Hurricane Attorney in Palm Harbor

For most homeowners, a property is not just a roof over their heads but a home filled with memories and comforts. Seeing your house or apartment damaged in a hurricane can be traumatic. On top of the exhausting clean-up and repair after a severe storm, you might struggle to receive an adequate insurance settlement.  

Unfortunately, homeowners must be prepared to fight as insurance companies increasingly put their profits before the best interests of their policyholders. Insurers may deny a claim, minimize what you are owed, or delay a payout indefinitely. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we know that some of the tricks insurers play are unethical and, in some cases, unlawful. We want you to receive what you need to fix your property and replace your lost belongings. Our seasoned hurricane lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, can stand up to the big insurance companies and hold them accountable. Contact us now to discover how we can help.

Your Next Best Steps After Sustaining Hurricane Damage

Palm Harbor is in a relatively high-risk hurricane zone. Residents face damage to their homes from hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1930, almost 80 hurricanes have been recorded in the area. While Tampa Bay has avoided a severe windstorm in recent years, significant storms could make landfall in the area at any time. Knowing your legal rights and obligations can be crucial for recovering an insurance settlement when a hurricane hits. Your next best steps after experiencing hurricane damage include:

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Most policyholders are unsure what their policy covers in the event of a hurricane. While most basic insurance policies cover wind damage, you could be out of luck if your home flooded in a storm unless you have separate flood insurance. Knowing what you are entitled to is crucial when negotiating with the insurance company. 

Mitigating Damage to Your Property 

Homeowners in Palm Harbor try to protect their homes and possessions as best they can from hurricane damage. However, intense storms unleash forces that can surprise even the most conscientious and prepared homeowner and cause unprecedented losses. However, your actions after the storm has passed can be critical for recovering a settlement from your insurer. 

Once it is safe to do so, you should aim to limit any further damage to your home. For example, if you have a roof leak, try to cover it up to stop water from intruding into your home. Remember that an insurer will try to find reasons for minimizing or reducing a payout. Do not provide them with ammunition by failing to protect your property from new damage.

Gathering Evidence of Your Damages and Expenses

Documenting your hurricane damage and losses meticulously, without skipping over any details, can be critical for recovering the settlement you need. A lack of documentation and evidence could sink your claim. 

The insurance company will likely send their adjuster to inspect and document your damage. However, the aftermath of a hurricane can be chaotic. Since many homeowners likely experience damage in your area, there may not be enough adjusters to visit damaged properties right away. Therefore, take photographs of all damaged items and rooms and the outside of your home.

Keeping a written inventory can be helpful when you later have to list all damaged items for an insurance claim. You may have to make urgent repairs before an adjuster can assess the damage. Keep all receipts for repairs and expenses due to a storm, as you will need proof to qualify for reimbursement.

Filing a Claim as Soon as Possible 

Notify your insurer of hurricane damage and your intention to file a claim immediately after a storm. After a severe hurricane, a wave of policyholders will be filing claims at the same time. Now is not the time to sit back and wait. Instead, file your claim as soon as possible, as that can put you at the front of the line. The sooner you contact the insurance company and file a claim, the sooner you could receive funds to repair your home and replace your damaged belongings. 

Contacting a Hurricane Lawyer in Palm Harbor, FL

Consulting with our hurricane lawyers costs nothing but can provide invaluable information and advice. Moreover, if you suffered significant damage and losses, working with an experienced attorney may be necessary to get what you deserve.  If an insurer is already denying or dragging out your claim, consider seeking legal help immediately. Our hurricane attorneys can take charge of your case and work tirelessly for the best possible outcome. 

When You Need a Hurricane Lawyer 

A significant hurricane can destroy your home and possessions in Palm Harbor. Once the initial shock has passed, individuals with homeowner’s insurance feel assured that they are covered and will receive adequate compensation. After all, they paid their insurance premiums for years or even decades. 

However, the reality can look quite different. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Florida residents to find affordable homeowner’s insurance in Florida in the first place. Once the worst has happened and their homes are damaged, policyholders can struggle to get what they deserve, even with adequate insurance coverage.

Each year, Florida homeowners have to fight hard for their due after experiencing storm damage. If you find yourself haggling over every dollar with an insurance adjuster, contact our hurricane lawyers for help. Hiring an experienced attorney can be essential in the following situations:

The Insurance Company Refuses an Adequate Settlement

Insurers are constantly looking for ways to increase their profits and decrease costs. Unfortunately for policyholders, the way insurers do this often boils down to reducing claims or refusing a payout altogether. An insurance company may also unreasonably delay your claim hoping that you will simply go away. 

Morgan & Morgan knows the tricks insurers can play, and we can fight them all the way to trial. When an insurance company leaves you out in the cold, our hurricane lawyers can review your insurance policy, assess your options, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. We can fight:

• Low-ball offers
• Claim denials
• Reduced payouts

You Have Extensive Damage and Losses

Most individuals only consider hiring an attorney once their insurer gives them the runaround. However, getting the full value of your claim can be challenging when you have catastrophic damages. Do not expect the insurance company to have your best interests at heart. Hiring an attorney immediately after significant storm damage can protect your rights and ensure effective claims handling. When you have extensive damage or lost your home, you need a comprehensive and timely settlement. 

Morgan & Morgan can be here for you when you need to fix your house and get your life back in order.