Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton struck West Central Florida with 120 mph winds, a 13-foot storm surge, and more than 18 inches of rain. These forces left 17 people dead and more than 3.4 million people without power.
Fortunately for the residents of Florida, President Biden declared a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida on October 11, 2024, providing the state with federal disaster assistance. These funds provide aid to the areas of Florida affected by Hurricane Milton, including Pasco County.
In addition, the damage caused by Hurricane Milton has left many of the residents of Wesley Chapel in need of filing insurance claims. Florin|Roebig is here to assist with these claims and to help the residents of Pasco County navigate the claims process and seek their rightful compensation. With over 40 years of experience, we are dedicated to helping you receive the maximum amount of financial compensation.
Furthermore, as more and more residents begin returning to their damaged homes, insurance companies have become inundated with a high amount of claims, resulting in possible outcome delays. By working with a Florin|Roebig attorney, you’ll have a seasoned legal team working on providing you with a fast and positive outcome.
Attorney Hal Weitzenfeld of Florin|Roebig states, “The damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Wesley Chapel and all of Pasco County has been extensive. If you were personally affected by Hurricane Milton or Helene, you need an experienced legal team on your side to ensure you receive the insurance payout that you deserve.”
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected by Hurricane Milton?
Experiencing a major hurricane like Hurricane Milton can be a traumatizing and stressful event, and it’s important to take care of your physical and mental health. As you and your loved ones begin to move forward, there are several steps you can take.
Document All Storm Damage
It is essential to document all damage caused by a hurricane to your property, especially when multiple hurricanes have occurred so closely together. You should also distinguish the damage caused by each storm, as each will likely require a different claim to be filed and different amounts of compensation. The best way to document this damage is through photographic and video evidence of your property and the various areas of damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company before you make any claims, ensuring that you have a good understanding of your situation and the damages you want to report. Have your policy information ready, and be prepared to submit separate claims to each policy for the different types of damage.
Cover What You Can
While not necessarily ideal, you should make any necessary temporary repairs to your home to make it liveable while you wait for compensation. This can help to prevent even more damage from occurring in any storms that follow and help you to salvage what is left of your property and belongings. It is important, however, to not do full repairs, as inspectors should still be able to see the extent of any damages that your home incurred.
Read Your Homeowner’s Policy
Read over your homeowner’s insurance policy so that you have an understanding of what it covers in case of damage from hurricanes. This will give you a good idea of what will be covered and what you can expect to pay for on your own.
Get A Damage Assessment
Your property will need to be inspected by insurance adjusters who will want to verify your storm damage claims. At this point, they will likely provide you with an estimate of your total damage costs. You may not agree with their assessment, and it is important to speak up and defend yourself in these instances.
Apply For Government Assistance
It is important to be aware of any supportive resources that you may be eligible for, such as through FEMA programs. These assistance options can be complicated, however, local authorities in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County should be able to provide you with assistance and guidance.
It is not unusual to run into obstacles when filing a hurricane damage claim in Florida, especially in cities that have been heavily affected by Hurricane Milton. You can gain much-needed peace of mind, however, by working with a qualified hurricane damage attorney in Wesley Chapel who can handle your paperwork, protect your rights, and ensure that your claim is not denied or settled for less than it is worth.
What Damages Can A Hurricane Like Milton Cause?
Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage, with certain types of damage immediately obvious while others tend to develop over time. This is why it is so crucial for residents of Pasco County to understand both what was damaged by the hurricane and how it was damaged when filing a claim, as different insurance policies have different guidelines for how they handle payouts.
Several different types of damage are common after a hurricane:
Wind Damage: With winds of over 120 mph, Hurricane Milton struck down buildings, power lines, trees, and entire homes in much of Florida, including Wesley Chapel. It also caused 38 tornadoes to form which only became more dangerous as they picked up debris remaining from Hurricane Helene.
Water Damage And Flooding: Water damage can occur from both the original storm surge, which reached 13 feet in some areas during Hurricane Milton, and the standing water that remains. The original flooding caused damage to interior and exterior structures and foundations, while the standing water caused further destabilization and a heavy growth of mold.
Structural Damage: While some storm damage to structures is obvious, like roof damage or torn walls and flooring, some types of foundational damage are not immediately clear. For this reason, people should always remain cautious in buildings that appear to have withstood damage from Hurricane Milton.
Personal Property Damage: Water and wind damage can both devastate personal belongings found inside and outside of homes, including damage to things like furniture and clothing. Some of these items may be covered by insurance, and it is important to make note of them in your claim.
