Hurricane Milton pounded Florida with 120 mph winds, a 13-foot storm surge, 18 inches of rain, and dozens of tornadoes. What was worse is that this powerful hurricane hit just weeks after Hurricane Helene had already devastated the state with damage and debris.
This left residents of the state in need of emergency funding to start rebuilding their homes and businesses. Fortunately, President Biden agreed to send federal disaster assistance by issuing a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida on October 11, 2024.
While this federal assistance was no doubt helpful, many people were left still needing to file claims for hurricane damage with their insurance companies. Florin|Roebig is available to assist individuals as they file these claims, helping the people of Flagler County to seek their rightful compensation and smoothly navigate the claims process. Our law team has over 40 years of experience and we are dedicated to helping the residents of Florida after a hurricane.
We also understand that many of the residents of Florida filing insurance claims will be faced with delays, as there are so many people filing claims at the same time. By working with a lawyer at Florin|Roebig, we can ensure you a more timely outcome with a higher chance of receiving maximum compensation.
Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig states, “Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused severe damage throughout Florida, including Palm Coast and the greater Flagler County area. Anyone who was personally affected can benefit from hiring an experienced hurricane damage lawyer.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
Experiencing a hurricane can be financially devastating as well as mentally daunting, and it is important that people take care of themselves and each other during these times. When you are ready to begin rebuilding your life, there are several steps that can be taken.
Document All Storm Damage
Make sure to document all the damage done to your property by Hurricane Milton through photographs and videos, taking care to differentiate the damage done from Hurricane Helene if there is both. Be prepared to file claims for each hurricane separately and also potentially for different types of damages. This step is important as insurance companies may deny claims based on a lack of evidence.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should immediately contact your insurance company or companies as soon as you have a chance, as it is important to understand what is covered by your plan. Have your policy information available when you make the call, and be aware that you may need to file multiple claims to multiple insurance policies.
Cover What You Can
There is a fair chance that you may have to continue to live in your home before any major repairs can be completed, so you should attempt to cover what you can and perform temporary repairs where possible. This can help you to save your belongings and prevent further damage in case more storms hit before further repairs can be made. Refrain from doing full repairs, however, so that inspectors can still accurately assess the damage to your home.
Read Your Homeowner’s Policy
Review and familiarize yourself with your homeowner’s policy, making sure that you understand what is covered. This can help you to prepare for any out-of-pocket costs that you may be left with after your insurance has let you know what they will cover.
Get A Damage Assessment
Insurance adjusters will need to inspect your property to verify your storm claims and evaluate the extent of damage. They should also provide you with an estimate for your total costs at this point. Be sure to speak up if you do not agree with their assessment of your hurricane damages.
Apply For Government Assistance
There are numerous supportive resources available to people who have had their property damaged in hurricanes, including government assistance through FEMA. You may not be eligible for all options, but local authorities in Palm Coast and Flagler County should be able to help guide you through the process and application.
You may run into challenges in Florida when filing a hurricane damage claim. This can be especially true in areas that experienced heavy amounts of damage and where a lot of claims are being filed at once. If you need assistance in filing your claim and receiving an outcome in a more timely manner, it is likely in your best interest to work with an attorney who has experience handling these types of claims.
What Damages Can A Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
Hurricanes like Milton and Helene can cause extensive and devastating damage, some of it occurring as the storm passes through while other types of damage occur later. Different types of policies handle different types of damages, so it is essential that people have an understanding of how their property was damaged when they go to file any insurance claims for compensation.
It is common to see multiple types of damage after a hurricane:
Wind Damage: Hurricane Milton hit Florida with winds of over 120 mph and caused 38 tornadoes to form across the state. These winds and tornadoes blew dangerous debris from Hurricane Helene and caused trees, power lines, commercial buildings, and homes to fall.
Water Damage And Flooding: Hurricane Milton also caused a 13-foot storm surge to form along the West Central coast of Florida, causing both immediate damage as well as more damage from the floodwaters and standing water that remained after. This caused damage to both interiors and exteriors as well as destabilization and mold growth.
Structural Damage: Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to the structures and foundations of buildings and homes, and not all of this damage is immediately obvious visually. For this reason, it is always recommended that individuals remain cautious anytime that they re-enter a home or building after a hurricane has come through.
Personal Property Damage: It is also very common for people to find their personal belongings damaged after a hurricane, such as their clothes, furniture, and appliances. It is important to make note of these items in your claim, as some of them may be covered by insurance.
