Pinellas County was one of 15 Florida counties with mandatory evacuation orders in place for Hurricane Milton. The orders applied to Evacuation Zones A, B, and C, and all mobile homes in the county. Emergency proclamations were made, and access was restricted until later in the day on October 10, 2024. As the city reopens, authorities are overseeing search and rescue as a priority and assessing damage to the area.
Those who can return to their homes, though authorities are discouraging unnecessary travel, are starting to see the results of Milton’s presence. Insurance companies already flooded with claims from Helene may take a long time to respond to Hurricane Milton’s insurance claims.
“As you take stock of your home’s condition, consider working with hurricane damage attorneys at Florin|Roebig to accurately catalog your property and belongings for submitting your storm damage claim. We’ll help you review your insurance policies and note any language your provider may use to avoid paying your claim,” states Chase P. Florin.
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
Taking care of yourself and loved ones should be your top priority following Hurricane Milton. Clearwater Beach has a long way to go in recovery, and as you move forward, there are essential steps to take.
Document All Damage
The complexities of two hurricanes so close together means that separating the damage of each storm for insurance purposes is especially important. It may be necessary to prove that the compensation you’re requesting is from the storm under which you’re filing. Make a list of all damage and get pictures and video of your property, top to bottom.
Contact Your Provider
Have all of the information about the extent of the damage handy as you start the paperwork for your claim. You’ll need your policy information as well, and you’ll want to submit to each policy you have that covers any part of your property for storm, wind, and flood damage.
Patch What You Can
Temporary repairs aren’t ideal, but it may be a long wait for necessary supplies. If you can patch storm damage enough to make your home livable or at least keep further elements out, you may salvage some belongings. You’ll also want inspectors to be able to see any damage you’re claiming, and full repairs can hinder that.
Read Your Homeowner’s Policy
If you’ve yet to do so, read your homeowner’s policy and any other insurance coverage that might apply for your situation. That way, you’ll have a much better idea of what’s covered and what may be coming out of your pocket in repairs.
Get Damage Assessed
Insurance adjusters will have to examine your property for storm damage claims and either provide estimates or direct you to professionals who can give them an expense list. Be available for all of these appointments, and be ready to speak up if you have an issue with the value placed on your damage.
Get Government Assistance
In the midst of everything else, it can be hard to sort out what all is available and take advantage of every type of disaster assistance. However, local authorities with Clearwater Beach and Pinellas County will have information on their websites and social media to direct you to assistance options like FEMA programs and help with getting back on your feet.
Be mindful of the different ways your insurance claims may be derailed, knowing that Clearwater Beach is one of the heavier hit areas. Gain peace of mind by working with a qualified hurricane attorney to protect your legal rights and ensure your paperwork is handled.
What Damages Can A Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
Hurricane Milton damage was extensive, though storm surge was much less than originally expected. Filing an insurance claim in Pinellas County requires an understanding not only of what was damaged but how. Each type of insurance policy has its own guidelines for payouts.
Wind Damage
With high-force winds, Hurricane Milton decimated entire buildings, trees, power lines, and even the roof of Tropicana Field. Hurricane Helene debris became a dangerous part of Milton’s preceding 126 tornadoes.
Water Damage And Flooding
Water was up to 13 feet deep in the storm surge, and Tampa Bay was emptied of much of its water. Initial flooding destroyed structures, vehicles, and plants while standing water will further destabilize and lead to heavy mold growth.
Structural Damage
Floridians are encouraged to be cautious even in structures that seem to have survived Hurricane Milton, as the extent of storm damage may go deeper than what’s visible. You may be able to see roof damage or torn walls, but you may miss a compromised foundation.
Personal Property Damage
Significant damage to personal belongings from wind and water can leave you without furniture, electronics, clothes, and appliances. Understanding which of these items are covered with your policy is important.
Landscaping And Exterior Property Damage
Even if your home makes it through the storm relatively okay, the same may not be said for your yard and exterior structures. Outdoor features and tools, along with landscaped items, can be included 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.
