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Insurance Lawyers
The city of DeLand, FL, was founded in 1876. Because of its gorgeous architecture, DeLand is often called the Athens of Florida.
But because of its location between Daytona Beach and Orlando, DeLand’s proximity to the ocean makes the threat of hurricanes a distinct possibility.
When a tropical storm or hurricane has damaged your property in DeLand, you will likely file an insurance claim to recover compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not working in the best financial interests of claimants.
If you’ve been wrongfully denied an insurance claim, contact the DeLand hurricane lawyers at Morgan and Morgan. Our team has plenty of experience fighting for the best interests of hurricane insurance claimants.
You should not be left with the expenses resulting from hurricane damage. When your insurance provider has treated you unfairly, it’s critical to consult with a DeLand hurricane lawyer.
Florida experiences some of the most intense storms in the country. Natural disasters have the potential to cause immeasurable damage to people and property.
When you’ve purchased hurricane insurance, you should not be denied the payments you are rightfully owed. Contact Morgan and Morgan to dispute your insurance claim denial in DeLand, FL.
At the firm of Morgan and Morgan, we will happily provide you with a free case evaluation to discuss your circumstances. To arrange your no-cost consultation, complete the easy-to-use contact form on our website.
Understanding Categories of Hurricanes
Hurricanes bring high-speed winds and heavy rain. These intense storms often damage residential and commercial structures.
Hurricanes also have the potential to uproot trees, tear down power lines, and damage roadways. The amount of damage that a storm can cause depends on its severity.
Hurricanes are categorized from 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The designations are as follows:
Category 1 Storms
These storms have winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Category 1 storms have the potential to damage:
- Shallow-rooted trees
- Home siding
- Shingles and roofs
- Gutters
- Other external structures
While these hurricanes are milder than others, Category 1 storms can still cause enormous amounts of damage. These storm surges result in tides of 4’ to 5’ above normal.
Category 2 Storms
These storms feature winds reaching at least 96 miles per hour. A Category 2 hurricane can cause intense damage to roofs and building siding.
A Category 2 hurricane can also result in excessive damage to power lines. Tides can reach 6’ to 8’ above normal.
Category 3 Storms
When wind gusts exceed 111 miles per hour, the storm will be designated as a Category 3. This category of hurricane features storm surges between 9’ and 12’ above normal tides.
Coastal structures will experience severe flooding and mobile homes may be destroyed. These storms have the potential to cause significant damage.
Category 4 Storms
When the winds are between 131 and 155 miles per hour, a hurricane is designated a Category 4 storm. Category 4 wind gusts can blow down signage, trees, and other foliage.
Small residences may experience total roof collapse. Storm surges will have tides between 13’ and 17’ above normal.
Category 5 Storms
Category 5 is the most dangerous type of hurricane. Category 5 storms include winds that exceed 155 miles per hour.
Both industrial and residential structures may sustain total roof damage in a Category 5 storm, and windows and doors may shatter in the high-speed winds. Storm surges will result in tides over 18’ above normal levels.
Whatever category storm you have experienced, you should speak with a DeLand hurricane lawyer.
Insurance coverage providers have a duty to pay claimants fairly, given the details of their policies. When you need to appeal an insurance claim denial, reach out to the accomplished DeLand hurricane lawyers at Morgan & Morgan.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Morgan & Morgan
What Are Common Types of Property Damage Following Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are one of the most intense types of natural disasters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average hurricane causes nearly $20.5 billion in damage to life and property.
If you have experienced property damage from a storm in DeLand, you are not alone. A DeLand hurricane lawyer will review the harm that you have sustained and help you fight for the money that you deserve.
Some of the most common examples of structural hurricane damage include:
- Shattered and cracked windows
- Broken doors on garages, houses, and other structures
- Structural damage caused by projectiles
- Personal property damage inside homes
- Downed wires leading to fire damage
- Destruction of cars, trucks, and boats
- Moisture and flooding damage
- Damage to roofs, shingles, siding, and gutters
- Destruction of the walls, porches, and structural elements of homes
These are only the most common examples of property damage that hurricanes can cause. Purchasing insurance coverage should mean that these losses will be covered.
However, some companies attempt to lowball or dismiss valid claims following a hurricane. Speaking with a DeLand hurricane lawyer will ensure that your insurance policy provider knows you mean business.
Don’t allow a powerful corporation to deny you the benefits you need to get your life back on track. The team at Morgan & Morgan knows that victims of hurricanes face enough challenges. That’s why we’ll work diligently to dispute your claim rejection and recover the money you need.
What Are Some Typical Strategies Providers Use to Deny Payments?
Throughout the state, hurricanes have caused billions of dollars in property damage. Following a storm, insurance providers face many legitimate claims for compensation.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous companies often value their bottom lines above the needs of their policyholders. As a result, they rely on strategies meant to undermine and devalue the harm that claimants have experienced.
