Fort Lauderdale Business Interruption Claims Lawyers

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

Business interruption insurance protects you in the event of physical losses caused by certain covered perils. For business owners, this can provide much-needed financial relief when an unexpected event causes business disruptions and economic losses. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, leading to mandatory partial and total business closures, many business owners are wondering if their insurance policies cover their losses. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. The specific language of your policy could allow you to file a claim for coronavirus-related losses, or it could specifically exclude these losses. It’s a good idea to contact an attorney with experience in insurance claims. At the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, we can help you understand your policy and whether or not you should file a business disruption claim. We encourage you to reach out to our business interruption lawyers so we can discuss your unique situation.

Call our office at 954-763-4950 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation!

What “Perils” Are Commonly Covered by Business Interruption Insurance?

• As previously mentioned, business interruption insurance typically covers certain “perils,” or events that cause physical damage to a business. Each policy is different, and many have exclusions for certain perils and harmful events. That being said, some perils that are commonly covered by business interruption insurance include:
• Hurricanes
• Hailstorms
• Windstorms
• Fire and smoke
• Explosions
• Vandalism
• Riots
• Vehicle-related damage
• Aircraft-related damage
• Short-circuiting
• Falling objects

Many business interruption policies have specific exclusions for bacteria and viruses; these were introduced after previous pandemics, including those involving H1N1 (the “swine flu”) and SARS, among others. Under such exclusions, your insurance provider could argue that you are not covered for coronavirus-related losses. However, many businesses across the U.S. have filed business interruption claims anyway. The outcome of these cases will likely set a precedent regarding how such claims will be handled.

What Are My Recoverable Losses in a Business Disruption Claim?

• Business interruption insurance typically provides coverage for certain recoverable losses. Again, every policy is different, and yours may provide for additional losses or exclude certain losses discussed here. Business interruption insurance commonly covers the following losses:
• Income/revenue
• Operations
• Payroll
• Taxes
• Loan payments
• Inventory
• Rent
• Utilities
• Equipment
• Temporary relocation

Our Fort Lauderdale business interruption attorneys can go over your policy to determine which losses you are eligible to recover in the event that your business is affected by a named peril.

Contact the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A.

Whether your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or you have sustained losses due to another unexpected and unpreventable event, the Law Offices of John D. Ameen can help you understand your rights. Our experienced insurance claims attorneys are available to answer your questions. We can discuss your specific options as they relate to your business interruption policy. Call 954-763-4950 to schedule a free consultation.