Without an accurate assessment of all damage and an understanding of what your insurance policy covers, you can end up shortchanging yourself on your property damage claim. Insurance companies aren’t going to tell you that you left off a few items they cover. They’re going to send you a check and deny any additional payouts once you cash that. This type of buyer beware approach is one big reason to have a hurricane damage attorney from Florin|Roebig on your side.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Clearwater Beach?
Hurricane Milton flooded Clearwater Beach, knocked over trees and power lines, and caused extensive damage to homes and other buildings in this Gulf Coast city. Many residents will be without power for quite a few days and should be cautious of water damage when they regain power to reduce fire hazards.
It will take weeks to fully understand the damage, but authorities are conducting surveys of the area ravaged by 120 mph sustained winds and high water surge. Flooding is still a concern, and unnecessary travel is discouraged by Clearwater Beach law enforcement. First responders were staged at Tropicana Field but were relocated before the building lost its roof.
Residents of Clearwater Beach took advantage of shelters and many will return to find they’ve lost almost everything in the wake of Hurricane Milton. This is not something you should have to deal with alone, and the last thing you need is insurance companies gatekeeping money that can help you rebuild and recover. Contact Florin|Roebig to get the help you need securing the compensation you deserve.
Helene and Clearwater Beach
As Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Gulf Coast region, Clearwater Beach experienced the full force of the storm’s winds, rain, and storm surge. Coastal homes were battered by the 140+ mph winds, while the up to 10-foot storm surge caused severe flooding in low-lying areas. Beachfront properties suffered significant structural damage, with roofs torn off, windows shattered, and foundations compromised by floodwaters.
Inland areas of Clearwater Beach weren’t spared either. Fallen trees and debris blocked roads, while power outages left many residents without electricity for days. The local economy, which relies heavily on tourism, was hit hard as businesses, hotels, and restaurants faced costly repairs and loss of income.
The impact of Hurricane Helene will be felt in Clearwater Beach for months to come, with many residents still in the early stages of recovery and insurance disputes becoming a common issue. Florin|Roebig’s attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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What to Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After a Hurricane
Denying claims is an unfortunate practice for insurance companies answering Clearwater Beach queries after Hurricane Milton. Knowing why they’re avoiding a payout gives you insight into how to combat it.
Insurance companies may deny storm damage claims because:
- You lack evidence. Without sufficient visual proof of the damage and documentation of the values, you may get a denial letter.
- Your policy excludes the property or damage. If items on your claim aren’t covered by the policy or the type of damage isn’t, your insurance company will turn down your claim.
- The cause of damage is unclear. You have to make sure that what caused the damage is covered under your policy.
Should your insurance company deny your claim, you can request an explanation letter that details why. You can compare that information with your policy benefits to see if there are grounds for an appeal. You can use the appeal to provide additional evidence and dispute their refusal.
Finding the time to argue with insurance adjusters, let alone the energy after days of storm cleanup, is hard. Let Florin|Roebig’s storm damage experts tackle the legal challenges for you, and we’ll keep insurers accountable.
How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Clearwater Beach after Hurricane Milton gives you a legal team dedicated to securing your compensation.
These experts at storm damage insurance claims can:
- Collect evidence, such as detailed pictures and video, 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 bad faith 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
Florin|Roebig is the law firm that insurance companies hate to hear from. When you’re not getting anywhere trying to DIY negotiations with your policy provider, we’re here to fix that. We’ll connect you with additional resources, get the support for your insurance claim, and put you on the best path to building out your new normal.
Attorney Chase P. Florin states, “Though Hurricane Milton victims will all have storm damge, Florin|Roebig recognizes that no two claims are exactly the same. That’s why we’ve perfected our client-first approach. It allows us to shape our legal strategy to your case specifics and continue our work on a contingency-fee basis. We only get paid when you do, and we want to earn our paychecks working for your interests.”
Florin|Roebig has a proven track record of successfully handling hurricane damage claims for clients across Florida. Since 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected every year as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by U.S. News and World Report and “Best Lawyers in America.” The firm has a long and proud history of delivering for its clients, having won over $1 billion in total awards.
With their expertise in insurance litigation, the firm is adept at dealing with insurance companies to ensure clients receive maximum compensation. They prioritize a client-first approach, offering personalized attention and working on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation and learn how they can help you secure the compensation you deserve after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
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