Some of the typical strategies and tactics that insurance adjusters use to deny legitimate hurricane claims include:
- Claiming the property damage occurred before the hurricane
- Delaying claims until the filing deadline is imminent
- Claiming that reasonable repairs are unnecessary
- Requiring policyholders to provide unreasonable paperwork or documentation
- Attempting to disqualify the damage under the coverage policy
- Paying less than the actual value of the property damage
When you’re dealing with a profit-driven insurance corporation, your claim may be underpaid, unreasonably delayed, or denied. Regardless of the status of your hurricane insurance claim, it’s critical to hire legal representation.
Having a lawyer fight for you will keep the insurance company from successfully lowballing your payout. One of the accomplished legal experts at the Morgan & Morgan DeLand office will help you hold your insurance company accountable.
Your policy provider should not be able to dismiss or undervalue your legitimate claims following a hurricane. These companies must be held accountable for the coverage that they guarantee.
What Are The Steps to Take Following a Hurricane in DeLand, FL?
Even if you are alerted before a hurricane reaches your location, property damage is highly likely. Many homeowners take steps to protect their houses, vehicles, and other property.
After the hurricane has passed, it’s vital to take steps to stem further property damage. This can help to decrease the amount you need to claim through your insurer.
For instance, make sure to cover damaged property with a waterproof tarp. This will help to prevent additional water damage.
It’s also helpful to take photos of all of the property damage the hurricane caused. Typically, this will include photographing:
- The roofs of damaged structures
- Exterior and interior walls
- Yard and landscaping damage
- Damage to personal items and objects in the home
After taking photographs, make sure to create a list of everything that was damaged by the storm. It’s helpful to make this list as soon as possible. As more time passes, it may become difficult to remember everything that sustained damage.
File a claim with your insurer as quickly as possible so you can begin the process of recovering your financial compensation.
If you have questions regarding the insurance claims process, one of the skilled DeLand attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will gladly answer them. Schedule a no-cost legal consultation to determine how to recover the money you deserve.
Gathering evidence in the immediate aftermath of the storm is critical. Those homeowners who fail to collect sufficient evidence risk the denial of their insurance claims. Adjusters often assert that damage occurred before or after the relevant natural disaster. In doing so, they attempt to shift the blame onto the policyholder.
Blaming someone else helps them protect their bottom line and increase their profits. Don’t let a greedy adjuster do this in your case. Contact the accomplished hurricane insurance attorneys at America’s largest tort law firm, Morgan & Morgan.
How Can I Afford a Hurricane Attorney in DeLand, FL?
When most people think about hiring a legal representative, they imagine exorbitant bills and fees. Stereotypes about attorneys often include overcharging clientele. However, this popular belief isn’t true. In fact, reputable tort lawyers do not charge any upfront fees.
When you hire a hurricane attorney in DeLand, FL, you will agree to designate a portion of the financial recovery from your case for attorneys’ fees. Once your legal representative has successfully negotiated your claim or won your case, that percentage will cover the cost of your legal representation.
Typically, tort attorneys operate on 33%, or a third, of the recovery from each claim. This percentage can vary depending on the details and requirements of the case.
In other words, you will not pay a dime unless your attorney secures the money that you are rightfully owed. The trustworthy team at Morgan & Morgan knows that victims of hurricanes face devastating losses.
Because of that, we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our lawyers do not receive compensation unless you get paid.
You should never hire a firm that requests payment before concluding your hurricane insurance dispute case. Reach out to Morgan & Morgan to determine your best legal options in the wake of an insurance claims dispute.
How Can I Find a Reputable Attorney Following an Insurance Claim Dispute?
Even if you’re sure you need legal representation, you may not know how to find a lawyer who is right for you. Most people have little experience seeking an attorney.
One of the most important steps when looking for a representative is scheduling a free consultation. During this meeting, you and the attorney will discuss the details of your case.
Asking questions will help you determine whether the attorney is a good fit to represent you. Some of the common questions that claimants ask of their potential representatives are:
- How many years of legal experience do you have?
- Have you handled insurance claims dispute cases before?
- What is your current case success rate?
- What will your negotiation strategy be?
- How much can I claim through my insurer?
- What are the next steps following this consultation?
- How does your firm handle attorneys’ fee payments?
- Who will I contact for questions about my case?
Asking questions related to your insurance dispute will help you find the best attorney for you. If the lawyer’s answers make you feel unsure about their abilities, keep looking.
Morgan & Morgan Will Work Diligently for You
When you hire a legal representative, you should be able to rest assured that your case is in good hands. The team at Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience representing hurricane victims in Florida.
We have the specialized knowledge and skills to effectively fight for you. Arrange a free consultation by filling out the user-friendly contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website today.
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