Hurricane Milton struck West Central Florida on October 9 with sustained winds of 120 mph, a 13-foot storm surge, and over 18 inches of rain. This major storm caused at least 17 confirmed deaths and left 3.4 million people without power. Milton arrived just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, giving many Florida residents a double dose of damage from both storms.
Hurricanes can cause substantial damage to homes, businesses, and personal property. That’s where a skilled hurricane damage lawyer comes in—an advocate who ensures that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. When you experience such devastation, it’s important to know your options.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Venice?
The storm unleashed powerful winds and a fierce storm surge on Venice property, leaving widespread destruction along the coast and throughout Sarasota County. While the south jetty had already suffered damage from Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, Hurricane Milton devastated the area beyond recognition. All city parks, including Humphris Park, have been forced to close, and the Venice Fishing Pier, which also sustained serious damage, remains inaccessible to the public.
Along Venice Beach, many properties were partially buried beneath the sand carried in by the storm surge. The landscape of the beach has been dramatically altered by the storm’s force. In response, a Disaster Recovery Center has opened at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and authorities have set up Points of Distribution at four locations to provide essential supplies like water, food, and tarps to those affected by Hurricane Milton.
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
People in Venice experienced all of the following types of damage to their property during Hurricane Milton:
- Roof and siding damage, mainly from high winds and flying debris
- Window damage from high winds and/or flying debris
- Swimming pool screen damage
- 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
Many homeowners may be left wondering where to start in the claims and recovery process.
Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig advises, “If you were affected by Hurricane Milton, Helene, or both storms contact an experienced attorney for advice. We can help you every step of the way and make sure you receive the insurance payout you need to start recovery and repairs.”
Important first steps to take after the storm include:
Document the Damage
Immediately after the storm has passed, the first step is to document the damage to your Venice property. Take photos and videos of any destruction, from broken windows and roof damage to flooding and structural issues. Keep an inventory of damaged personal property, including furniture, electronics, and appliances. Documentation is key to ensuring your insurance claim accurately reflects your losses.
Make Temporary Repairs
Once the damage has been documented, it may be necessary to make temporary repairs to prevent further harm to your property. For example, boarding up windows or placing a tarp over a damaged roof can help mitigate additional losses. Keep receipts for any repairs, as these costs should be reimbursed by your insurance.
File an Insurance Claim
After you’ve secured your property, you’ll need to file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance company. This step can be complex, as insurance policies often contain specific language about coverage and exclusions. It’s essential to understand your policy thoroughly and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted with your claim.
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 Venice and Sarasota 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.
The devastation was so widespread that on October 11, 2024, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, making federal disaster assistance available to the state, including Sarasota County. These funds will aid in recovery efforts for the areas affected by Hurricane Milton on and after October 5, 2024.
It’s important to be aware of potential obstacles that may arise with your insurance claims, especially in heavily affected areas like Venice. Working with a qualified hurricane attorney can provide peace of mind by protecting your legal rights and ensuring that your paperwork is handled properly.
Consult a Hurricane Damage Attorney
While many homeowners assume their insurance company will act in their best interest, this is not always the case. If you encounter delays, undervalued claims, or outright denials, hiring a hurricane damage attorney can make all the difference. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, ensure your claim is properly assessed, and help you recover the full amount you’re entitled to.
What Damages Can a Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
Hurricanes like Milton are capable of causing a wide variety of damages to homes and businesses. Some of the most common types of hurricane-related damage in Venice include:
Wind Damage: High winds are one of the most destructive forces in a hurricane. Roofs, windows, doors, and siding are especially vulnerable to wind damage. In some cases, strong winds can rip off sections of roofs or tear down trees, causing additional damage to the structure.
Flooding: Flood damage is often one of the most severe consequences of a hurricane. Heavy rainfall and storm surges can lead to water damage in basements, lower floors, and entire homes. Water can weaken the foundation of a property, cause mold growth, and destroy personal belongings.
Structural Damage: In extreme cases, hurricanes can cause significant structural damage, compromising the integrity of homes and buildings. This can range from cracks in walls and foundations to more severe damage such as collapsed roofs or walls.
Debris Damage: Flying debris during a hurricane can cause a wide range of damage, from shattered windows to dents in siding and broken fences. In some cases, larger debris can severely damage homes and vehicles.
Power Outages and Secondary Damage: Extended power outages can lead to secondary damage, such as spoiled food, broken HVAC systems, or burst pipes due to structural damage. In Florida’s hot and humid climate, lack of electricity can also worsen mold issues in flood-damaged homes.
Understanding the various forms of hurricane damage is crucial when filing an insurance claim. Each type of damage should be thoroughly documented and reported to ensure full compensation.
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How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
A hurricane damage attorney can be an invaluable resource when dealing with the aftermath of a storm like Hurricane Milton. Here are several ways an attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process:
Reviewing Your Insurance Policy
Insurance policies can be confusing, with many terms, exclusions, and conditions that homeowners may not fully understand. A hurricane damage lawyer will review your policy in detail to determine what is covered, what isn’t, and whether any limitations apply to your situation.
Filing and Negotiating Your Insurance Claim
Dealing with insurance adjusters and navigating the claim process can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when your home has suffered significant damage. An attorney will handle the process on your behalf, ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and that all necessary documentation is included.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for less than the full amount of damages. A hurricane damage lawyer will advocate for you, ensuring that your claim reflects the true cost of repairs, replacement of personal property, and any additional living expenses you may incur while your home is being repaired.
Litigating Denied or Underpaid Claims
If your insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement, an attorney can challenge the decision and, if necessary, take the case to court. Florin|Roebig Attorneys have extensive experience in hurricane-related litigation and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Providing Peace of Mind
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a hurricane damage lawyer is the peace of mind that comes with knowing an experienced professional is handling your case. With Florin|Roebig Attorneys by your side, you can focus on rebuilding your life while they handle the legal complexities.
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After a Hurricane
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for Venice homeowners to experience claim denials after a hurricane. If your insurance company denies your claim, you still have options. Here’s what you can do:
Review the Denial: Carefully review the denial letter from your insurance company. It should explain the reasons why your claim was denied. In some cases, the denial may be due to missing documentation or a misunderstanding about the damage. Understanding the reason for the denial is the first step toward resolving the issue.
Contact a Hurricane Damage Attorney: If your claim is denied, it’s essential to consult with an experienced hurricane damage lawyer. Florin|Roebig Attorneys can review your policy, assess the denial, and help you determine whether the insurance company is acting in bad faith. They can negotiate with the insurer or file a lawsuit if necessary.
File an Appeal: In many cases, you can appeal the denial of your insurance claim. This process involves submitting additional evidence or documentation to support your claim. Your attorney will guide you through the appeals process, ensuring that your claim is properly presented and that all deadlines are met.
Consider Legal Action: If the appeal process does not result in a satisfactory resolution, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit against the insurance company. This legal action can force the insurer to pay the full amount of your claim or face penalties for acting in bad faith.
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How Florin|Roebig Attorneys Can Help
Hurricane Milton has left many Venice, Florida residents struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. If you’re dealing with an uncooperative insurance company or facing a denied claim, Florin|Roebig Attorneys can help. With decades of experience handling hurricane damage claims, we know how to navigate the complexities of insurance policies and fight for our clients’ rights.
Our team is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for our clients, ensuring that they can rebuild their homes and move forward after a disaster like Hurricane Milton. With 40 years of courtroom experience, Florin|Roebig has assisted clients in securing over $1 billion in compensation from insurance companies.
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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