President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida on October 11, 2024, making federal disaster assistance available to the state of Florida. These funds will help supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton from October 5, 2024, and thereafter. The mandatory evacuation orders for Hurricane Milton affected residents of Pinellas County, as well as 15 other counties in Florida. As the city reopens, authorities are prioritizing search and rescue efforts and assessing the damage to the area.
Residents who are returning to their homes are beginning to see the impact of Hurricane Milton. Insurance companies, already dealing with a high volume of claims from Hurricane 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 devastating and destructive. Don’t let the aftermath of this terrible storm add further stress and hassle to your life through a lengthy insurance claim process. Our team is here to help ensure that 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, it’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself and your loved ones. The Palm Harbor area has a long road to recovery, and there are essential steps to take as you move forward.
Document All Storm Damage
It’s important to remember that when dealing with the aftermath of two hurricanes occurring close together, it’s crucial to differentiate the damage caused by each storm for insurance purposes. You may need 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
Before starting the claim process, ensure that you have all the details about the damage extent ready. 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.
Tarp What You Can
Making temporary repairs may not be ideal, but obtaining the necessary supplies could take some time. If you can patch up storm damage enough to make your home livable, or at least keep out further elements, 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
Review your homeowner’s policy and any other insurance coverage that might apply to your situation. This will give you a big-picture idea of what’s covered and what you might need to pay for repairs.
Get A Damage Assessment
Insurance adjusters will need to inspect your property for storm damage claims. They will 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
Navigating through the various disaster assistance options can be quite challenging, especially in the midst of everything else. However, the local authorities in Palm Harbor and Pinellas County will provide information on their websites and social media to help guide you to assistance options such as FEMA programs and support for recovery.
It’s important to be aware of potential obstacles that may arise with your insurance claims, especially in heavily affected areas like Palm Harbor. 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 destruction caused by Hurricane Milton was widespread, and property damage can often be more severe than what is initially visible. When submitting an insurance claim in Pinellas County, it is crucial to comprehend not only what was affected, but also how it was affected. Each type of insurance policy has its specific 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 homes in Palm Harbor. Debris from Hurricane Helene became a dangerous part of the 38 tornadoes that accompanied Milton.
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. 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.
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How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Palm Harbor?
Hurricane Milton hit Palm Harbor 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 while Duke Energy works to restore power. Roads and bridges were closed due to debris and damage.
Crews from the county and utility companies are currently clearing roads, repairing infrastructure, and working to restore services. Drop-off sites for residential storm debris reopened Friday, Oct. 11. Tampa Bay Water, the main water provider for the region, has requested all customers to conserve water while crews assess and repair the water systems.
If you sought shelter during Hurricane Milton and returned 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 responding to Palm Harbor inquiries after Hurricane Milton. Understanding why they’re avoiding a payout provides insight into how to challenge 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 request a letter explaining the reason. 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 that your damages are fully assessed, help prevent claim denial or underpayment, and protect your rights during this stressful time. Let Florin|Roebig’s storm damage experts handle the legal challenges for you, and we will hold insurers accountable.
How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
Hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Palm Harbor 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 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
If you’re a policyholder in Florida struggling to get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company after a hurricane, a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help. Florin|Roebig can assist you in understanding your legal rights and provide support for your insurance claim. We are here to connect you with additional resources and guide you through the process of rebuilding after the hurricane.
Miami native and Florin|Roebig attorney Hal Weitzenfeld states, “Hurricane Milton left widespread storm damage. Florin|Roebig recognizes that no two claims are the same, which is why we’ve perfected our client-first approach. This approach allows us to tailor our legal strategy to the specifics of your case and continue our work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid when you do, and we are committed to earning our paychecks by working in your best 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.
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