Hurricane Milton devastated West Central Florida with 120 mph winds, a 13-foot storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain—just two weeks after residents endured the damage from Hurricane Helene. Many Floridians are now grappling with the aftermath of this back-to-back destruction. With at least twelve confirmed deaths and 3.4 million people left without power, the storm’s toll has been severe, and many are returning to homes and properties that have suffered extensive damage.
If your property has been impacted, filing a Hurricane Milton damage claim with your insurance may feel overwhelming, especially as insurance companies are already overwhelmed by claims from Hurricane Helene. Florin|Roebig, a trusted Florida law firm with over 30 years of experience and a history of award-winning service, is here to help you through this difficult time. We understand how urgent it is to receive the compensation you deserve, and we’re committed to advocating for you to secure the maximum payout for your losses.
At Florin|Roebig, our proven success with hurricane insurance claims means you can count on us to handle your case with care and expertise. Let our seasoned attorneys work tirelessly on your behalf so you can focus on recovering and rebuilding after the storm.
Florin|Roebig attorney Chase P. Florin states, “Living along Florida’s Gulf Coast means facing hurricanes like Hurricane Milton, but dealing with insurance frustrations shouldn’t be part of the storm’s aftermath. Trust our skilled team to guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to for the damage you’ve endured.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
After a hurricane as devastating as Hurricane Milton, the well-being of you and your family comes first. The road to recovery in the Alafaya area will be long, but taking the right steps early can help ease the process. Prioritize safety and ensure everyone is accounted for before turning your attention to property damage.
Document All Storm Damage
With two hurricanes hitting so close together, it’s critical to carefully document which damage was caused by each storm. Insurance companies will want clear evidence that the compensation you’re seeking is specific to Hurricane Milton. Start by making a detailed list of all visible damage, and use photos and videos to capture the full extent of it. Be thorough—document everything from your roof to your personal belongings to ensure no detail is overlooked when filing your claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Have your policy information and a full account of the damage ready. If you have multiple policies—such as storm, wind, and flood coverage—be sure to file claims with each one that applies to the specific damages your property sustained. Acting quickly can help ensure you’re one of the first in line as insurance companies deal with the influx of claims.
Make Temporary Repairs
While waiting for the claims process to move forward, it’s important to make any temporary repairs you can to prevent further damage. These temporary fixes can help protect your home and belongings from additional exposure to the elements. However, be cautious not to make full repairs before an insurance inspector has seen the damage, as this could impact the evaluation of your claim.
Review Your Homeowner’s Policy
Take the time to carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy as well as any other coverage that may apply to hurricane damage. Understanding what’s covered—and what isn’t—will help you avoid surprises down the road. It’s especially important to know whether you’ll need to cover any expenses out of pocket and what your deductible looks like.
Get a Professional Damage Assessment
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect your property, but it’s wise to get your own damage assessment as well. Independent contractors or professionals can provide detailed estimates and may help you negotiate if you disagree with the insurance company’s assessment. Be sure to attend all appointments and speak up if the evaluation seems inaccurate or incomplete, ensuring the true extent of the damage is properly reflected.
Apply For Government Assistance
Navigating disaster assistance options can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with so much in the aftermath of the storm. Fortunately, local authorities in Alafaya and Orange County offer valuable resources to help you find the support you need. Their websites and social media channels provide up-to-date information on available assistance, including FEMA programs and other recovery support services. Be sure to stay connected to these platforms for guidance as you explore your options for relief.
On October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, which makes federal disaster assistance available to the state, including Orange County. These funds will help with recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton on and after October 5, 2024. Ahead of the storm, residents were advised to shelter in place, and Orange County was under a local, state, and federal state of emergency.
Alafaya residents who suffered Milton-related damages are encouraged to register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
In heavily impacted areas like Alafaya, navigating insurance claims can present unexpected challenges. Partnering with a qualified hurricane attorney can offer peace of mind by safeguarding your legal rights and ensuring your claim is managed correctly. An experienced attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring that all paperwork is filed accurately and on time while advocating for the full compensation you deserve.
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What Damages Can A Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
Hurricane Milton’s destruction was widespread, and the full extent of property damage often goes beyond what is immediately visible. When filing an insurance claim in Orange County, it’s essential to understand not just what was damaged, but also how the damage occurred. Different types of insurance policies have unique guidelines for coverage and payouts, so having a clear understanding of your policy is key.
Be thorough when assessing the potential damage to your property, considering all possible impacts from the hurricane, including:
Wind Damage: With 87 mph winds in Orange County, Hurricane Milton damaged buildings, trees, power lines, and homes in Alafaya. Existing debris from Hurricane Helene also became a dangerous part of the 38 tornadoes that accompanied Milton.
Water Damage And Flooding: With more than 10 inches of rain in the county and a powerful storm surge, flooding destroyed structures, and vehicles. The standing water is expected to further destabilize property and lead to heavy mold growth.
Structural Damage: Floridians are urged to be cautious even in buildings that appear to have withstood Hurricane Milton, as the storm damage may be more extensive than it seems. While you might notice roof damage or torn walls, you could overlook a weakened foundation.
