Hurricane Milton struck West Central Florida with 120 mph winds, a 13-foot storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain, causing at least 17 confirmed deaths and leaving 3.4 million without power. Coming just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which already damaged parts of Florida, Milton’s impact compounded the devastation for many residents.
Residents returning to their homes in Horizon West are now seeing firsthand the damage left by Hurricane Milton. Insurance companies, still managing claims from Hurricane Helene, may face delays in processing Milton-related claims.
Florin|Roebig, an award-winning Florida law firm with 40 years of experience, stands ready to assist you in filing insurance claims related to Hurricane Milton. We are committed to helping you secure the maximum compensation for your losses.
Florin|Roebig has a strong record of success handling hurricane insurance claims, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Entrusting your claim to us means having skilled attorneys dedicated to securing the best outcome for you.
Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig notes, “Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage across Horizon West and Orange County. If you were affected by either Milton or Helene, it’s critical to have experienced legal support to obtain the insurance payout you need to rebuild.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected By Hurricane Milton?
After a powerful hurricane like Hurricane Milton, prioritize the well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Recovery in Horizon West will take time, and taking the right steps will help you move forward.
Document All Storm Damage
Since Milton followed closely after another hurricane, it’s essential to separate damage from each storm for insurance purposes. Create a detailed list of all damages and gather photographic and video evidence of your entire property to show which storm caused each specific damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Gather all necessary details about the damage and have your policy information ready. Submit claims for each policy covering storm, wind, and flood damage as required. This can streamline your claim process and avoid delays.
Cover What You Can
While waiting for supplies or professional repairs, try to make temporary repairs to protect your home and belongings. Ensuring that inspectors can clearly see the damage you’re claiming is key, so avoid full repairs until the inspection process is complete.
Review Your Homeowner’s Policy
Go over your homeowner’s policy and any additional insurance that may cover hurricane or flood damage. Understanding what’s covered will help you anticipate what out-of-pocket expenses you might face.
Get A Damage Assessment
Insurance adjusters will need to inspect your property to evaluate storm damage claims. Be present for all inspection appointments, and speak up if you disagree with the assigned value for any damages.
Apply For Government Assistance
Local authorities in Horizon West and Orange County will share information about available aid on websites and social media, including FEMA programs and other recovery support. On October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, making federal aid available for areas impacted by Hurricane Milton as of October 5.
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 Orange County, it’s crucial to understand not only what was affected, but also how it was affected. Each type of insurance policy has its own 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 downed trees and power lines, and damaged homes in Horizon West. Debris from Hurricane Helene became a dangerous part of the 38 tornadoes that accompanied Milton across the state.
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. Although Horizon West was spared major flooding, standing water can destabilize structures 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. Some claims may cover outdoor features, grills, fencing, sheds, tools, and landscaped items.
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.
Thoroughly assessing all damage and understanding your insurance policy are essential steps to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies may not disclose every item they cover, and once you accept a payment, they might deny any further claims.
Having a hurricane damage attorney from Florin|Roebig on your side can protect you from these unscrupulous tactics. With offices throughout Florida, our experienced attorneys are ready to assist Hurricane Milton victims in securing the compensation they deserve.
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How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Horizon West?
Located north of Walt Disney World and west of Orlando, Horizon West is a community of five villages with 58,101 residents. Hurricane Milton brought intense winds and rain to the area, causing downed trees, power lines, scattered debris, and localized flooding. Big Sand Lake reached dangerously high levels, and emergency pumping was required on Reams Road due to over four inches of water accumulation. Curbside debris collection began on October 16 to aid the cleanup.
Horizon West received 12 to 13 inches of rain early on October 10. Most residents reported only minor damage, such as roof leaks, damaged fences, and fallen trees. Power outages were minimal, with the Watermark area along Seidel and the Ovation area west of Avalon being the largest affected zones. Duke Energy resolved both outages by early afternoon.
Different insurance policies may cover various types of damage, so it’s essential to determine the exact cause of damage to your property to ensure accurate coverage.
People in Horizon West 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
- Torn swimming pool screens
- Water damage from heavy rains
- Damage from fallen trees
- Boat and car damage
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
After Hurricane Milton, hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Horizon West means having a dedicated legal team working to secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Florin|Roebig attorney and Miami native Hal Weitzenfeld explains, “Whether it’s your first hurricane or you’ve been through many, each storm impacts you differently and can bring unique types of property damage. Our team specializes in helping you fully assess your claim before you even approach the insurance company.”
Florin|Roebig’s 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.
How Can A Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Hiring a hurricane damage lawyer like the reputable and reliable team at Florin|Roebig ensures you have an experienced professional on your side during the sometimes tumultuous insurance claim filing process.
Our Florida-based property damage lawyers can help by:
- Helping to collect evidence including repair estimates, expert opinions, and pictures and videos to bolster your claim
- Negotiate the maximum compensation under your insurance policy and get into the weeds of insurance company jargon
- Represent you in court if your company does not comply
Florin|Roebig is well-versed in the tactics insurance companies may use to delay or minimize payouts. Let us take the lead and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
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How To Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you’re a Florida policyholder struggling to secure fair compensation after Hurricane Milton or Helene, a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help. Florin|Roebig assists clients in understanding their legal rights and provides support throughout the insurance claims process. Our team is here to connect you with resources and guide you through rebuilding after the storm.
Florin|Roebig is a trusted Florida-based law firm with a track record of securing over $1 billion in settlements for clients. We understand the urgency of addressing hurricane damage and the importance of timely compensation to begin property restoration.
Your insurance provider should not take advantage of you after a catastrophic event like Hurricane Milton. Whether you need clarification on your deductible, policy details, or other concerns, our team is dedicated to helping you obtain full compensation for damage from hurricanes like Helene and Milton.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.
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