Last January, a powerful ice storm hit Nashville. Trees came down. Roofs caved in. Power went out for days. Most of us have moved on since then. But for one West Nashville family, the storm is not over yet.
What Happened to the Jacobs Family
During the storm, a large tree crashed through Bob Jacobs' home. It smashed part of the roof and flooded several rooms. The damage was serious, and the family had to move out while repairs were supposed to happen.
Their insurance company, Progressive, agreed that the damage was covered. But according to the lawsuit, the company paid only about $32,000. An independent estimate said the real cost to fix the home was around $140,000. That left the family with a huge gap and no clear way to make their house whole again.
As Bob put it, "Nobody talks about the ice storm anymore, but I'm still living it."
Forced Back Into a Damaged Home
At first, the family's policy helped pay for a place to stay while their home was unlivable. But those payments stopped. Bob says the company decided the house was "habitable" — even though it was far from fixed.
So the family moved back into a broken home. There was no working kitchen. Furniture was piled up everywhere. Part of the roof was still covered by a tarp. And with a damaged air-conditioning system in the summer heat, it once reached 107 degrees in their kitchen. They bought fans just to get by, and cooked dinner outside on the grill night after night.
On top of the money problems, the stress took a real emotional toll on the family.
Why the Family Went to Court
The Jacobs family did not want a fight. They just wanted their home repaired and brought back up to code. When that did not happen, they filed a lawsuit against Progressive to get the full cost of the repairs covered.
Sadly, this story is not rare. Many insurance companies make the claims process slow and confusing, hoping people will get worn down and give up. Bob decided he would not give up — and he hopes his story helps other storm victims stand up for themselves too.
Nashville's Local News Covered the Story
Several local news outlets shared the Jacobs family's story. You can read their reporting here:
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WKRN News 2 — Nashville family sues Progressive over storm damage payout
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FOX 17 News — West Nashville family sues Progressive after ice storm dispute
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NewsChannel 5 — Is your insurance company shortchanging you after storm damage
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Hoodline — Nashville family cooks on the grill nightly after storm claim dispute
Were You Underpaid After the Ice Storm?
If your home was damaged in the storm, here is something important to know: you do not have to accept the first check your insurance company sends you. If you believe the amount is too low to truly fix your home, you have the right to push back.
A few simple steps can help. Keep every receipt, estimate, and photo. Write down each phone call with your insurance company. And if the numbers do not add up, talk to someone who can review your claim and stand up for you.
Common Questions About Underpaid Storm Claims
Do I have to accept my insurance company's first payment?
No. If the amount is too low to fully fix your home, you can push back. Many homeowners get a second, independent estimate and challenge an offer that feels unfair.
What should I do if I think my claim was underpaid?
Keep every receipt, estimate, and photo. Write down each phone call with your insurance company. Then have someone review your claim to see if you are being paid what you are owed.
Can I take legal action if my insurance won't pay for full repairs?
Yes. When a company agrees the damage is covered but won't pay enough to finish the work, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover the full amount your policy requires.
How much time do I have to act?
Deadlines apply, and they can pass sooner than you expect. It's best to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can so you don't lose your right to act.
Talk to Bart Durham Injury Law for Free
You should not have to fight your insurance company alone — especially when you are trying to put your home and your life back together.
If your storm claim was denied or underpaid, we would like to hear your story. Call Bart Durham Injury Law at 866-466-8958 for a FREE consultation. We are available 24/7, and we can help you understand your options and answer your questions. If we take your case, you pay no fee unless we recover money for you.
We have been standing up for Nashville families since 1975. We would be honored to stand up for yours.
This blog describes an ongoing lawsuit. The statements about the claim reflect allegations made by the family, as reported in local news coverage. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
