Fort Myers Hurricane Damage Lawyer

If you’ve ever experienced a hurricane, the aftermath can be devastating. The destruction left in a storm’s wake can feel insurmountable when you may have lost your home, business, or cherished belongings.

For residents and business owners in Southwest Florida, dealing with insurance companies to get compensation for damages adds another layer of stress.

At Titan Law, we understand these challenges. That is why you need to reach out to our Fort Myers hurricane damage lawyer. We can help you get the money you need to begin the rebuilding process.

With offices in Sarasota and Lee County, we’ve built our reputation on standing up for our clients when they need it most.

What You Need to Know About Hurricane Damage Claims

Over the past several years, Southwest Florida has seen a wake of destruction following these storms. Many residents are still trying to rebuild after Hurricane Ian, which left over $112 billion in damages, according to data from the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane damage is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Many of these claims center around:

• Wind damage: This can involve broken windows, damaged roofs, and structural harm caused by high winds. Most policies cover wind damage, but special deductibles might apply, especially in hurricane-prone areas.
• Flood damage: Flooding from storm surges or heavy rainfall is one of the most destructive results of a hurricane. Unfortunately, standard homeowners’ policies often exclude flood damage. Many times, you will need a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Storm surge damage: Large waves of seawater pushed ashore by the hurricane’s winds can cause severe flooding and erosion. Like flood damage, storm surge losses fall under flood insurance policies rather than standard homeowners’ insurance.
• Debris damage: Flying branches or building materials can cause major property damage, including shattered windows and punctured walls. This type of damage is usually covered under standard insurance.

What makes filing a claim even more complicated is that insurance policies often treat these types of damages differently. Knowing what your insurance covers and how to file a claim properly is important. Otherwise, you risk getting your claim delayed, underpaid, or denied.

Working with Titan Law can help you get coverage for the damages you have suffered as the result of these destructive storms.

Your Policy Coverage Will Impact Your Claim

Before a hurricane strikes, you need to prepare for the claims process. Knowing your policy can help with when it comes time to make a claim. You may want to review these sections:

• Declarations page: This section of your policy outlines your coverage limits, deductibles, and the specific risks covered. You will want to keep this page easily accessible, as it will be needed to file your claim.
• Hurricane and windstorm deductibles: Insurance policies often include separate deductibles for hurricane or windstorm damage in hurricane-prone areas like Southwest Florida. These deductibles are usually higher than standard ones. They are calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value.
• Exclusions and limitations: Flood damage, mold, and pre-existing conditions are a few exclusions. You will want to understand these limitations to avoid surprises during the claims process.
• Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home is uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, this coverage helps pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals.

If your insurer is trying to find a reason not to pay, it may be time to reach out to an experienced hurricane damage lawyer in Fort Myers.

Common Hurdles in Filing Claims

For many people, they might believe that filing a claim is as easy as submitting paperwork and waiting for a check. However, many times, there are complications to the process.

Many policyholders are still waiting for claims from 2022. According to an ABC Action News report, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) received 7,894 complaints related to Ian in the first seven months after the storm. Many individuals had problems with their insurers that have range from denials and delays to underpayments and cancellations.

The hard truth is that when you need to rely on your policy to rebuild, many companies find reasons to not pay out.

Some of the biggest issues with these claims include:

Not Enough Documentation

You might think a quick photo of a broken window or a flooded room will do the trick, but insurance companies require detailed evidence. Photos, videos, and even written descriptions of what was damaged are important. This documentation could make or break your claim.

Policy Confusion

Insurance policies are notorious for their fine print. Some policies include exclusions or limitations you might not even know about. Unfortunately, flood damage is often one of those exclusions unless you’ve purchased a separate policy.

Delays in Filing

Timing matters. If you wait too long to file, you risk missing deadlines outlined in your policy. Acting quickly can save you a lot of headaches.

Lowball Settlements

Insurers may try to minimize the extent of your damages. Often, they offer payouts that barely scratch the surface of what it will take to repair or replace your property. Knowing your rights and having a Fort Myers hurricane damage lawyer on your side can help you get what you deserve.

How to Tackle the Claims Process

Filing a hurricane damage claim might seem intimidating, but there are steps to take to make it more manageable.

• Safety first: Before you even think about assessing the damage, make sure everyone is safe. Once it’s safe to return, start documenting the damage. Take photos and videos of everything, from the big-ticket items to the smallest details.
• Read your policy: Take the time to understand what your insurance covers. Knowing your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions will help you set realistic expectations.
• Don’t wait to file: You will want to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure to follow up any verbal communication with written confirmation so you have a clear record of your interactions.
• Get legal help: The team at Titan Law will review your policy, help you gather the necessary documentation, and negotiate with your insurer to get you a fair settlement.

Titan Law Can Help with Policy Claims

We’ve seen it all when it comes to hurricane damage claims. At Titan Law, we’re committed to making the claims process as smooth as possible for our clients.

We will go through your insurance policy with a fine-tooth comb, explaining what’s covered and identifying any red flags. From gathering evidence to creating detailed damage reports, we’ll help you organize your claim.

After experiencing a traumatic event like a hurricane, battling with insurers is the last thing you want to do. We know that dealing with insurance adjusters can be tricky. We will handle the back-and-forth to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Finally, if your claim is denied or undervalued, we are prepared to take legal action to fight for your rights. Insurers have a responsibility to honor their policies, and we can make sure you get what you are owed.