Law Office of Michael P. Bowman PLLC — The Claim Attorney

We're based right here in Austin. If your insurance company has denied, delayed, or underpaid your homeowner or business property claim, we can help you understand your options and push for a fair evaluation of your claim. Free consultation.

Austin Weather Has a Personality. So Do Insurance Adjusters.

Austin keeps things interesting — live music on every corner, breakfast tacos as a food group, and bats pouring out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. In the spirit of "Keep Austin Weird," we say: keep your claim handled fairly.

Central Texas weather can be just as colorful. Storms roll in off the Hill Country, and property owners here commonly deal with:

• Hail — roof, siding, window, HVAC, and vehicle damage
• Wind — damaged roofing, fences, and trees down on structures
• Freeze events and burst pipes — sudden water damage when hard freezes hit homes built for heat
• Flash flooding — Central Texas terrain can send water moving fast; coverage often depends on the policy type (e.g., flood vs. homeowners)
• Water and foundation damage — leaks, plumbing failures, and related structural issues, where coverage disputes are common

Whether you're near Barton Springs, a few blocks from Lady Bird Lake, or out past Zilker Park, a claim dispute can feel just as stressful.

Service Area

We help property owners in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and surrounding Central Texas communities.

How a Texas Property Insurance Claim Works

Every claim is different, but here's the general roadmap:

1. Report the claim and document the damage. Photos, videos, receipts, and repair estimates matter.
2. Prompt payment deadlines (Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542). Texas law sets deadlines for insurers to acknowledge, investigate, and accept or deny claims, and to pay once a claim is accepted. Late payment may carry statutory interest and attorney's fees in some circumstances.
3. Presuit notice (Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542A). For many weather-related property claims, Texas law generally requires written notice to the insurer at least 61 days before filing suit, describing the specific complaint and the amount claimed. The insurer may request an inspection during this period.
4. Appraisal. Many policies include an appraisal clause to resolve disputes over the amount of loss. Each side selects an appraiser, and an umpire may decide disagreements.
5. Litigation. If a dispute can't be resolved, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate court — for Austin-area properties, that may include Travis County courts or federal court, depending on the case.

Deadlines in your policy and under Texas law can be strict. Talking with an attorney early can help protect your rights.

About the Attorney

Michael P. Bowman leads the Law Office of Michael P. Bowman PLLC in Austin. Before practicing law, Michael worked as a Florida-licensed public adjuster and contractor, giving him hands-on experience with how claims are measured, estimated, and negotiated. Earlier in his career he served as a police officer with the Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County Sheriff's Office. That background shapes how we approach claims: document carefully, read the policy closely, and hold insurers to their obligations.

Fees: No Recovery, No Fee

We handle property insurance claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of any recovery. We advance case expenses. No recovery, no fee. Expenses are generally not charged back absent client non-cooperation. Terms are set out in a written fee agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

My claim was denied. Can I still do something about it?

Possibly. A denial isn't always the final word. We can review the denial letter, your policy, and the damage to discuss your options.

My insurer is taking forever. Is there a deadline?

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542 sets deadlines for insurers to acknowledge, investigate, decide, and pay claims. Delays may have legal consequences for the insurer.

What is a 542A presuit notice?

For many weather-related property claims, Texas law generally requires written notice to the insurer at least 61 days before filing a lawsuit, stating the specific complaint and amount claimed.

What is appraisal?

Appraisal is a policy process to resolve disagreements about the amount of loss, using appraisers chosen by each side and, if needed, an umpire.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

Often not. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood, which is usually covered by separate flood insurance. Other water damage, like burst pipes, may be covered. It depends on your policy.

How much does it cost to talk to you?

The consultation is free. If we take your case, our fee is a percentage of any recovery — no recovery, no fee.

Talk to Us

Free consultation.claimattorney.com | 512-3LAWYER (512-352-9937)

Law Office of Michael P. Bowman PLLC — 7903 Entrada Cove, Austin, TX 78730

General information, not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Responsible attorney: Michael P. Bowman, Austin, Texas.