Landscaping And Exterior Property Damage: Hurricanes can cause damage to both the interiors and exteriors of homes and buildings, including yards, landscaping, and outdoor structures like sheds and garages. These areas may also be covered by insurance, though not always.
Secondary Issues: Secondary issues occur after a bit of time has passed and damages have gone unrepaired. They can occur in places where there are holes in roofing or siding and interiors continue to be exposed to the elements as more storms come through the area.
Regardless of the types of damage that you have experienced around your property, it is essential to get a proper assessment. You should never have to worry about your insurance company taking advantage of you and offering less than you know you deserve.
You can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the right amount of compensation by working with the law team at Florin|Roebig. We have experienced attorneys located throughout the state of Florida who have helped countless hurricane victims over the years and are standing by to help you too.
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How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Palm Coast?
Hurricane Milton downed trees and power lines throughout Palm Coast and left debris throughout the entire county. In addition to this, thousands of residents of Flagler County also lost power for several days.
Fortunately, Palm Coast was not as devastated as the West Central Coast of Florida, but many residents still experienced damage to their homes and properties. Many residents sought shelter in safer areas and businesses and schools were closed for several days.
Returning home to a damaged home or property can be daunting and stressful, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Florin|Roebig can help you to file your claim so you do not have to deal with any additional stress from your insurance company.
Not all types of hurricane damage are covered by insurance, so it is important to understand the many types of damage that a hurricane can cause.
People in Palm Coast experienced all of the following types of damage to their property:
- Roofing and siding damage
- Damage to personal vehicles
- Damage to yards and lawns
- Damage to personal property, like clothing and furniture
- Damage to appliances and electronics
- Broken windows
- Pool and screen damage
- Damage to drywall and flooring
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
Residents of Palm Coast are already dealing with high amounts of stress after experiencing two major hurricanes in a matter of weeks, and a claims denial will only add to this stress. You can oftentimes avoid this added stress by being prepared in advance and understanding the reasons why your insurance company may deny your claim.
Insurance companies may deny storm damage claims because:
- You lack evidence: if your case lacks evidence or the right kind of evidence, such as photos and videos that show the extent of damage, your claim may be denied.
- Your policy excludes the property or damage: if the specific type of property that was damaged or type of damage is not included in your insurance policy, your claim may be denied.
- The cause of the damage is unclear: the cause of damage to property may not always be clear, and may be denied in these instances.
If your insurance claim is denied, you do have options and are entitled to an explanation so that you know how to proceed. Review this information along with the details of your insurance policy and you may find that you are eligible to appeal. If you decide to file an appeal, you may need to present additional evidence and it can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney to make the process smoother. An attorney can also help to protect your rights and ensure that all appropriate damages have been claimed. By working with an attorney at Florin|Roebig, rest assured your insurance company will be held accountable and that you will see the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Hiring a qualified and experienced hurricane damage lawyer can make a huge difference when it comes to getting your claim accepted and receiving the right settlement amount.
Florin|Roebig attorney and Miami native Hal Weitzenfeld states, “While no two hurricanes are exactly the same, they all have the power to cause severe damage and devastation. Contact our law firm before you contact your insurance, and we can help you navigate the legal process.”
These storm damage insurance claims experts can:
- Help you to gather evidence to support your claim, such as photographs and videos of the damage around your property.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters in order to get you the highest settlement possible to cover your damages.
- Speak on your behalf in court in the event that your case does not reach a settlement outside of court.
Florin|Roebig understands the tactics that your insurance company may use against you and has decades of experience in handling hurricane damage claims.
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How To Get Help From Florin|Roebig Attorneys
For individuals and families who are located in Palm Coast or Flagler County, Florin|Roebig lawyers are available to help you file your claim and secure compensation. We can guide you through the hurricane damage claims filing process through every step of the way, as well as protect your rights and connect you with additional resources.
Florin|Roebig is a renowned and reputable law firm that recognizes the urgency of hurricane damage cases and the fact that clients need compensation as soon as possible. We have already secured more than $1 Billion in settlements for our clients and would be honored to fight on your behalf as well.
You should never have to worry that your insurance company is exploiting you after already experiencing significant loss and damage from a hurricane. If you believe that your insurance is taking advantage of you or withholding information, contact us today at Florin|Roebig Law Firm for help.
To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation with our team, Contact Florin|Roebig today.
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