If you need to make a Florida hurricane insurance claim, then you may need legal support.
Understandably, you may not know when or why you need a hurricane damage attorney’s help. Many clients come to us in desperation, realizing they’re being manipulated, but they’re not sure what to do about it.
Insurance companies generally don’t care about you and want one thing – to save money. You deserve better than this. Here’s how a hurricane damage attorney can help.
We Fight Difficult Insurance Providers
Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage. For example, Hurricane Katrina saw $108 billion of damage.
Insurance companies consistently try to reduce their expenses by using unjust tactics that leave property owners in dire situations. These are called ‘bad faith’ disputes.
Bad faith Florida hurricane insurance claims include:
- Claiming damage was caused before the hurricane.
- Delaying claims dangerously close to deadlines, so you can’t make another.
- Denying repair bills.
- Demand you to provide additional paperwork, knowing you’ll struggle to provide it or to slow the process.
- Argue that the damage was not covered in your policy.
- Undervaluing the value of your claims, with low ball offers.
- Failure to investigate your claim fast enough.
- Delaying or denying payment.
Stand Up to Daunting Florida Hurricane Insurance Companies
So what can a hurricane damage lawyer do to help? Firstly, they’ll stand up to the insurers who often have an army of lawyers.
With legal representation on your side, you won’t break under pressure or be forced into a lowball offer. Our hurricane damage lawyers will see through the insurer’s tricks because we’ve seen them a thousand times.
Whether your claim was delayed, denied, underpaid or any other form of bad faith, our hurricane damage insurance claim attorneys hold insurance companies responsible through:
- Preparation
- Appeals
- Negotiations
- Litigation
Insurance Company Laws
In Florida, the law requires insurers to act in good faith. A hurricane damage attorney knows the law inside out and will hold your insurance provider to that law.
The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights states:
- You have the right to receive notice that your claim has been received within 14 days.
- You have the right to receive notice that your claim will be paid, either partially or fully; or is denied; or will be investigated within 30 days.
- You have the right to receive notice that your claim has been reviewed and that you’ll receive payment or denial within 90 days.
Preparing Your Florida Hurricane Insurance Claim
For anyone who has experienced significant property damage, then it may be beneficial to have an attorney prepare your Florida hurricane insurance claim.
Insurance companies will exploit any weak spots in your claim, or missed information – so your claim must be water-tight.
A hurricane damage attorney will ensure you include all records of expenses, bills and repairs, as well as gathering and including photographic and video evidence of the damage.
They’ll also check the hurricane insurance claim is correctly filed and submitted before any deadlines.
When Is It Time to Contact a Florida Hurricane Damage Attorney?
In almost every case, the sooner the better – to avoid missing deadlines and costly mistakes. Sadly, a denied claim is difficult to fight back against without new evidence. That’s why it’s generally best to get a lawyer’s support as soon as possible.
Insurers are also far less likely to mess around, trick, or deny a claim that involves a property damage attorney.
Being proactive is better than reactive. If your claim is well-prepared and has all the necessary evidence and documentation, then you could save yourself time and money on a long and tiring legal battle.
Key Warning Signs
There are key warning signs that your Florida hurricane insurance claim is being handled unfairly.
The previously mentioned ‘bad faith’ disputes are all red flags, plus:
- You’re told, “your insurance doesn’t cover that damage.”
- False or misleading statements made by your insurer.
- You’re offered a settlement that is significantly less than required for repairs.
- Slow and difficult processing times with bad communication.
- Ultimatums and new conditions.
- Insurers advise against speaking to an attorney.
- Insurers undervalue damage or ignore it entirely.
Remember – you paid your premiums for moments like this. You deserve better than being pressured into low offers or unfair denials.
How to Hire a Florida Hurricane Damage Attorney?
If you believe you need a lawyer to help resolve a Florida hurricane insurance claim, you should:
- Find an attorney from a Tier 1 law firm.
- Ensure there is no fee unless you win.
- Receive a consultation with the attorney.
- Ask for examples of successful cases similar to yours.
Is a Property Damage Attorney Worth It?
If your claim is denied or undervalued without a fight back, you will be facing significant repair bills without sufficient insurance payments.
If you hire a property damage attorney who asks for no fees unless you win, then you effectively have nothing to lose – the alternative is a feeble low-ball offer, a denied claim or a missed deadline.
Top 10 Hurricane Damage Costs in U.S. History
($ Millions)
- Hurricane Katrina (2005) – $65,000
- Hurricane Sandy (2012) – $30,000
- Hurricane Harvey (2017) – $30,000
- Hurricane Irma (2017) – $29,900
- Hurricane Marla (2017) – $29,670
- Hurricane Andrew (1992) – $16,000
- Hurricane Ike (2008) – $18,200
- Hurricane Wilma (2005) – $10,760
- Hurricane Michael (2018) – $13,250
- Hurricane Ivan (2004) – $8,720
Statistics provided by iii.org
Hurricane Damage Attorney in St Petersburg, Florida
Free Consultation Today
If your property has suffered damage and your Florida hurricane insurance claim is being mishandled, contact us today.
Attorney Jonathon Douglas leads the property damage claim team nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Reports as a Tier 1 Law Firm, Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
Having previously represented some of the largest insurance companies in the State of Florida, Mr. Douglas uses his inside knowledge and experience to help you tackle the insurance companies.
Regardless of your situation, you can receive a free consultation today.