faith, meaning they must act reasonably, fairly, and promptly when evaluating and processing your claim. If your insurer engages in bad faith practices, you have the right to take legal action to hold them accountable.

Examples of bad faith practices include:

  • Delaying payment or denying your claim without a valid reason.
  • Failing to communicate with you in a timely manner.
  • Misrepresenting policy terms or excluding coverage that should apply.
  • Offering a settlement amount that is unreasonably low.

When bad faith occurs, you may be entitled to pursue damages beyond the original claim, such as compensation for the financial impact of the insurer’s actions and, in some cases, punitive damages. An attorney can help you identify bad faith practices, document the insurer’s actions, and take appropriate steps to seek justice.

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Sean Profile

SEAN CHALAKI

  • Texas Super Lawyers: Rising Star 2016 2023 2024
  • Law Firm of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine 2016
  • Top 40 under 40 Trial Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers (2015, 2016, 2022)
  • Board Member Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Danielle Hall, Individually Anf Amh-s V. Witron Integrated Logistics, Inc. Et
  • Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022
  • Best Lawyers 2024
Yasamin Profile

YASAMIN MOUSSAVI

  • Principal / Texas and New York Litigation Attorney
  • Licensed Attorney with State Bar of Texas
  • Licensed Attorney with State Bar of New York
  • Licensed Attorney in Federal and District Court
  • South Australian Bar Association
Hashemi Profile

SHAWN HASHEMI

  • Principal / Litigation Attorney
  • State Bar of Texas
    U.S. Federal District Court for Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. Federal District Court for Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. Federal District Court for Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Federal District Court for Western District of Texas
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