On average, hurricanes in Florida cause $148.4 billion in property damage per year, making it the most hurricane-prone state in the US. Every category of hurricane, from minor to major, can cause serious property damage. The National Hurricane Center lists hurricanes from Category 1 to 5, with 5 being the most severe. Even a Category 1 hurricane is characterized by winds at 74-95 mph can result in property damage such as damage to shingles, roofs, vinyl siding, and gutters. A Category 1 hurricane can cause large branches of trees to snap, and shallow or weak-rooted trees to be toppled and fall on closely located properties, causing damage.
A hurricane may cause damage to both the exterior and interior of your property, and may even cause you to lose your home altogether. This is when having hurricane property coverage and filing a claim can help you to recover. However, your insurance company may deny or challenge your claim.
If you are having difficulties dealing with your insurance provider after a hurricane, you need help from a Kagan Law hurricane property damage attorney. We can fight for you to get your insurance payout as quickly as possible so that you can start fixing or rebuilding your home.
- At Kagan Law Firm, we have experience fighting insurance companies and helping our clients enforce the terms of their insurance policies to maximize their recovery
- We understand hurricane insurance policies and can help you understand the limits of your coverage
- We will help you recover all possible compensation for your losses while you focus on repairing your property
To find out how the Kagan Law Firm can represent you in your hurricane property damage claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Call us today at (954) 300-1068.
How a Hurricane Property Damage Attorney Can Help You
After a hurricane, you will be one of thousands of property owners making a claim with their insurance provider. This may delay the processing of your claim and the insurance company may try to take advantage of your desperate situation to offer you a settlement far below the value of the damage on your property. An experienced Florida hurricane property damage attorney can help you avoid this. At Kagan Law Firm, we have the resources and experience to handle every aspect of your claim. We can help in the following ways:
Insurance Policy Review
We understand the language insurance companies use and can conduct an analysis of your policy to determine the limits of your policy and how the provisions will impact your claim.
Damage Investigation and Valuation
Our experienced hurricane damage attorneys can launch a detailed investigation to assess the damage to your property and gather evidence to link the damages to the specific hurricane event. We will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all the areas of your property that sustained damage as a result of the hurricane. Your loss may not be limited to structural damage and may include damage to personal property, the cost of temporary housing if your property is uninhabitable, and lost wages. We will work hard to account for all your total losses so that you make a claim that covers the full extent of the damage sustained.
Prepare Your Hurricane Damage Claim
One of the reasons that insurance claims are denied or delayed is failure to properly complete the insurance claim form. When we represent you, we handle the preparation of your claim forms and any additional paperwork required. We will also gather all required supporting documents such as proof of loss and value of loss to accompany your claim forms.
Negotiate a Settlement with Your Insurance Provider
You may believe that your insurance provider is working in your best interest because you hold a policy with them, but that is not always the case. Your insurance provider is concerned with protecting their bottom line by limiting the amount of money they pay out in claims. When you work with a hurricane property damage lawyer, they will ensure that your interests are being protected. They understand the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying out claims and will defend you against those tactics. The insurance company will try to capitalize on your desperation and offer you a settlement below the value of your losses. When you have an experienced lawyer communicating on your behalf, they will work to protect your interests and fight for you to get full and fair compensation for your claim.
Litigate Your Case
Our main objective is to get you compensation to cover all of your losses. If the insurance company does not offer a just settlement for your damages, we are prepared to take your case to trial to get the best value possible on your claim. We only settle if it makes sense for your situation.
When you work with us, you will be working with experienced legal and technical property damage professionals who understand the effects of a hurricane on your home. These professionals have experience assessing hurricane damage and can pinpoint inconspicuous damage that inexperienced professionals may overlook. We will also work with property damage appraisers to get an accurate valuation of your losses.
Types of Damage Caused By Hurricanes
Here are some of the most common types of damage caused by hurricanes:
Structural Damage
One of the primary causes of hurricane damage is the strong winds associated with these storms. Hurricanes can produce wind speeds of up to 150 miles per hour or more, which can uproot trees, tear off roofs, shatter windows, and damage exterior structures. In some cases, properties may be rendered uninhabitable, requiring extensive repairs or even complete rebuilding.
