Florida Storm/Hurricane Damage Attorney
The aftermath of a Florida storm or hurricane can be devastating for property owners. Seeing your home or place of business and personal belongings ruined is heart-breaking, and trying to move on to clean-up and repair efforts can be equally stressful.
Recovering from a storm or hurricane is even more difficult if your insurance company denies or delays payment on your storm damage claim. Knowing who to call for help and what steps you need to take following a storm or hurricane are crucial to recovering financially and emotionally.
What Should I Do after a Storm or Hurricane?
Florida thunderstorms often include strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain. Floridians must also contend with the Atlantic hurricane season that has been producing an unusually high number of hurricanes in recent years.
If your property was recently damaged by a storm or hurricane, the following steps can help you manage the immediate aftermath and protect your financial investment:
- Do not return to your property until it is safe. If you evacuated because of a hurricane, do not return to your home until the authorities indicate that doing so is safe.
- Check for electrical dangers and water damage. Storms and hurricanes can bring with them strong winds that cause downed power lines and excessive rain that results in flooding. Damage caused by live electrical wires and/or floodwaters can pose a serious threat to you and your family.
- Document the damage to your property. Once you are certain it is safe, begin documenting the damage caused by the storm or hurricane. Take photos of the damage and try to locate receipts for damaged items.
- Contact your insurance company. Call your insurance company as soon as you have conducted a preliminary survey of the damage caused by the storm or hurricane to initiate the claims process.
- Keep records of all related expenses. If your property is not habitable, be sure to keep records of all expenses you incur that are related to the storm damage. For example, if you must stay at a hotel or purchase new clothing, be sure to keep the receipts.
Do I Need a Florida Storm/Hurricane Insurance Claim Attorney?
After paying your premiums on your insurance policy for years, you understandably expect your claim for storm damage to be paid in full and without delay. The reality, however, is that insurance companies often refuse to authorize payment in full on claims or deny claims entirely.
If you have submitted a claim for damages to your property following a storm or hurricane and that claim has been denied or delayed, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Florida storm and hurricane damage attorney. An attorney can evaluate the damages you suffered and the terms of your policy before negotiating with the insurance company to try and secure a fair and full settlement for you. In the event a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can advocate for you through the judicial system to make sure you are justly compensated for the damages to your property.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
One concern many property owners have when faced with a denial or delay after filing an insurance claim is that they will have to litigate the matter in court. Although most insurance claim disputes are settled outside of the judicial system, when a satisfactory settlement is not forthcoming, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to protect your interests. When that is the case, your attorney will fight for your right to payment under the terms of your insurance policy at trial.
How Much Will a Florida Storm/Hurricane Damage Attorney Cost?
Another reason property owners hesitate to contact an attorney when their insurance claims are denied or delayed is their mistaken belief that doing so will result in additional out-of-pocket costs. The good news is that having an attorney help with your insurance claim will not cost you anything upfront. Instead, your attorney will only be paid after you accept a settlement or win your case at trial.
Where Can I Get Help with My Storm/Hurricane Damage Claim?
If your property was damaged in a Florida storm or hurricane and your insurance company has denied or underpaid your claim or there has been an unreasonable delay in paying your claim, call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced storm/hurricane damage insurance claims attorneys will review your case, explain your rights and discuss your best legal options at no cost.