With every day they are held at bay by the pandemic, and disallowed to return their business to active operations, the increasing risks are mounting. However, a leading St. Joseph Attorney is encouraging those businesses to review their insurance situation for possible additional help.
Barry Conybeare, owner of Conybeare Law Office in St. Joseph says that due to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, many local businesses have had to suspend in-person operations. Restaurants are limited to take-out and delivery sales, retail stores are closed and many small businesses are not able to work remotely. The financial impact on Southwest Michigan’s economy is devastating. For many businesses, the risk of not re-opening increases with each loss-of-income day as the COVID-19 shutdown continues.
Conybeare says the federal and state governments are attempting to help businesses during this extremely difficult time, however, “Many of us are increasingly concerned that government financial aid will not come fast enough or provide adequate support to ensure that our valued local businesses can re-open after the COVID-19 executive order ends.”
He wants to remind businesses they may have another financial resource. Those with commercial property insurance may have coverage for losses due to business interruption, the inability to operate due to civil authority (such as government directives to close) and property damage due to contamination. Based on their policy, local businesses could file a loss of income and other claims.
Conybeare says insurance compensation is not a for-sure solution. Commercial insurance policies are complicated contracts and insurance companies are denying business income loss claims across the board at this time. “However,” he says, “there are sound arguments why insurance companies should pay business insureds for some of their income losses, property damages and the extra expenses incurred along the way. Our attorneys are ready to evaluate these policies and will strive to get area businesses the compensation they are due.”
Conybeare Law Office encourages Southwest Michigan businesses to contact them at (800) 983-0561 to review their commercial property insurance policies and evaluate whether they should file claims for income loss compensation. Conybeare says, “This is an urgent time for local businesses to protect their rights in the face of the pandemic and its aftermath. My firm is here to help.”
Conybeare Law Office is one of the largest full-service personal injury firms in Southwest Michigan. It is headquartered at 519 Main Street in St. Joseph, and has offices at 5955 W. Main Street in Kalamazoo, as well. The firm’s attorneys provide representation for victims of car crashes, insurance claims, medical malpractice, premises liability and animal attacks, and also handle employment law, civil rights, worker’s compensation and social security disability claims. To discuss a business income loss claim, you can call (800) 983-0561 or visit online at ConybeareLaw.com.
