On October 9, Hurricane Milton hit West Central Florida with devastating force, packing sustained winds of 120 mph, a 13-foot storm surge, and dumping over 18 inches of rain. The storm tragically claimed at least 17 lives and left 3.4 million people without power. Coming just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, the back-to-back storms intensified the hardship for countless Florida residents, many of whom were still recovering.
The destruction left in a hurricane’s wake can be overwhelming, affecting homes, businesses, and personal property. In times like these, having an experienced hurricane damage lawyer by your side can make all the difference, helping to ensure you receive the compensation you need to rebuild. Understanding your legal options after such a disaster is crucial in moving forward.
The Impact of Hurricane Milton on St. Cloud
Located south of Orlando in northern Osceola County, St. Cloud’s 66,448 residents (as of July 2023 census data) are no strangers to hurricanes. Hurricane Milton’s fierce winds and storm surge left a trail of destruction across Florida, causing significant property damage. In Osceola County, the storm’s impact was evident with downed trees, scattered wind and flood damage, and widespread power outages. While St. Cloud was largely spared from severe flooding due to a last-minute shift in the storm’s path, downed power lines, road closures, and debris made it challenging for residents to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts. A mandatory countywide curfew remained in place until 10 a.m. on October 10, 2024, as standing water and lingering power outages added to the difficulties.
Blocked roads and downed lines delayed cleanup efforts, leaving many homes surrounded by debris for days. However, the city of St. Cloud is taking proactive steps to support recovery. Permit fees for repairs related to Hurricane Milton have been waived, and residents are encouraged to report any structural damage to their properties. Starting October 14, Public Works staff began collecting storm debris, while Osceola County has also opened a free yard waste drop-off site to help residents manage the aftermath.
What Are Your Options If Your Home Was Damaged By Hurricane Milton?
St. Cloud residents experienced many different types of property damage as a result of Hurricane Milton, including:
- Roof and siding damage from high winds and flying debris
- Broken windows from wind and debris
- Damaged pool screens
- Flooding and water damage
- Fallen trees causing structural harm
- Appliance damage (e.g., refrigerators, TVs, washers)
- Vehicle and boat damage
As homeowners begin the recovery process, many wonder where to start. According to Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig, “If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Milton, Helene, or both, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Rebuilding your life after such devastation isn’t easy, and we’re here to provide the legal support you need. Reach out to an experienced attorney who can help ensure you receive the full compensation necessary to recover and move forward.”
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First Steps After The Storm
- Document the Damage: As soon as it’s safe, document all damage to your property. Take photos and videos of everything, from broken windows to roof damage and water damage. Keep a detailed list of damaged belongings, including electronics and appliances. This documentation is vital when submitting your insurance claim.
- Make Temporary Repairs: After documenting the damage, make any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further harm. For example, you can board up windows or cover damaged roofs with tarps. Save all receipts for these repairs, as they may be reimbursed by your insurance company.
- File Your Insurance Claim: Once your property is secured, it’s time to file an insurance claim. This can be a complicated process, as policies may include specific language about what is covered. It’s important to thoroughly understand your coverage and ensure all required documentation is submitted.
- Seek Government Assistance: Local authorities in St. Cloud and Osceola County can provide information on government disaster assistance programs like FEMA, which can offer additional recovery support.
On October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, making federal assistance available to Osceola County. These funds will help with recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Milton.
How A Hurricane Damage Attorney Can Help
While many homeowners expect their insurance companies to act fairly, this is not always the case. Hiring a hurricane damage attorney can make all the difference if you’re facing delays, undervalued claims, or outright denials. An experienced attorney will handle negotiations, ensure your claim is fairly assessed, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Experienced 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 is a Florida-based firm with extensive experience navigating Florida hurricanes and insurance company tactics, so we know exactly how to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can Hurricanes Like Milton Cause?
Hurricanes can cause significant destruction. Some damages are easy to see, while others are more difficult to assess on your own. Common types of hurricane-related damage include:
Wind Damage: High winds can tear off roofs, break windows, and damage siding. Trees may be uprooted, causing further damage.
Flooding: Heavy rains and storm surges can flood homes, weaken foundations, and destroy personal belongings. Mold growth is also a concern after flooding.
Structural Damage: Hurricanes can compromise the integrity of homes, causing collapsed roofs, cracked walls, and foundation issues.
Debris Damage: Flying debris can shatter windows and dent siding. Large debris can cause severe damage to homes and vehicles.
Power Outages: Prolonged outages can lead to secondary damage, such as spoiled food, broken appliances, and mold due to lack of air conditioning.
What to Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied
If your insurance company denies your claim, you still have options, including the following steps:
Review the Denial
Read the denial letter carefully to understand why your claim was rejected. Sometimes denials are due to missing information or misunderstandings.
Consult a Hurricane Damage Attorney
An experienced attorney can assess the denial, negotiate with the insurer, or file a lawsuit if necessary. Florin|Roebig Attorneys are ready to help with this process.
File an Appeal
In many cases, you can appeal a denied claim. Your attorney will help gather additional evidence to support your appeal.
Consider Legal Action
If your appeal is unsuccessful, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to hold the insurer accountable and recover your rightful compensation.
Florin|Roebig attorney and Miami native Hal Weitzenfeld states, “Many believe that the insurance company’s decision on a claim is final, but as a policyholder, you have more options than you might realize. If your claim is denied or underpaid, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and fight for the best possible outcome.”
Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim After Hurricane Milton
Filing an insurance claim after a hurricane can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can make the process more manageable. First, as soon as it’s safe, report the damage to your insurance company to start the claims process. Be thorough in documenting everything—take photos, record videos, and create detailed lists of damaged items to provide clear evidence of your losses. Additionally, save all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, such as temporary repairs or hotel stays, as these may be reimbursable by your insurer.
It’s important to act quickly, as many policies have strict deadlines for filing claims. Submitting your claim promptly can help prevent unnecessary delays or complications. For a smoother experience and to increase your chances of a successful outcome, consider hiring an attorney who understands the complexities of insurance claims. Having experienced legal support, like Florin|Roebig Attorneys, can be invaluable in ensuring you receive the compensation you need to rebuild.
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How Florin|Roebig Attorneys Can Help
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, many St. Cloud residents are struggling to rebuild. If you’re dealing with a difficult insurance company or facing a denied claim, Florin|Roebig Attorneys are here for you. With decades of experience handling hurricane claims, we know how to navigate complex policies and fight for our clients’ rights.
Let Florin|Roebig assist you in securing the compensation you need to rebuild. With 40 years of courtroom experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients, we’re ready to help.
If you need assistance with your claim or have questions about your policy, contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule your free consultation.
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