Businesses across the U.S. have been forced into new and uncharted waters with the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). Federal and state governments have ordered many of these businesses, both large and small, into severely curtailing their normal operations, or in the event that a business has been deemed “non-essential”, into closing completely until the situation is determined to be safe for the general public. With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, many states are extending stay-at-home orders or moving towards a tiered approach for reopening businesses dependent on their ability to provide adequate social distancing and cleaning procedures.
In order to cope with the extensive, and often devastating economic losses stemming from Covid-19, many business owners have attempted to turn to their insurance companies or brokers for help. Unfortunately, business interruption insurance is complicated and often the policies that many business owners assumed they could trust during a crisis do not cover the losses associated with the pandemic.
What is Business Interruption Insurance?
Business interruption insurance is typically a provision of the commercial property insurance policies that many business owners carry in the event of an emergency that would affect their investment. This rider is typically triggered when there is “damage to or direct physical loss” to an insured property that results in the loss of income or extra expenses. Some policies also allow for physical losses that may have occurred in the vicinity of the insured property in the event of a civil order, often called “Civil Authority” riders, that limits access to or completely prohibits gaining entry to that property.
Covid-19 is different. Insurance companies, following the 2003 SARS outbreak, began including clauses using policy language to limit the coverage they have to provide in the event of a viral, bacterial, or microorganism outbreak. Many insurers argue that Covid-19 contamination or threat of such contamination does not fulfill the “damage to or direct physical loss” requirement of business interruption coverage. Instead, you must prove that Covid-19 contamination was the direct cause of closing your business.
However, each policy is different, and some policies may not require “damage or direct physical loss”. In some policies, a bacterium is excluded while viruses are not. And, in some jurisdictions, case law allows for viruses and bacteria to fulfill the requirement for “damage or direct physical loss”.
Each business interruption insurance policy should be reviewed carefully to determine how this pandemic may affect your coverage. If you have business interruption insurance and your provider is delaying, underpaying, or completely denying your claim, even if you feel they may be correct, it is important to contact an experienced business interruption insurance lawyer to look at your case as soon as possible.
Let Us Take A Second Look
At this extraordinarily challenging time, we offer a free, no-risk review of insurance policies for businesses that have been closed due to Covid-19. It is important that you act quickly; business interruption insurance claims could be lost completely when business owners delay. The professionals at America’s Consumer Lawyer can review your particular policy, work through the nuances and confusing language, and help work to secure the compensation you deserve.
The insurance company has a team of insurance experts and lawyers at their disposal that are preparing to deny claims and avoid payments. No business should have to navigate these uncertain times alone. Let us help.
What It Means to Put People, First
We at America’s Consumer Lawyer are here for you. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 140 five-star reviews on Google.
If you need a business interruption insurance lawyer we can be your advocate. We have the skills and resources to fight for your rights as a business owner and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get you the best settlement as efficiently as possible.
By contacting America’s Consumer Lawyer you can be assured of the following:
- You have absolutely nothing to lose.
- We don’t get paid unless you do.
- We will respond to you at lightning speed. From the moment you contact us, we start working on your behalf and we will see your case through to the end.
- All of your information will be kept strictly confidential.
- We’re here 24/7 by phone, email, text, website live chat, Facetime, or Skype.
- Over 1,000 outstanding client reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and over 140 five-star reviews on Google.
- Questions or concerns? Call 888-572-0176.
How Do I Know If I Need the Help of a Lawyer?
If you are a business owner and you have sustained, consider the following:
- Did you lose business income due to the Illinois government shutdown
a. Yes
b. No - Do you have business insurance?
a. Yes
b. No - Have you filed a claim for business losses with your insurance company?
a. Yes
b. No
If no, contact us today and we’ll do it for you for FREE. - Was your claim denied?
a. Yes
b. No - How much money have you lost so far?
a. $0 – $100,000
b. $100,000 – $250,000
c. Over $250,000 - What’s the name of your business?
- What’s your contact information?
a. Name:
b. E-mail:
c. Phone number:
America’s Consumer Lawyer: People, First
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do.
We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would.
Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put people first.
