Hurricane Milton hit West Central Florida with 120 mph sustained winds, a 13-ft storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain. Just two weeks after being hit by Hurricane Helene, Florida residents may have already experienced damage from this major storm. Hurricane Milton caused at least twelve confirmed deaths and left 3.4 million people without power.
On October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, which makes federal disaster assistance available to the state, including Charlotte County. These funds will help with recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton on and after October 5, 2024. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents of Charlotte County and 15 other counties in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. As the city reopens, authorities are focusing on search and rescue efforts and evaluating the damage to the area.
Due to this extensive damage, if you have insurance coverage, you may need to file a Hurricane Milton storm damage claim. Florin|Roebig, an award-winning Florida law firm with over 30 years of experience, is ready to assist you in navigating the claims process with insurance companies. You deserve full compensation for the damages you suffered, and we are committed to getting you the maximum you are entitled to.
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, “Hurricanes are a fact of life along the Florida Gulf Coast, but insurance hassles don’t have to be. Count on our experienced team to help you navigate the claims process and seek the compensation you deserve for damages caused by Hurricane Milton.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
After a hurricane as powerful as Hurricane Milton, it’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself and your loved ones. The Port Charlotte area has a long road to recovery, and there are essential steps to take as you move forward.
Document All Storm Damage
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 entire property.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Make sure you have all the details about the extent of the damage ready before starting the claim process. 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
Temporary repairs may not be ideal, but obtaining necessary repair supplies could take 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 hurricane damage. 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 Port Charlotte and Charlotte 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 Port Charlotte. 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 Charlotte 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 Port Charlotte. 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.
Our Featured Case Results
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Port Charlotte?
Hurricane Milton hit Port Charlotte and surrounding areas 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 crews work to restore power. Roads and bridges were closed due to debris and damage, including access to Gasparilla Island.
Charlotte County enacted a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the entire county effective Wednesday, October 9. Distribution areas with water, tarps, and MREs were opened in several locations and Charlotte County Utilities Department urged customers to limit water usage. The Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center is open to individuals who would like to offer their skills to help with disaster recovery. Help is available from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities to assist with cleanup after a storm. For help cleaning up damage from both Hurricane Milton and Helene through Crisis Cleanup volunteers, call 844-965-1386.
You should know that if you sought shelter during Hurricane Milton and returned to find damage, you don’t have to handle the process 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 receive.
Different insurance policies might cover different types of damage, which is why it is important to understand what caused damage to your home.
People in Port Charlotte 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
- Swimming pool screens
- Water damage from heavy rains and/or storm surge
- Damage from fallen trees
- Appliance damage, like washers and dryers, flat-screen TVs, computers, stoves, and refrigerators
- Boat and car damage
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
Insurance companies often resort to denying claims when responding to inquiries from Port Charlotte residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. It’s important to understand the reasons behind their reluctance to provide payouts, as it can offer valuable insight into how to effectively contest their decision.
Insurance companies may deny storm damage claims because:
- You lack evidence. Without proper visual evidence of the damage and documentation of your valuables, you might receive a denial letter.
- Your policy excludes the property or damage. If the items on your claim are not covered by the policy or if the type of damage is not covered, your insurance company will reject your claim.
- The cause of the damage is unclear. You must ensure that the cause of the damage is covered by 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?
After Hurricane Milton, hiring a hurricane damage lawyer in Port Charlotte means having a legal team committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Miami native and Florin|Roebig attorney Hal Weitzenfeld states, “You might not always be able to tell that your home is damaged just by looking at it. Hiring a reputable third-party contractor to assess the damage to your home and provide an estimate for repairs is a good idea. This can help you in case an insurance dispute arises. Our team can help you navigate every step of this process and determine if filing a claim is necessary.”
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.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
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.
Florin|Roebig is a well-known Florida-based law firm with decades of experience helping our clients win settlements totaling over $1 Billion. When it comes to hurricane damage, we understand that time is of the essence. You need to be compensated so you can start repairing the damage to your property.
Your insurance company should never be able to take advantage of you after a devastating event like Hurricane Milton. Whether you have questions about your deductible, the details of your policy, or another matter, our attorneys can help you get fully compensated by your insurance company after damage from Hurricane Helene or Milton.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free consultation.
- 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.
