Sarasota 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, which included anyone living on barrier islands, in low-lying or other flood-prone areas, and those in manufactured, mobile, or boat homes. Access to certain areas in North Port was restricted and many city services were interrupted. Authorities are working hard to reopen all roads and facilities and clean up debris.
In the aftermath of the storm, North Port’s residents suffered great losses. Already dealing with a flood of claims from Helene, insurance companies may take a long time to respond to Hurricane Milton’s insurance claims.
“For our neighbors in North Port, the road to recovery will be tenuous. Bad faith tactics used by insurance companies will make a challenging situation much worse. At Florin|Roebig, we fight against such actions and help our clients receive the compensation they deserve from the policies they’ve paid into for years,” states attorney 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. North Port has a long way to go in recovery, and as you move forward, there are essential steps to follow.
Document All Damage
Although North Port wasn’t strongly hit by Hurricane Helene, areas of the city were still affected by wind and rain. 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 everything available and take advantage of every type of disaster assistance. However, local authorities with North Port and Sarasota 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. 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 the storm surge was much less than originally expected. Filing an insurance claim in Sarasota 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, and power lines. Hurricane Helene debris became a dangerous part of Milton’s preceding 38 tornadoes.
Water Damage And Flooding
Water was up to 13 feet deep in the storm surge. 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.
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How Did Hurricane Milton Affect North Port?
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage in North Port, especially due to widespread flooding. The storm’s strong winds also knocked over trees and power lines, and damaged homes and other buildings in the southwestern city. Many residents lost power.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage in North Port, as some areas are still without power and flooding caused extensive secondary damage. Recovery efforts were slowed by flooding and debris in the streets, but a sense of normalcy is slowly returning to North Port.
Still, as many residents of North Port return after mandatory evacuations or seeking shelter elsewhere, they’ve found their homes and other possessions destroyed by Hurricane Milton. Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane isn’t something anyone should have to deal with alone, and fighting with insurance companies for the money you need to recover may be beyond you in the wake of such a disaster. Contact Florin|Roebig to get the help you need securing the compensation you deserve.
Helene and North Port
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area in late September 2024 as a Category 4 storm, didn’t hit North Port directly, but the city wasn’t entirely untouched.
Helene’s strong winds and heavy rains affected some areas of North Port, with wind gusts causing debris and downed trees. The heavy rainfall caused by Helene seeped into the ground, which may have contributed to Milton’s more extensive flooding. It could have also softened the earth, causing more downed trees and other structural damage during Hurricane Milton.
Despite the limited impact of Hurricane Helene in North Port, many residents were still affected and may have suffered worse effects from Milton due to Helene. As North Port residents recover from both storms, insurance disputes are becoming a common issue. Florin|Roebig’s attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After a Hurricane
Denying claims is an unfortunate practice for insurance companies answering North Port 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 North Port 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, “Florin|Roebig’s experienced legal team works hard to customize our approach on each claim to match the client and the need. We put clients first, and our interests are aligned with winning your case because we don’t get paid until we do. We’ll help you take care of your property and your loved ones.”
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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