Landscaping And Exterior Property Damage: High-force winds and storm surges can cause extensive damage to both a home’s interior and exterior areas, such as to yards and landscaping. In some cases, outdoor features and structures may also be covered by insurance.
Secondary Issues: Secondary issues are those that occur long after the storm has ended, while primary issues are those that are caused during the storm or immediately after. Secondary issues often occur when buildings and structures go unrepaired and continue to be exposed to the elements, allowing problems to worsen or new problems to arise.
A thorough assessment of damages is essential for ensuring that you do not receive less than you are owed for your claim. Your insurance company may try to take advantage of you by not disclosing important information and refusing to provide compensation for items that should be covered.
A lawyer with Florin|Roebig can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys located throughout the state of Florida are dedicated to assisting Hurricane Milton victims.
How Did Hurricane Milton Affect Wesley Chapel?
Hurricane Milton hit Wesley Chapel with the power to down trees and power lines, damage homes and commercial buildings, and cause flooding throughout the city. In addition to this, more than 150 people in Pasco County needed rescuing from first responders.
Thousands of residents of the county also lost power and many were displaced from their homes, wondering when and if they would be able to safely and comfortably return. Local schools and businesses also had to close down temporarily in order to clean and perform repairs.
It can be devastating to return to a damaged home after seeking shelter elsewhere, but you do not have to go through this alone. Dealing with insurance companies can cause additional stress during an already difficult time, but Florin|Roebig is here to assist you as you navigate the challenges ahead.
It is important to understand the different types of damage that can occur from hurricanes, as some types of damage may be covered by insurance while others are not.
People in Wesley Chapel experienced all of the following types of damage to their property:
- Damage to roofing and siding
- Vehicle damage, such as to cars and boats
- Screens around pools and porches
- Broken windows
- Damage to flooring and interior walls
- Damage to appliances
- Damage to electronics
- Personal property damage, such as to furniture and clothing
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What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
It can be very frustrating to receive a claims denial from an insurance company, especially when residents of Wesley Chapel are already dealing with heavy stress. It is important to be prepared and understand why your insurance company may issue a denial, as this can help you if and when you decide to challenge their decision.
Insurance companies may deny storm damage claims because:
- You lack evidence: your claim may be denied if you lack the proper documentation of your assets or photographic evidence of the damage caused to them.
- Your policy excludes the property or damage: your claim may be rejected if your policy does not apply to the specific property that was damaged or to the type of damage that caused it.
- The cause of the damage is unclear: your claim may be denied if it is unclear as to how the damage occurred and if the most obvious cause is not covered by your policy.
If your insurance company does deny your claim, you are entitled to a written explanation as to why. Review this information, as well as your insurance policy, to determine if you are eligible for an appeal. If you do decide to make an appeal and challenge your insurance company’s decision, you should be prepared to present further evidence. It is also recommended to work with an experienced hurricane attorney at this point, as they can protect your rights, help you to ensure your damages have been properly assessed, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. By working with the law team at Florin|Roebig, you can rest assured that your insurers will be held accountable.
How Can a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Help?
If you have experienced damage from Hurricane Milton, hiring an experienced hurricane damage lawyer can make all the difference in securing a positive outcome for your case.
Florin|Roebig attorney and Miami native Hal Weitzenfeld states, “Every hurricane is unique and can cause different types of damage, whether this is your first or you have experienced several. Before contacting your insurance company, contact our team of expert attorneys and we can assist you every step of the way through your claim.”
These storm damage insurance claims experts can:
- Collect supportive evidence for your case, such as photos, videos, witness and expert testimonials, and repair estimates.
- Negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive the highest amount of compensation possible.
- Represent your case in court if you are not offered a settlement.
Florin|Roebig has been working on hurricane cases for years and is well versed in the tactics insurance companies may use to try and take advantage of their customers. Because of this, we know exactly how to get you the compensation you deserve.
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How To Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you are located in Wesley Chapel and need assistance in securing compensation from your insurance company, a hurricane claims lawyer from Florin|Roebig can help. We are here for you to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, connect you with additional resources, support you in filing your claim, and help you rebuild your life after Hurricane Milton.
Florin|Roebig is an experienced and renowned law firm in Florida that has secured more than $1 Billion in settlements for our clients and that recognizes the urgency required in handling hurricane damage claims. We understand that hurricane damage victims need compensation as soon as possible in order to restore their homes and property.
You should never have to worry about being taken advantage of or exploited after a hurricane. In fact, you are entitled to clarification and having any of your concerns addressed, and if your insurance company isn’t providing you with this after Hurricane Helene or Milton, our legal team can help.
For more information about our services or to schedule a free case review, Contact Florin|Roebig today.
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