With mandatory evacuation orders in place for Hurricane Milton, Lee County residents were one of 15 affected Florida counties. The orders applied to Evacuation Zones A, B, and C, as well as 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 prioritizing search and rescue efforts and assessing the damage to the area.
Those who can return to their homes are starting to see the results of Milton’s presence. Insurance companies, already inundated with claims from Helene, 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 was a devastating storm to so many of our neighbors, and unfortunately it caused a wide path of destruction. Don’t let this terrible storm continue to cause damage through the stress and hassle of dealing with a lengthy insurance claim. Our team can help ensure you are treated fairly and justly throughout the entire claims process.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
Following Hurricane Milton, taking care of yourself and your loved ones should be your top priority. The Fort Myers area has a long road to recovery, and as you move forward, there are essential steps to take.
Document All Storm Damage
It is crucial to keep in mind that when dealing with the aftermath of two hurricanes occurring close together, it’s especially important to differentiate the damage caused by each storm for insurance purposes. It may be necessary to provide evidence that the compensation being requested is specifically for the damage caused by the relevant storm. To ensure clarity and accuracy, it’s recommended to create a comprehensive list of all damages and to gather photographic and video evidence of your property from top to bottom.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Make sure to have all the information about the extent of the damage ready as you begin the paperwork for your claim. 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.
Cover What You Can
Making temporary repairs may not be ideal, but getting the necessary supplies could take a while. If you can patch up storm damage enough to make your home livable or at least keep further elements out, you may be able to 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 haven’t already, please read your homeowner’s policy and any other insurance coverage that might apply to your situation. This will give you a much better idea of what’s covered and what you might need to pay for repairs.
Get The Damage Assessed
Insurance adjusters will need to inspect your property for storm damage claims and either provide estimates or refer you to professionals who can itemize the expenses. 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
It can be challenging to navigate through all the available disaster assistance options amid everything else. However, local authorities in Fort Myers and Lee County will provide information on their websites and social media to guide you to assistance options such as FEMA programs and help with recovery.
It’s important to be aware of the potential obstacles that may arise with your insurance claims, especially in heavily affected areas like Fort Myers. 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?
The damage from Hurricane Milton was extensive, although the storm surge was much less than originally expected. When filing an insurance claim in Lee County, it’s important to understand not only what was damaged, but also how it was damaged. Each type of insurance policy has its 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 even the roof of Tropicana Field. Debris from Hurricane Helene became a dangerous part of Milton’s 38 preceding tornadoes.
Water Damage And Flooding: The storm surge caused water levels to rise up to 13 feet, leading to the emptying of much of the water in Tampa Bay. The initial flooding resulted in the destruction of structures, vehicles, and plants. The standing water is expected to further destabilize 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 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.
It’s important to accurately assess all damage and understand what your insurance policy covers to avoid shortchanging yourself on your property damage claim. Insurance companies may not inform you of items they cover, and once you cash the check, they may deny any additional payouts.
Having a hurricane damage attorney from Florin|Roebig on your side can help protect you from “buyer beware” tactics. With dedicated offices in several Florida cities, our experienced attorneys are focused on assisting Hurricane Milton victims.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Fort Myers?
Hurricane Milton hit Fort Myers with downed trees and power lines, extensive damage to homes and other buildings, and caused flooding in parts of the city. Many residents will be without power for several days and should be aware of water damage when power is restored to reduce fire hazards.
The city of Fort Myers suspended residential and commercial solid waste collections until Monday, October 14th. The city has waived building, permit, and inspection fees for 180 days for repairs related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, effective Sept. 27th, 2024, until March 31st, 2025.
If you sought shelter during Hurricane Milton and came back to find damage, you don’t have to handle it 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.
What to Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After a Hurricane
Denying claims is an unfortunate practice for insurance companies answering Fort Myers 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 the damage is unclear. You have to make sure that what caused the damage is covered under your policy.
If your insurance company denies your claim, you can ask for a letter explaining the reason. You should 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 hurricane claim attorney can ensure your damages are fully assessed, help prevent claim denial or underpayment, and protect your rights in this stressful time. Let Florin|Roebig’s storm damage experts handle the legal challenges for you, and we’ll hold insurers accountable.
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How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Fort Myers after Hurricane Milton gives you a legal team dedicated to securing your compensation.
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 bad 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
A Florida hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help policyholders like you understand your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company. When you’re not getting anywhere trying to DIY negotiations with your policy provider, Florin|Roebig is here to help. We’ll connect you with additional resources, get support for your insurance claim, and put you on the best path to building out your new normal.
Attorney and Miami native Hal Weitzenfeld states, “Victims of Hurricane Milton will all have storm damage. Florin|Roebig recognizes that no two claims are 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.”
Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation on your Hurricane Milton storm damage claim, and we’ll get you the compensation you deserve with one of our many board-certified hurricane damage lawyers.
Reach us today using our contact page or the following:
- 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 chat feature day or night.
Location and contact information:
9160 Forum Corporate Pkwy
Fort Myers, FL 33905
(888) 311-2464
