Severe weather, like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tropical storms, can do significant roof damage. Sometimes, the damage can be so serious that the property is uninhabitable. If you’re in such a situation, you can file a claim with your insurance company. It’s not uncommon for claimants to run into roadblocks, though.
If you want assistance navigating the process, a Boca Raton roof damage insurance claims lawyer at our firm is here. While you’re taking care of things at home, we can represent you throughout all claim proceedings. We get results and are there when you need us. You can learn more about what our Boca Raton property damage lawyers can do for you when you call us for a free consultation, so contact GED Lawyers today.
Common Types of Roof Damage Claims
Over the years, clients have come to our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers with a wide array of roof damage claims. Among the most common are:
- Wind damage claims: Storm winds can break, peel, or curl roof shingles. Sometimes, the winds are so strong that the shingles and tiles are blown off.
- Fire damage claims: Lightning may strike the property itself or a nearby power line. As a result, there could have been damaged roof decking, cracked ceilings, and a charred roof structure.
- Water damage claims: Heavy rain could compromise the integrity of the roof, causing mold growth, rotting wood, sagging ceilings, and leaks.
The cost of repairing and replacing the roof (or even just parts of it) can add up quickly, but you can often turn to your insurance company to provide financial assistance.
Not everything resulting from roof damage is covered under a standard home or commercial insurance policy. For example, if your roof had a leak and the property flooded, you would turn to your flood insurance for compensation.
A Boca Raton flood damage lawyer from GED Lawyers can review your insurance policies and determine which forms of coverage you qualify for.
A Boca Raton Roof Damage Insurance Claims Attorney From Our Firm Can Help
Figuring out your next steps after dealing with roof damage, especially if it’s your first time, can feel like a maze. Our roof damage insurance claims attorneys in Boca Raton have been representing clients in situations just like yours since 1995. In the past 30 years, we’ve recovered over $26 million, so you’ll be in good hands. While you’re tending to other matters, our legal team can handle these responsibilities for you:
- Reviewing and interpreting your insurance policies
- Putting together an evidence file
- Speaking to the insurance company
- Protecting your rights
- Filing your claim
- Fighting claim denials or disputes
- Negotiating a fair settlement amount
- Going to trial if we cannot settle
We firmly believe everyone deserves access to legal representation, and we make that easier for our diverse community: members of our staff are fluent in multiple languages, like Arabic, Creole, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Portuguese, and Greek. This way, you’ll be more at ease as you discuss your case with someone in your native language.
Get in touch with GED Lawyers today. We are available for evening and weekend appointments.
What to Do When Dealing With Roof Damage in Boca Raton, Florida
We know it’s not easy, but staying organized after roof damage can help keep your claim on track. Once you are safe and the property is secure enough, take these steps:
- Inform your insurance company about the roof damage.
- Take videos that give a full view of the damage. Narrate what you show to give more context.
- Take clear photos of the roof damage.
- Patch up leaks or make other temporary repairs to keep the damage from worsening.
- Hire a professional to inspect the property and identify all the damage. They can give you repair estimates.
Compile all this information, as well as relevant receipts and invoices, into an evidence file. Your Boca Raton roof damage insurance claims attorney can review it and see what else you can add to it, if anything, so that you submit a comprehensive, substantive claim.
The Amount of Time You Have to File a Roof Damage Insurance Claim
Based on your policy terms, you may be entitled to recoup a number of losses in your roof damage insurance claim, some of which may be:
- Cleanup expenses
- Relocation costs
- Business interruption expenses, if applicable
- Repair or replacement costs
- Personal valuables
You have a limited time to request coverage, as the state enforces a strict deadline. According to Florida Statutes § 627.70132, most people have up to a year to file a claim. You could have more time, depending on your circumstances, but it’s still best to get started right away.
You could risk missing the deadline if you delay, which may bar you from getting anything from your insurance company. However, letting our Boca Raton lawyers know about what happened as soon as possible will help mitigate this risk.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Denies Your Roof Damage Claim
Insurance companies don’t automatically approve claims. It’s not unheard of for them to push back or totally reject a claim. This could be because of:
- Policy exclusions
- Misrepresentation of policy
- Improper roof maintenance
- Preexisting damage
- Exceeding policy limits
- Wear and tear
- Missed deadlines
An insurance attorney at GED Lawyers can look further into the insurer’s reasoning for their denial or dispute and appeal their decision. If our investigation reveals that their explanation is unfounded, we can file a bad faith insurance case against them so you can get the compensation you need and deserve.
Work With Our Boca Raton Roof Damage Insurance Claims Lawyers Today
Our Boca Raton roof damage insurance claims attorneys are ready to fight for your right to fair coverage. We are a law firm with a history of winning, and our client testimonials show our commitment and dedication. Call GED Lawyers today for a free consultation.
