Punta Gorda is a town in Charlotte County in Southwest Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Milton hit West Central Florida with 120 mph sustained winds, a 13-ft storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain. Towns along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Cape Coral, Clearwater, and Sarasota, saw catastrophic damage from the storm. Just two weeks after being hit by Hurricane Helene, Florida residents may have again 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, in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, thereby authorizing the release of federal disaster assistance for the state, including Charlotte County. These vital funds will play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton, which struck on and after October 5, 2024, causing widespread destruction and displacement. As a result of the hurricane, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents of Charlotte County and 15 other counties in Florida to ensure their safety.
As the city reopens and begins the process of rebuilding, local authorities are diligently focusing on search and rescue operations while also assessing the extent of the damage to the area, in order to effectively coordinate the allocation of resources for the recovery process.
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.
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, “I understand that dealing with hurricanes along the Florida Gulf Coast can be challenging. Our experienced team is here to support you through the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any 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. 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.
People in Punta Gorda are returning to their homes to find the following types of damage:
- Flood damage to the exterior and/or interior of the building, caused by storm surge or heavy rainfall.
- Roof, window, and siding damage from the strong windstorm and flying debris
- Damage from fallen trees and other large objects
The Punta Gorda area has a long road to recovery, and there are essential steps to take as you move forward, including the following:
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.
Patch Where Possible
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 as well as any other insurance coverage that may apply to hurricane damage. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what is covered and what you may be responsible for in terms of 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 Punta Gorda 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 Punta Gorda. Working with a qualified hurricane attorney can provide peace of mind by protecting your legal rights and ensuring that your paperwork is handled properly.
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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 Punta Gorda. 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.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Punta Gorda?
Hurricane Milton hit Punta Gorda and surrounding areas with downed trees and power lines, extensive damage to homes and other buildings, and caused flooding in parts of the city. Communities along the Gulf Coast, including Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, and others, saw the worst impacts from Hurricane Milton.
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. Schools and city offices were closed, and the Charlotte County Emergency Management Office is maintaining communication with local, state, and federal agencies.
Charlotte County has implemented a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting on Wednesday, October 9. Distribution centers with water, tarps, and MREs have been set up in various locations. The Charlotte County Utilities Department is urging customers to conserve water. The Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center is open for individuals who want to volunteer their skills for disaster recovery efforts. Local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities are offering assistance with storm cleanup. To request help with cleaning up damage from Hurricane Milton and Helene, contact Crisis Cleanup volunteers at 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 Punta Gorda 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
You pay your property insurance premium, and you deserve to have the insurance company hold up its side of the deal when disaster strikes. Unfortunately, insurers get overwhelmed with claims after natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, and they often act in bad faith after these storms to avoid paying for damage suffered by Punta Gorda residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
If your insurance company is doing any of the following, contact an insurance claims attorney immediately:
- Your insurance adjuster is not answering the phone or calling you back within a reasonable amount of time.
- The insurer is taking an unreasonable amount of time to process your claim or pay for repairs.
- Your claim is denied without an explanation or for a reason that does not make sense.
- The insurer is offering a lowball settlement that is not sufficient to repair damages.
- The insurer says your policy does not cover the damage, or that you need a separate flood insurance policy.
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 Punta Gorda means having a legal team committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Miami native and Florin|Roebig attorney Hal Weitzenfeld states, “It’s not always easy to tell if your home has been damaged just by looking at it. It’s a good idea to hire a reliable contractor to check the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs. This can be really helpful if you disagree with your insurance company. Our team can help you through this process and figure out if you need to file a claim.”
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, a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can provide the help and support you need. At Florin|Roebig, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to guide you through the process of rebuilding after the storm.
As a well-known Florida-based law firm with decades of experience, we have helped our clients win settlements totaling over $1 billion. We know that time is of the essence when it comes to hurricane damage, and we are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to start repairing the damage to your property.
Your insurance company should never take advantage of you after a devastating event like Hurricane Milton. Our attorneys are here to address any questions or concerns you may have and to ensure you are 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.
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