After a hurricane, the last thing you want to deal with is a drawn-out claims process with your insurer. You have other things to worry about, including the relocation of your family and repairs to your home. With the help of our team, none of the worries involved with filing insurance claims will fall on your shoulders.
If your home or business sustained damage during a Hurricane, a disaster recovery attorney with GED Lawyers can help you recover your losses. Our Jacksonville, FL, hurricane property damage lawyer can assist with an insurance claim or take legal action to secure compensation for your building repairs, personal property, and more.
GED Lawyers’ Property Attorneys Will Fight for You
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, windstorms, and other severe weather. Most recently, the state suffered damage from Hurricane Nicole (2022), Hurricane Ian (2022), and Hurricane Michael (2018).
If your residential or commercial property sustained damage in a storm, a Jacksonville hurricane property damage lawyer can review your insurance policy and file a claim for your losses. We can also assist with claims appeals, mediation, or legal action if you struggle to secure the damages owed to you by your insurer. Our team will:
- Handle your claims paperwork, track deadlines, and communicate with involved parties
- Document your property damage using photographs, videos, receipts, bills, and estimates for repairs
- Calculate your financial losses
- Represent you during negotiations and aggressively pursue the maximum possible settlement
- Seek compensation via a civil lawsuit if necessary
Recoverable Hurricane Property Damages
Property insurance can differ from policy to policy, but in general, most homeowners coverage provides payment for:
- Structural damage. We can seek the cost of cleaning up and repairing hurricane damage to the windows, roof, walls, floors, doors, decking, and other structural components of your property. Coverage for structural damage also usually extends to any other buildings on your property, such as gazebos, carports, sheds, and garages.
- Personal belongings and household items. Homeowners insurance also covers the contents of your building. Therefore, we can seek compensation to pay for repairing or replacing furnishings, electronics, appliances, rugs, art, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and other personal property.
- Additional living expenses (ALE). ALEs pay for living expenses if you must relocate due to hurricane damage. A settlement for ALEs may include pet boarding fees, hotel bills, restaurant meals, and property storage fees.
If your hurricane damage involves a business covered by commercial property insurance, you may qualify for additional compensation, including awards for loss of business and damaged stock. Our legal team can tell you more.
We Will Ensure the Insurance Company Treats Your Fairly
Since 1995, GED Lawyers has helped clients recover the awards they need and deserve. So, we understand how stressful dealing with hurricane damage claims can be, especially if you do not have experience filing claims or your insurer is refusing to offer you a fair settlement.
Our Jacksonville hurricane property damage lawyers will stand up for you and hold the insurance company to its legal and contractual obligations. We can help you avoid or deal with problems that may arise with your claim, potentially leading to a reduced or denied settlement. For example, your insurer may:
- Delay responding to your claims or remitting payment
- Undervalue your damages
- Refuse to pay for covered losses
- Claim your property damage is not due to a hurricane or other covered issue
- Allege that your negligent actions (or the actions of another party) caused your damages
- Engage in bad-faith tactics
We Will File You Claim Before Time Runs Out
According to Florida Statutes § 627.70132, you have three years to file a homeowners insurance claim for damage caused by a hurricane, windstorm, tornado, or another severe weather event. The clock starts on the date the hurricane made landfall. Failure to meet this deadline could leave you stuck paying out-of-pocket for your losses.
Additionally, if legal action is necessary to recover compensation, Florida Statutes § 95.11 allows two years to file a lawsuit. If you do not adhere to the statute of limitations, the court will likely refuse your case.
We can help you get started today with a free consultation. Additionally, we take cases on contingency, meaning we charge nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our services. Our lawyers only collect a fee if and when we obtain compensation for you.
Florida Law Protects Your Right to Hurricane Property Damage Coverage
Florida Statutes § 627.712 requires that insurers provide Floridians with windstorm protection as part of their residential property insurance (unless you expressly deny this coverage). However, you may have a separate deductible for damage caused by a hurricane.
Insured property owners also have protections under the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights (Florida Statutes § 627.7142). This law states that:
- The insurance company must acknowledge your claim within 14 days of your notification of damages
- Upon written request, your insurer must notify you within 30 days of receiving your proof-of-loss statement whether your claim is covered in full, in part, or under investigation
- The insurance company must pay any undisputed portion of your claim within 90 days and pay interest on delayed payments
- You have the right to free mediation of your claim by the Florida Division of Consumer Services
The law also advises homeowners to take the following steps to help ensure a successful property insurance settlement:
- Make and document necessary emergency repairs and ensure your property is secure before vacating (including turning off gas, water, and electricity)
- Contact your insurance company before entering into a contract for repairs
- Make sure your contractor is licensed to conduct business in Florida
- Make sure your contractor has insurance
Reach Out to GED Lawyers Today
GED Lawyers has helped clients recover multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for property damages and personal injuries in Florida. We can put decades of legal experience behind securing the most advantageous settlement possible for your hurricane claim. If necessary, we will not back down from taking the insurance company to court.
To learn more about our services, contact us 24/7. A team member can help you get started with a free consultation and connect you with a Jacksonville hurricane property damage attorney near you.
