Tampa Hurricane Damage Lawyers

Was Your Property Damaged by a Hurricane?

Hurricane damage claims are never easy for policyholders. Insurance companies constantly delay claims adjustments, make low settlement offers and deny interior damage claims. They often blame policyholders for problems or delays with their claims.

If you paid your premiums on time and fulfilled your obligations after a disaster, but the insurance company is not upholding its end of the bargain, contact Chris Ligori & Associates. Our Tampa hurricane damage lawyers offer a free consultation for policyholders who are being treated unfairly by their insurance companies. We aggressively pursue all the compensation you are owed under your policy, and we are prepared to advocate for your interests in the courtroom.  

What Kinds of Damage Can You Claim After a Hurricane?

Each case is unique because of the damage claimed and the terms of the insurance policy. Here is a list of common types of damage that may be covered insurance policies in Florida:

• Roof damage
• Water damage to flooring, walls, ceilings and personal belongings
• Wind damage to windows, doors or structural areas of the dwelling or building
• Mold damage
• Exterior damage to siding, gutters and exterior fixtures
• Electrical system damage to wiring and electronic devices
• Plumbing issues, such as broken pipes and sewage backups
• Landscaping damage to trees, shrubs and other landscaping.
• Additional living expenses (ALE) – If your home is uninhabitable, your policy may cover temporary housing, meals and other living expenses.

The Tampa hurricane damage lawyers at Chris Ligori & Associates have secured tens of millions of dollars from insurance companies. We are well-versed in the tactics insurers use to deny policyholders the compensation they need and are owed under the terms of the policy.

Property insurance lawyer Ron Haynes has handled hundreds of property damage claims, representing clients in federal and state court. Ron is a Florida Civil Court mediator and has mediated many homeowner’s insurance claims for policyholders.   

Common Issues With Hurricane Damage Claims in Florida

Insurance companies are known for trying to minimize payouts to claimants. Below are some of the most common issues hurricane damage victims face after filing a claim:

Low Settlement Offers

Insurers might offer settlements that do not fully cover the cost of repairs or replacements. Our experienced lawyers are familiar with the unjust tactics insurance companies use and can help you challenge these offers.

Denial of Interior Damage Claims

Insurers often argue that interior damage is not covered because you did not take proper precautions to prevent this damage. They could say the storm is not a qualifying event or that you hit your policy limits.  

Inadequate Compensation for Additional Living Expenses

If you temporarily relocate, your insurance should cover additional living expenses, including hotel stays and meals. Insurers may try to underpay these costs if they know you do not have legal representation.

If you are dealing with any of these issues or other illegal or unfair tactics, call our firm to learn how we may be able to assist you. We are available 24/7 to help our clients and answer their questions. We are ready to support you throughout the legal process. We are here to fight for you.  

What Duty Do Florida Insurance Companies Have to Policyholders?

Under Florida law, insurers have a duty to fairly and honestly adjust claims. They must:

• Attempt to settle a claim in good faith by being fair and honest with the policyholder
• Promptly settle claims when there is a clear obligation to settle under the relevant portion of the policy
• Acknowledging the claim in a reasonable amount of time
• Conducting a thorough investigation
• Communicating clearly with policyholders about their claim
• Paying valid claims within the policy limits within a reasonable time frame

What Are Common Reasons Florida Insurance Companies Deny Hurricane Damage Claims?

Insurance companies give policyholders various reasons for denying their claims:

• Insufficient documentation
• Failure to adequately prepare for the storm
• Your property had preexisting damage
• Policy exclusions
• Delays in notifying the insurer about the damage
• The damage is due to wear and tear, not the hurricane
• The policyholder did not take reasonable steps to prevent further damage

Insurance companies often state these reasons hoping policyholders will simply give up. However, sometimes these are not valid reasons to deny you the compensation you have been seeking. If you have reviewed your policy and the insurance company’s reasoning seems flawed, you may want to get an experienced lawyer involved.

Insurance companies often take claims much more seriously when policyholders are represented by experienced Tampa hurricane damage lawyers.

What Are My Responsibilities After My Property Suffers Hurricane Damage?

Naturally, insurance companies owe homeowners and building owners a duty to fairly and honestly adjust their claims. What many people may forget is that they also have duties under the insurance policy.

Many times, the failure of the homeowner or building owner to comply with their duties after a loss has occurred can cause problems. That is why you should read your policy to determine what you must do before the loss happens. That way you know how to make sure you have all your bases covered after your property sustains damage in a hurricane.

Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

You as the insured must promptly let the insurance company know about the loss. Do not wait days, weeks or months. This will only hurt your claim later. If a hurricane damages your roof, causing leakage in your home, failure to notify your insurance company quickly could lead to disputes about the extent of the damage and your insurer’s liability.

Protect Your Property from Further Damage

You must protect the property from further damage. This means that you may need to tarp the roof or board up any broken windows. If there are some minor repairs you can do to protect the property, you should do them and keep any receipts showing the cost to submit it to the insurance company.  

If your home’s windows are shattered by storm debris, for example, boarding them up can prevent further water damage or theft. Insurers may try to deny your claim for further damage after the fact.

Document All Damages

Create an inventory of all your personal property that was damaged, like furniture or clothes. Include descriptions and photos of the damage, how many items were damaged and the value of each item, and receipts for when you purchased said items if you have them.

Allow Your Insurance Company to Inspect

The insurance company will likely ask to inspect the damage, and your policy likely requires you to let them. If they ask for documents like contracts for repair, inspection reports, receipts, or any other documents, and you have them, you must provide them. The insurance company is not entitled to originals, but they are entitled to copies. Schedule a time when you will be available, and make sure you keep the damaged items until after the inspection.

Submit Required Documents

Your insurance company may request documentation from you, such as contracts for repair, inspection reports, receipts, or a sworn Proof of Loss statement. Send these documents by the deadline you are provided. Failure to do so could jeopardize your claim.

If the insurance company asks for a Proof of Loss, you must provide that as well. Some policies have a deadline for submitting this form, others do not. This is a sworn document in which you must list the total amount of damage you suffered. If you fail to get this figure right or attempt to inflate the figure in the hopes of getting more than you deserve, the insurance company could void your whole claim for fraud.  

Attend Examinations Under Oath (EUO)

If requested, participate in an Examination Under Oath (EUO). This process is like a deposition but without the formal rules of evidence. If you do not take part in an EUO, it could potentially allow the insurance company to get out of paying your claim.

Contact Your Tampa Hurricane Damage Lawyers for Help With Your Claim

At Chris Ligori & Associates, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of hurricane damage insurance claims. Our team works to ensure that insurance companies fulfill their obligations and pay what you are owed. We provide a thorough review of your insurance policy and claim to identify potential issues and opportunities for maximizing your settlement.

We have decades of combined experience and we are committed to your best interests every step of the way. Call to schedule a free legal consultation today.