Hurricane Milton struck West Central Florida on October 9 with sustained winds of 120 mph, a 13-foot storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain. This major storm caused at least 17 confirmed deaths and left 3.4 million people without power. Milton arrived just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, giving many Florida residents a double dose of damage from both storms.
The devastation was so widespread that on October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, making federal disaster assistance available to the state, including Hillsborough County. These funds will aid in recovery efforts for the areas affected by Hurricane Milton on and after October 5, 2024.
Following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton, if you have insurance coverage, you may need to file a storm damage claim. Florin|Roebig, an award-winning Florida law firm with over 30 years of experience, is ready to assist you in navigating the claims process with insurance companies. You deserve full compensation for the damages you suffered, and we are committed to getting you the maximum amount you are entitled to.
Residents who are returning to their homes in Brandon are beginning to see the impact of Hurricane Milton. Insurance companies, already dealing with a high volume of claims from Hurricane Helene and a year full of weather events, may take a long time to respond to Hurricane Milton’s insurance claims.
Florin|Roebig has a proven record of success in dealing with hurricane insurance claims, ensuring that clients receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. Trusting us with your claim means you’ll have seasoned attorneys striving to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig states, “Hurricane Milton’s damage spread across Brandon and all of Hillsborough County. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. If you were affected by Milton, and/or Hurricane Helene, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side so you receive the insurance payout you need to start recovery and repairs.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
Brandon residents may be scrambling to find the supplies and resources needed to begin recovering from Hurricane Milton. First and foremost, make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. Next, you should take a few steps to begin the recovery process.
Document All Storm Damage
It is crucial to differentiate between the damage caused by each hurricane when managing the aftermath of two hurricanes occurring in close succession, particularly for insurance purposes. It may be necessary to prove that the compensation being sought is specifically for the damage caused by the relevant storm. To ensure clarity and accuracy, it is recommended to create a comprehensive list of all damages and to gather photographic and video evidence of your entire property.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Before you begin the claim process, ensure that you have all the details about the extent of the damage ready. You will need your policy information, and you should submit a claim to each policy that covers any part of your property for storm, wind, and flood damage. Be prepared for long wait times due to the large number of claims that are likely to be submitted after the storm.
Patch When Necessary
Temporary repairs may be needed, especially if obtaining necessary repair supplies will take some time. If possible, patch up storm damage to make your home livable, to keep out further elements, and to salvage your belongings. Take photos and keep receipts. You’ll want inspectors to be able to see any damage you’re claiming, the patches you’ve made, and the full repairs that are needed.
Read Your Homeowner’s Policy
Consult your homeowner’s policy and any other insurance coverage that might cover hurricane damage. This will give you a big-picture idea of what’s covered and what you might need to pay for repairs.
Get A Damage Assessment
Insurance adjusters will need to inspect your property for storm damage claims. They will either provide estimates or refer you to professionals who can itemize the expenses. Adjusters will be working around the clock to get to everyone’s claim, so it’s important to be available for all these appointments and to speak up if you disagree with the value assigned to your damage.
Apply For Government Assistance
Navigating through the various disaster assistance options can be quite challenging, especially in the midst of everything else. However, the local authorities in Brandon and Hillsborough County will provide information on their websites and social media to help guide you to assistance options such as FEMA programs and support for recovery.
It’s important to be aware of potential obstacles that may arise with your insurance claims, especially in heavily affected areas like Brandon. Working with a qualified hurricane attorney can provide peace of mind by protecting your legal rights and ensuring that your paperwork is handled properly.
What Damages Can A Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
After Hurricane Milton, the damage across Florida was extensive, and it’s important to understand that property damage may be more severe than it appears at first. When filing an insurance claim in Hillsborough County, it’s crucial to understand not only what was affected, but also how it was affected. Each type of insurance policy has particular guidelines for payouts.
Consider all the possible forms of damage the hurricane may have caused to your property:
Wind Damage: With high-force winds, Hurricane Milton devastated entire buildings, trees, power lines, and homes in Brandon. Debris left behind from Hurricane Helene became a dangerous part of the 38 tornadoes and high winds that accompanied Milton.
