Florida Wind Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer
Florida’s residents enjoy a seemingly endless coastline that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean around to the Gulf of Mexico. On a good day, those who live near the water benefit from the cooling breeze that blows in from the ocean. That welcome breeze, however, can turn dangerous at times, resulting in powerful and destructive winds.
If you are a Florida homeowner whose property was damaged by wind, and you do not know where to turn to for help or what to do next, the following information may be helpful.
What Should I Do When I Discover Wind Damage?
If you live in Florida, you likely know the kind of destruction a hurricane or tropical storm can cause to homes and businesses. With wind gusts that frequently exceed 100 m.p.h., a hurricane can tear the roof off a home. While the Atlantic hurricane season is getting longer and more active, it does not take a hurricane to cause wind damage to your property. In fact, wind damage can occur in Florida without a storm at all given the strong winds that blow in from the ocean. If you believe your property has suffered wind damage, take the following steps:
- Assess the damage before re-entering your home. Wind damage often results in a domino effect that can cause dangerous conditions within your home. Before re-entering your home, check for hazards such as shattered glass from a broken window, water from broken pipes or an exposed roof, or live electrical wires knocked down by the wind.
- Do what you can to prevent additional damage. When it is safe to enter your property, take steps to prevent additional damage. For example, board up a window so that additional water damage does not occur or shut off the electricity and water.
- Inventory the damage. Make a preliminary list of the damage to your property. Be sure to include any secondary damage, such as damage from water that entered your home after wind damage exposed your home to the elements.
- Document the damage. Always take photographs of your property when it has experienced wind damage. Also, prepare an inventory of losses caused by that damage. When possible, gather receipts or other documentation of the value of items destroyed or the damage to your property.
- Contact your insurance company. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim for the wind damage.
Do I Need a Florida Wind Damage Insurance Claim Attorney?
If your home or property was damaged by wind, you anticipate that the claim you file with your insurance company will be paid in full within a reasonable amount of time. After all, you have paid your premiums on time to ensure that claims are handled expeditiously and fairly. What you may not have considered, however, is that your insurance company has a vested interest in keeping claim payouts as low as possible. That leads to claims being underpaid or denied entirely. If your claim is not paid in full or is denied outright, it is in your best interest to consult with a Florida wind damage insurance claim attorney. An experienced attorney will review your insurance policy and thoroughly investigate the wind damage. Ideally, your attorney will be able to negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf; however, if a settlement appears impossible, your attorney will aggressively litigate your claim in court to make sure you are fully and fairly compensated for all your losses.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
In most cases, your insurance claim dispute will not result in a lawsuit. If a lawsuit does become necessary, however, having an attorney on your side ensures that your interests are protected by filing the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. Your attorney will then advocate on your behalf to a judge or jury at trial.
How Much Will a Florida Wind Damage Attorney Cost?
One reason that people fail to contact an attorney when they have an insurance claim that has been delayed, underpaid, or denied is that they believe that cannot afford to hire an attorney. If you are under that impression, it is important to know that a wind damage attorney will not cost you anything upfront. Your attorney only receives a fee if you receive payment for your claim from the insurance company.
Where Can I Get Help with My Florida Wind Damage Insurance Claim?
If your property suffered wind damage and your insurance company has denied your claim, 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 Miami wind damage insurance claims attorneys will explain your rights to you and discuss your legal options at no cost.