When Faith Meets Frustration: Why Churches Need Legal Advocacy in Property Damage Claims
For generations, churches have stood as sanctuaries—places of worship, community, healing, and hope. They hold baptisms, weddings, funerals, and potluck dinners. They are the heartbeat of neighborhoods, offering both spiritual nourishment and practical support. So, when a church is damaged—by fire, flood, storm, or vandalism—the loss is far more than structural. It’s deeply emotional, communal, and spiritual.
And yet, in the wake of such damage, many churches find themselves facing an unexpected and painful battle—not just to rebuild their buildings, but to be treated fairly by their insurance companies. Churches are often met with not only emotional and spiritual distress but also a complex and sometimes adversarial insurance claim process. The path to recovery is obstructed by complex insurance processes, delayed payments, and denied claims.
At Godbey Giardina Law Group, our mission is clear: we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We understand that churches are more than buildings—they are sanctuaries, community centers, and spiritual homes.
The Hidden Hardships Churches Face
Churches are, by their very nature, places of service. When disaster strikes, many congregations instinctively do what they’ve always done—roll up their sleeves, gather volunteers, and start repairing what’s been damaged. It’s a beautiful reflection of faith in action, but when it comes to property damage claims, this well-meaning response can unintentionally harm the church’s ability to recover full compensation. Insurance companies may use these volunteer repairs as justification to minimize payouts or argue that the damage wasn’t as severe as initially reported. Without proper documentation, expert assessments, or legal guidance, the true extent of the loss can be overlooked—leaving the church to shoulder costs it should never have borne alone.
Before retaining legal counsel, many churches find themselves overwhelmed. Insurance policies are dense with exclusions, technical language, and procedural traps. Churches may receive partial payments, face unexplained delays, or be denied coverage altogether. These challenges are not just frustrating—they can halt worship services, disrupt ministries, and burden congregations with unexpected costs, which ultimately effects our local communities as a whole.
Where the Legal System and Ministry Intersect
This is where an attorney can stand in the gap—so pastors, elders, and staff can focus their congregation and community, not battling with insurance companies. Here’s how legal advocacy makes a difference:
- Interpret complex policies. Church insurance policies can be complex and confusing. Attorneys who understand property damage law can decode policy language, identify hidden coverage opportunities, and challenge unfair exclusions.;
- Coordinate expert inspections and estimates to support the full scope of damage required to fix the property the right team of experts are needed;
- Communicate directly with insurers, ensuring your claim is taken seriously, processed efficiently and alleviate your stress of handling the claim;
- Pursue litigation when necessary, we view litigation as a path to justice when all other avenues have failed. Our goal is never to escalate unnecessarily, but to ensure you are treated fairly and receive the full support your entitled to under the law..
When to retain a Law Firm?
Sometimes, the hardest part of moving forward is knowing when to ask for help. Churches are used to helping others—responding with compassion, patience, and faith. But when the insurance process becomes more frustrating than fair, it’s not just okay to seek legal support—it’s wise and necessary. Here are some signs it may be time to bring in an experienced attorney:
- The Claim Has Been Denied, Underpaid, or Stalled
If your church’s claim has been denied, underpaid, or is dragging on with no resolution, it’s time to speak with an attorney. Insurance companies are skilled at delay tactics and protecting their own interests. Your church deserves an advocate who will fight just as hard to protect yours.
- Confusing Coverage Questions or Disputes
Church insurance policies can be highly specific—and incredibly complex. After damage occurs, you may be told your loss is excluded because it’s “wear and tear,” not covered because of some other exclusion in the policy. These denials are not always right. A knowledgeable attorney can step in, interpret the policy, and push back on unreasonable denials.
- You're Being Asked to Sign Something You Don’t Fully Understand
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to present legal documents—like releases or settlement agreements—that seem straightforward but carry major consequences. Signing the wrong paper could waive your right to further compensation. Before you sign anything, let an attorney review it and ensure your rights are protected.
- You Feel Outmatched or Overwhelmed
Legal battles are never easy, especially when you’re standing up to a well-funded insurance company or agency. If the process has become too heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. Our law firm brings resources, experience, and compassion to the table. We front the cost of building your case, and you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for your church.
- You're Not Sure If You Even Have a Case
Many churches come to us simply unsure—unsure if they have a claim, unsure if they’re being treated fairly, unsure of what steps to take. That’s exactly what we’re here for. In a free consultation, we’ll walk you through your policy, your situation, and your legal options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why Choose Godbey Giardina?
At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we don’t just practice law—we live out a purpose that goes far beyond the courtroom. Our firm was founded on a spirit of service, rooted in compassion, integrity, and the belief that justice should uplift, not just compensate.
We understand what churches represent: places of healing, refuge, and restoration. That’s why we approach every case not only with legal precision but with heart. When we advocate for a church, we see more than a property—we see people, purpose, and legacy worth fighting for.
But our mission doesn’t stop there.
Born from this same spirit of service, Godbey Giardina Law Group has created the Godbey Giardina Building Hope Foundation as our way of giving back and ensure that our impact reaches even further. A minimum of 10% of all attorney fees is dedicated to helping those in need—whether it's disaster relief, supporting underserved communities, or empowering nonprofit initiatives. Every case we take on fuels that greater mission.
When you choose our firm, you’re not just gaining a legal advocate—you’re partnering with a team that believes in rebuilding. We believe in rebuilding lives, strengthening communities, and honoring the values that make places like your church a light in the darkness.
Let us help you protect what matters most—so your church can continue to serve, to gather, and to give hope.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get legal advice. If something feels off, or if you’re unsure about your rights, a quick conversation with us can make all the difference.
At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we’re here to listen, advise, and advocate. Because justice shouldn’t be a last resort—it should be your first call.
Contact Godbey Giardina Law Group today. Because your mission deserves more than a claim number—it deserves justice.
Michael Giardina
Author Bio
As a founding partner of Godbey Giardina Law Group, Michael is an advocate for insurance policyholders in disputes with their insurance company. Over the years, he has helped faith-based organizations and nonprofits recover millions in damages from insurance carriers. Born and raised in New Orleans, he has extensive personal experience with disasters. During Hurricane Katrina, Michael assisted with search and rescue operations. Hurricane Katrina was also Michael’s first experience with an insurance company who produced fraudulent documents, underpaid, and delayed his family’s claim. Although not an attorney at the time, Michael experienced how beneficial an attorney was in recovering under the claim.
