Philadelphia Riot Insurance Lawyers – Philadelphia’s history of civil unrest, including the 2020 protests and 2023 riots, has left many property owners battling insurance companies over denied or underpaid claims. This guide provides actionable steps to navigate riot-related property damage claims and highlights three law firms with expertise in Philadelphia insurance disputes, selected based on publicly verifiable criteria. HowToLawyer.us does not endorse or rank attorneys.
Disclaimer:
This guide provides general information and does not substitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your situation. Full disclaimer.
1. Freundlich & Littman, LLC – Commercial Property Advocates
Practice Areas of these Philadelphia Riot Insurance Lawyers:
- Riot-related commercial property damage
- Business Owner Policy (BOP) disputes
- Civil authority coverage (government-mandated closures)
Background:
- Serving Philadelphia since 1985.
- Recovered over $15M for businesses after the 2020 riots.
Key Strategies:
- Partners with forensic accountants to calculate lost revenue.
- Challenges insurers misapplying “terrorism exclusions” to civil unrest.
Fee Structure:
- Contingency fees (25%–33% of recovered amounts).
- Free policy reviews.
Contact:
- Website: Freundlich & Littman
- Phone: (215) 458 5956
2. Solomon & Sherman – Homeowners’ Rights Champions
Practice Areas:
- Homeowners’ insurance claims for vandalism/looting
- Renters’ insurance disputes (stolen personal property)
- Vacancy exclusion challenges (post-COVID loopholes)
Background:
- Founded in 2001; handled 120+ riot-related claims since 2020.
- Utilizes 3D scanning technology to document structural damage.
Community Support on these Philadelphia Riot Insurance Lawyers:
- Sliding-scale fees for low-income homeowners.
- Free webinars on documenting riot damage.
Contact:
- Website: Solomon & Sherman
- Address: 123 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19109
3. Qualified Counsel Network – Small Business Specialists
Practice Areas:
- Business interruption claims (curfews, supply chain disruptions)
- “Protection of property” cost reimbursement (boarding, security)
- Landlord-tenant disputes over riot damage liability
Background:
- Coalition of 15+ attorneys focused on Philadelphia’s Main Street businesses.
- Published Pennsylvania Riot Insurance Claim Handbook (free download).
Fee Options for these Philadelphia Riot Insurance Lawyers:
- Flat-rate policy analysis: 300–300–500.
- Hourly litigation: 150–150–250/hour.
Contact:
- Website: Qualified Counsel
Understanding Pennsylvania Insurance Laws
Under Pennsylvania’s Valued Policy Law (40 P.S. § 636):
- Insurers must pay full policy limits for total losses, regardless of pre-damage property value.
- Policyholders have 1 year to file bad faith lawsuits (42 Pa.C.S. § 8371).
Common Coverage Gaps:
- Vacancy Exclusions: Insurers may deny claims if properties were unoccupied for 60+ days.
- Terrorism vs. Civil Commotion: Most policies exclude terrorism but cover riots if caused by “civil unrest.”
Steps to Strengthen Your Riot Damage Claim
- Immediate Documentation
- Take timestamped photos/videos of damage.
- Secure police reports (e.g., PPD Civil Unrest Incident #s).
- Policy Review
- Identify covered perils: “vandalism,” “malicious mischief,” or “civil commotion.”
- Loss Inventory
- List stolen/damaged items with purchase dates and receipts.
- Avoid Recorded Statements
- Insurers may use casual remarks (e.g., “The neighborhood was already struggling”) to deny claims.
How Philadelphia Riot Insurance Lawyers Add Value
- Policy Interpretation
- Example: Many insurers wrongly cite “war exclusions” for riot damage. Lawyers counter with PA’s Erie Insurance Co. v. Moore precedent.
- Negotiation Leverage
- Law firms like Freundlich & Littman use actuarial data to refute lowball offers.
- Litigation Readiness
- Solomon & Sherman’s 3D scans have a 92% success rate in court for proving causation.
Case Study: Philadelphia Bakery Wins $275k Settlement
A South Philly bakery sustained 180k in riot damage(looted inventory, broken windows). Their insurer initially offered 25k, citing “pre-existing wear and tear.”
Lawyer Actions:
- Hired engineers to prove windows met safety codes pre-riot.
- Leveraged security footage to timestamp looting during civil commotion.
- Secured $275k after filing a bad faith lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can landlords sue tenants for riot damage in Philadelphia?
A: Only if the lease explicitly assigns liability. Most standard leases place responsibility on landlords.
Q: Does renters’ insurance cover stolen electronics during riots?
A: Yes, if the policy includes “off-premises theft” coverage.
Q: How long do insurers have to respond to claims?
A: Pennsylvania mandates acknowledgment within 15 days and a decision within 30 days (31 Pa. Code § 62.3).
Final Thoughts:
Navigating riot insurance claims requires precise documentation and legal expertise. Philadelphia property owners should consult licensed attorneys to maximize recoveries.
Disclaimer:
HowToLawyer.us does not endorse attorneys. Listings are based on neutral criteria and public records. Full disclaimer.