Water Damage And Flooding: The storm surge caused water levels to rise up to 13 feet, leading to much of the water in Tampa Bay being emptied. The initial flooding resulted in the destruction of structures and vehicles. The standing water is expected to cause further damage and likely 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. Lack of power can lead to the loss of refrigerator and freezer contents. It’s important to understand which items are covered by your policy.
Landscaping And Exterior Property Damage: Even if your home survives the storm relatively unscathed, the same may not be true for your yard and exterior structures. Outdoor features and tools, as well as landscaped items, may be covered in some claims.
Secondary Issues: Primary issues are immediately caused by the storm, but secondary issues can arise long after the storm has dissipated. Roofless buildings, gaping holes in walls, and flooding can cause many complications with extended exposure to outdoor elements. Sinkholes have also become a widespread problem as water levels rise and the ground weakens.
It is essential to thoroughly assess all the damage and understand what your insurance policy covers to avoid receiving less than what you are owed for your property damage claim. Insurance companies might not disclose all the items they cover, and once you accept the payment, they could refuse to provide any further compensation.
Having a hurricane damage attorney from Florin|Roebig by your side can help protect you from unscrupulous tactics. With dedicated offices in several cities in Florida, our experienced attorneys are committed to assisting victims of Hurricane Milton.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Brandon?
Hurricane Milton hit Brandon and surrounding areas with downed trees and power lines, extensive damage to homes and other buildings, and caused flooding in parts of the city. No power, pools of water, and cleanup from wind damage continue to be issues across the city.
Many restaurants were unable to open, Brandon Mall was closed, and high winds caused business signs to be strewn miles away. Residents trying to venture out on the roads had to navigate standing water and tree debris in roads and parking lots.
You should know that if you sought shelter during Hurricane Milton and returned to find damage, you don’t have to handle the process by yourself. Dealing with insurance companies shouldn’t be an added burden when you’re trying to rebuild and recover. Reach out to Florin|Roebig for assistance in securing the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Different insurance policies might cover different types of damage, which is why it is important to understand what caused damage to your home.
People in Brandon 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
- Boat and car damage
Our Featured Case Results
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
It can be incredibly frustrating when insurance companies deny claims from Brandon residents after Hurricane Milton. It’s important to understand why they are hesitant to make payouts, as it can help in challenging their decision effectively.
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.
An experienced hurricane claim attorney can ensure that your damages are fully assessed, help prevent claim denial or underpayment, and protect your rights during this stressful time. If your insurance company denies your claim, you can request a letter explaining the reason and compare this information with your policy benefits to see if you have a basis for an appeal. 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 Hurricane Milton, hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Brandon means having a legal team committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Miami native and Florin|Roebig attorney Hal Weitzenfeld states, “Whether it’s your first storm or you’ve weathered many, each hurricane brings unique challenges and damages to your property. Our experienced attorneys are here to ensure you understand the full scope of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve—before the insurance companies take control of your claim.”
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 has extensive experience with Florida hurricanes and insurance company tactics, so we know exactly how to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How To Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you’re a policyholder in Florida struggling to get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company after a hurricane, a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help. Florin|Roebig can assist you in understanding your legal rights and provide support for your insurance claim. We are here to connect you with additional resources and guide you through the process of rebuilding in Brandon after the hurricane.
Florin|Roebig is a reputable law firm based in Florida with extensive experience in assisting our clients in securing settlements exceeding $1 billion. We recognize the urgency in addressing hurricane damage and the importance of obtaining compensation promptly to begin restoring your property.
Your insurance provider should not exploit you in the aftermath of a catastrophic event such as Hurricane Milton. Whether you require clarification regarding your deductible, policy specifics, or any other concerns, our legal team can assist you in obtaining full compensation from your insurance company following damage caused by Hurricane Helene or Milton.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free consultation.
- Fill out our online form anytime, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
- Call the phone number for your area 24/7.
- Use our online chat feature day or night.
