Hurricane Damage
Contact Us
Hurricane Damage Attorney In North Miami
After a hurricane blows through and the worst is over, you’re often left feeling just as overwhelmed as before. Now you have to contend with physical debris and property damage, in addition to the emotional toll of experiencing such a disaster. If your home was damaged or destroyed, it’s important to know what options are available to you for recovery—and how soon you can expect compensation.
No one has time to battle with their insurance company when they have bigger things to worry about, like a tree through their window, holes in their roof, and being displaced from their home. Searching for a safe place to stay is hard enough – you shouldn’t also have to deal with slow claim processing. That’s where we come in. At Florida Legal, our North Miami hurricane damage attorney will take care of everything for you so that you can focus on what’s important. Contact our office today for a free consultation and let us help you get started on the road to recovery.
What To Do After Hurricane Damage
The aftermath of a hurricane can cause property damage, which may lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. If you’re unsure of what steps to take next, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Find a temporary residence if the damage has compromised your home
- Be sure to take all safety measures
- Protect your property and document the efforts
- Take clear photos and videos of the damage
- Track all expenses and keep the receipts
- File your hurricane damage claim promptly
- Contact a North Miami hurricane damage attorney ASAP
Common Damages Caused By Hurricanes In Miami
At Florida Legal, our Miami hurricane damage attorney is well aware of the feeling property owners get during hurricane season: a sense of anxiety brought on by the unknown. We can use technology to track a storm’s every move, but there’s no way to know exactly how much damage it will cause once it makes landfall.
The chaotic and destructive power of hurricanes often forces residents to leave their homes in search of safety. And when the storm has finally passed, the overwhelming damage it leaves behind can be heartbreaking. Common types of hurricane damage typically include:
- Broken windows
- Doors that have been broken or ruined on homes, garages, and other buildings
- Damage from projectiles
- Destruction of personal items, furniture, appliances, and other household goods
- Fire damage from downed wires
- Flooding
- Harm to boats, cars, and other vehicles
- Moisture damage
- This insurance plan covers damage to outdoor property including pools, sheds, and landscaping
- Roof lifting, destruction of shingles, gutters, and siding
- Structural damage to the home’s walls, porches, and outer buildings
No one deserves to have their home or property damaged by a hurricane, and when it does happen, you should not have to suffer further because your insurance company is uncooperative. Our North Miami hurricane damage attorney can help you identify the specifics in your policy that will guarantee the maximum payout possible. Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you and your family.
Shady Tactics Insurance Providers Use To Avoid Paying Hurricane Damage Claims
Once a hurricane has passed, the damage it leaves behind is often in the billions of dollars. And while people are struggling to rebuild their lives, insurance companies take advantage of them with common tactics that leave them vulnerable. These practices can include:
- Attempting to avoid shelling out money by citing the damage that existed before the hurricane
- Delaying claims dangerously close to the filing deadline
- Denying payment for repairs they deem unnecessary
- Insisting policyholders provide extensive and often repetitive documentation for Mercury’s approval process, which serves as a barrier to reconstruction
- Stating the damage sustained was not included in the policy
- Underpaying the value of claims
Our North Miami hurricane damage insurance claim lawyer can help you get the outcome you deserve by preparing, negotiating, and litigating a wide range of hurricane damage claims on your behalf. We will make sure the insurance company upholds its end of the bargain by paying out what is owed to you according to your policy.
What Damages Can Be Recovered For Hurricane Damage Claims In Miami?
If you suffer storm-related losses in a hurricane, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida Statute 627.70132. You can file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance company or sue the property owner for any economic damages that result from the hurricane. Compensation in a Florida hurricane damage claim can take various forms, such as:
- Loss of belongings, including insurance reimbursements
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage, for example, loss of your car
You may also be able to get compensated for other problems, such as:
- Lost business or income opportunities
- Lost business contracts or sales
- Pain and suffering related to mental distress
If you lost assets because of a hurricane in Florida, speak with our North Miami hurricane damage attorney right away. A skilled property damage lawyer will be able to help by assessing your claim, collecting evidence, ensuring your claim is filed within the deadline, and speaking with the insurer on your behalf.
Common Reasons Why An Insurer May Deny Your Hurricane Damage Claim
Although you may have put in the time to file your claim, that doesn’t guarantee its approval. Your insurance carrier may deny your claim or offer less than you wanted for any number of reasons. For example:
- Gave false information about your hurricane damage
- Missed the deadline to file your claim
- Failed to mitigate additional damage
- The insurer denies the claim because they believe the damage is unrelated to the hurricane
- Supplied insufficient documentation of the damage you sustained or proof of ownership.
We know how irritating it is to have your insurance claim denied. You’re not alone – one in five Americans receive denials for their claims, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it. Our lawyers can review your denial letter and help build a case with substantial evidence to get the insurer to reverse their decision.
What Are The Statute of Limitations for Hurricane Damage Claims In Florida?
How long do you have to file a hurricane damage claim in Florida? It’s a great question and one that many wonder about after a natural disaster. Homeowners in Florida have five years to file a lawsuit if their insurance company has exhibited bad faith conduct or breached the contract. However, time flies and it’s important to get started on your case by contacting a North Miami hurricane damage attorney as soon as possible. If the situation goes to trial, you will need a solid case that takes dedicating time to building. Furthermore, waiting too long could result in losing your chance at compensation from the breaching insurance company.
What Are Bad Faith Claims?
What are the signs that your insurance company is guilty of bad faith? According to Florida law, bad faith occurs when an insurance company:
- If the insurance company could have settled the claim fairly and reasonably, but choose not to, this is considered bad faith
- Makes claims payments to beneficiaries or insurance without an accompanying statement that establishes the coverage from which the benefit is being paid
- Delays resolving claims, except for liability coverage, in order to pressure settlements under other insurance policy coverage
It is possible to file a claim against your insurance company for failing to settle in good faith, but these cases can be complex. Our North Miami hurricane damage attorney can explain what you need to do if you feel like your insurer has mistreated you.
Contact Our North Miami Hurricane Damage Attorney Now
At Florida Legal, our North Miami hurricane damage attorney has decades of experience handling sophisticated property damage claims on behalf of individuals and businesses in Florida and throughout the country. If you have sustained hurricane/windstorm losses and are now involved in a coverage dispute with your insurance carrier, we can help. We’re dedicated to helping people who have gone through a storm and lost their property. If you need help getting the most insurance coverage for your losses, contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you and your family.