Personal Property Damage: Significant wind and water damage can leave you without furniture, electronics, clothes, and appliances. It’s important to understand which items are covered by your policy.
Landscaping And Exterior Property Damage: Even if your home emerges from the storm with minimal damage, your yard and exterior structures may not be as fortunate. Outdoor features, landscaping, and tools can suffer significant damage, and in many cases, these items may be included in your insurance coverage. Be sure to review your policy, as some claims may provide compensation for damaged landscaping, sheds, fences, and other outdoor assets.
Secondary Issues: While primary damage is caused directly by the storm, secondary issues often surface long after it has passed. Roofless buildings, large gaps in walls, and flooding can lead to ongoing damage from prolonged exposure to the elements, worsening the situation over time.
It’s essential to carefully assess all damage and fully understand your insurance coverage to ensure you don’t miss out on compensation. Insurance companies may not always disclose the full scope of what they cover, and once you accept a payout and cash the check, they may refuse any additional claims.
By working with a hurricane damage attorney from Florin|Roebig, you can protect yourself from these “buyer beware” tactics. With dedicated offices across Florida, our experienced attorneys are ready to assist victims of Hurricane Milton and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Alafaya?
Hurricane Milton hit Alafaya and surrounding areas with downed trees and power lines, extensive damage to homes and other buildings, and caused flooding in parts of the city. Water usage was impacted, garbage service was suspended, and many traffic lights were inoperable. Schools, government offices, and the Orlando International Airport were all closed during the intense storm. Area parks, boat ramps, trails, lakes, and rivers were all closed due to flooding and debris.
Orange County sheltered more than 2,600 people from Hurricane Milton. Many residents were without power for several days while crews worked to restore power. Duke Energy reported that 110,000 customers in Orange County suffered power outages, while approximately 61,125 OUC customers were also without power.
If you sought shelter during Hurricane Milton and returned to find damage, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Dealing with insurance companies shouldn’t be an added burden when you’re trying to rebuild and recover. Contact Florin|Roebig for help in securing the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Different insurance policies may cover different types of damage, which is why it is important to understand what caused damage to your home.
People in Alafaya experienced all of the following types of damage to their property:
- Roof and siding damage, mainly from high winds and flying debris
- Window damage from high winds and/or flying debris
- Swimming pool screen damage
- Water damage from heavy rains and/or storm surge
- Damage from fallen trees
- Appliance damage, like washers and dryers, flat-screen TVs, computers, stoves, and refrigerators including loss of contents
- Boat and car damage
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
Insurance companies frequently deny claims when responding to inquiries from Alafaya residents after Hurricane Milton. It’s crucial to understand the reasons for their hesitation to provide payouts, as it can provide valuable insight into how to effectively challenge their decision.
Insurance companies may deny storm damage claims because:
- You lack evidence. Without proper visual evidence of the damage and documentation of your valuables, you might receive a denial letter.
- Your policy excludes the property or damage. If the items on your claim are not covered by the policy or if the type of damage is not covered, your insurance company will reject your claim.
- The cause of the damage is unclear. You must ensure that the cause of the damage is covered by your policy.
If your insurance company denies your claim, you can request a letter explaining the reason. Compare this information with your policy benefits to see if you have a basis for an appeal. Use the appeal to present more evidence and challenge their decision. An experienced attorney specializing in hurricane claims can ensure that your damages are fully assessed, help prevent claim denial or underpayment, and protect your rights during this stressful time. Let Florin|Roebig’s storm damage experts handle the legal challenges for you, and we will hold insurers accountable.
How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
After Hurricanes Milton and Helene, hiring a specialized hurricane damage lawyer in Alafaya means having a legal team committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Experienced Florin|Roebig attorney Chase P. Florin states, “Not all damage from Hurricane Milton is immediately visible, which is why bringing in a trusted third-party contractor to evaluate your home and provide a repair estimate is a smart move. This step can be crucial if an insurance dispute arises. Our team is here to guide you through the entire process and help you decide if filing a claim is the right course of action.”
These storm damage insurance claims experts can:
- Collect evidence such as detailed pictures and videos, repair estimates, and expert opinions, to support your claims.
- Speak insurance company language and negotiate the maximum compensation under your policy coverage for your Hurricane Milton damage.
- Take it to court if the insurance company refuses to cooperate.
Florin|Roebig’s years of experience with Florida’s hurricane history and insurance company tactics means we know exactly how to get you the compensation you’re owed.
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How To Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you’re a policyholder in Florida struggling to obtain the compensation you deserve from your insurance company after a hurricane, a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can be a valuable resource. Florin|Roebig is here to help you understand your legal rights and provide the necessary support for your insurance claim. We are dedicated to connecting you with additional resources and guiding you through the process of rebuilding after the hurricane.
Florin|Roebig is a highly reputable Florida-based law firm with decades of experience in successfully helping our clients secure settlements totaling over $1 billion. We understand the urgency of addressing hurricane damage and are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation needed to begin repairing your property.
Your insurance company should not take advantage of you after a devastating event like Hurricane Milton. Whether you have questions about your deductible, policy details, or any other concerns, our attorneys are prepared to assist you in obtaining full compensation from your insurance company following damage from Hurricane Helene or Milton.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free consultation.
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