Water Damage
Hurricanes are often accompanied by torrential rainfall and storm surges, leading to severe water damage. Floodwaters can invade properties, saturating walls, floors, and possessions. Moisture seepage can lead to mold growth, compromising indoor air quality and posing health hazards. Water damage can also weaken structural components, leading to long-term problems if not addressed promptly.
Roof Damage
Roofs bear the brunt of hurricane-force winds, making them susceptible to various forms of damage. Strong gusts can tear off shingles, tiles, or roofing materials, exposing properties to water infiltration. Roof damage can also result in leaks and compromise the overall structural integrity of the building. Discuss further with our Fort Myers roof damage attorney to secure compensation for your damaged home.
Debris Damage
Broken tree branches, loose signs, and unsecured objects can act as projectiles, smashing windows, damaging siding, and causing other structural harm. Additionally, debris accumulation in gutters and drainage systems can worsen water damage and lead to flooding.
Electrical System Damage
Hurricane winds can knock down power lines and damage electrical systems, leaving properties without electricity for days or even weeks. Electrical fires are also common in the aftermath of a hurricane, especially if water has infiltrated electrical components.
Landscape and Exterior Damage
Aside from structural damage, hurricanes can wreak havoc on a property’s exterior and landscape. Trees may be uprooted, lawns flooded, and fences destroyed. The landscape damage can affect the overall aesthetic appeal of the property and may require extensive cleanup and restoration efforts.
Steps To Take After Hurricane Ian Damages Your Florida Property
Experiencing property damage from Hurricane Ian can be incredibly overwhelming, but it is essential to take prompt and organized action for your safety, to protect your property, and facilitate the recovery process. Here are the steps to take:
Ensure Safety
Before entering your property, assess the exterior for any visible hazards like downed power lines, structural damage, or standing water. If you notice any safety risks, stay outside and seek professional assistance.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the damage both inside and outside your property if it is safe to do so. This documentation will serve as evidence for your insurance claim. Make sure to capture the extent of structural damage, water intrusion, wind damage, and any affected belongings.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the damage to your property as soon as possible. Have your policy number and relevant information ready when making the call. They will guide you through the claim process and provide instructions for submitting documentation of the damage.
Mitigate Further Damage
If it is safe to do so, take steps to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows, holes in the roof, or damaged walls with tarps or plywood. This will protect your property from additional water intrusion and may prevent more extensive repairs later on.
Secure Belongings
Salvage any undamaged or minimally damaged belongings that you can safely move. Move them to a dry and safe location to prevent further harm.
Get a Third-Party Estimate
Rather than relying on your insurance adjuster’s estimate of repairs, seek out a third-party estimate from a reputable contractor or restoration company experienced in dealing with hurricane damage. Insurance companies tend to undervalue claims to pay as little as possible.
Keep Records of Expenses
Throughout the recovery process, keep detailed records of all expenses related to the damage and repairs. This includes receipts for temporary accommodations, food, and any other costs incurred due to the hurricane.
Be Cautious of Scams
Unfortunately, natural disasters can attract scammers seeking to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. Be cautious of anyone offering immediate services or demanding upfront payments. Always verify the credentials of contractors and service providers before hiring them.
Hire a Hurricane Property Damage Attorney
If you encounter difficulties or face disputes with your insurance company, consider seeking the advice of a hurricane property damage attorney. They can advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Call a Florida Hurricane Property Damage Attorney
Dealing with your insurance provider after a hurricane can add more stress to an already difficult situation. Trying to make sense of your insurance policy provisions, gathering the documents necessary to file a claim, carrying out temporary measures to stabilize your property, and completing the filing documents can be overwhelming. The Kagan Law hurricane property damage attorneys can relieve you of this burden. We will deal with the insurance company and help you smoothly navigate the claims process while you focus on repairing your property. Contact the experienced hurricane insurance lawyers at the Kagan Law Firm to get help with your claim. Call (954) 300-1068 today to schedule a free consultation.