Living in Florida may seem like a dream come true under many circumstances. However, the peninsular structure of the state creates an avenue for wind damage from all sides. The east and west coasts border large bodies of water, leading to potential damage from both sides. The damage to property and structures can be overwhelming if the area is hit by a full-on hurricane or the remnants of a tropical storm.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we understand the claims process for property losses from wind damage, rain, flooding, and other inclement weather. Our Immokalee property claim lawyer is prepared to guide you through filing a claim and following through to the final resolution.
Florida Is a Landing Area for High Winds
Tropical storms and hurricanes are commonplace in South Florida. Therefore, building codes require special hurricane-rated components on new construction to lessen the damage from high winds.
However, even with these precautions in place, wind damage to your home or business could occur. Suppose you have property loss from a Florida storm. In that case, an Immokalee personal injury lawyer can help you resolve the red tape with your insurance company.
Weather Conditions Cause High Winds
Hurricane season in Florida is officially from June 1 until November 30. However, that does not mean the remaining months are safe from property loss due to high winds. Over the last several years, storms have increased in size, duration, and velocity. Florida has seen hurricane-strength storms as early as mid-May. Some extreme weather conditions that may cause wind damage include:
- Hurricanes
- Waterspouts
- Tornadoes
- Thunderstorms
With our proximity to large bodies of water, winds and rain develop within the subtropical climate to create extreme weather conditions. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 14 to 21 named storms in 2022. Several could turn into hurricanes with wind speeds exceeding 74 miles per hour (mph). NOAA also estimates three to six storms will develop into major hurricanes with wind speeds higher than 111 mph.
Does Your Insurance Cover Wind Damage Claims?
Most Floridians have hurricane insurance included in their homeowner’s insurance policy. Florida requires a hurricane deductible when filing a claim against your insurance for hurricane damage. This separate deductible is usually a percentage, and homeowners can select a lower or higher rate.
There is no requirement for a separate windstorm rider, although some homeowners add additional coverage over the policy minimums. In addition, some homeowner’s insurance policies exclude wind and hail. If your policy has an exclusion, you will need separate windstorm insurance.
Another consideration for Immokalee residents is adding flood insurance, which is not standard in most homeowners’ policies. Florida is a high-risk area for flooding due to the overwhelming exposure to inclement weather. As a result, some mortgage companies require flood insurance as a loan agreement provision.
Coverage Denial and Fighting the Insurance Companies
Suppose you file a claim for wind damage and receive a notice of denial. In that case, you can file an appeal with the insurance company for reconsideration. Unfortunately, in many cases, the insurer issues a rejection hoping you won’t pursue the matter further.
When a denial is involved, it can be beneficial to seek counsel from an Immokalee property damage lawyer to file your appeal. Some denials occur due to a lack of information submitted with the initial claim. Our wind damage team is familiar with claims filing and the information required to get results so you can begin rebuilding your home or property.
The Right Law Firm Can Blow Away Your Troubles
When you have property loss or damage, your main goal is to return your home and property to livability. Having a wind damage lawyer to guide you through the process can help.
Our team works with you from the initial claim filing to the final resolution. Some services we provide include:
- Your attorney gives you their phone number
- All questions will receive timely responses
- Our team will assist with paperwork, filing claims, and follow-up
- You will receive updates on the progression of your claim
We are Floridians, and we understand what you are going through. Our team offers compassion coupled with the experience of traveling this road before. Your initial consultation is free; we can evaluate your claim and explain how we can help.
Affording Legal Representation After Devastating Loss
When you have suffered property loss, your concern is repairing your home or business. While doing that, fighting your insurance company over your claim can add overwhelming frustration and anxiety. Working with an Immokalee property claim lawyer can ease your mind, knowing that our team is fighting for you.
Our team will review your claim during your free case evaluation and go over your insurance policy coverage. You will receive high-quality legal representation without hidden fees and costs. In addition, our team works on contingency, meaning you have no upfront fees and no risk.
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
If you haven’t filed a claim, now is the time to attend to that. Waiting can cause your home or property to continue deteriorating. You can prevent additional loss by filing your claim and repairing the damage as soon as possible.
Protecting Your Property Against Bad Faith Insurers
Insurance companies only profit by collecting more in premiums than what they pay out in benefits. Insurers often practice a “deny now and fight later” stance on claims for property losses. Therefore, don’t give up if you receive a notice of denial. Having an Immokalee wind damage lawyer to help you navigate the appeals process will help.
Finding a Lawyer to Help Navigate the Red Tape
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is here to help. Our wind damage team is familiar with the insurance trade and navigating the red tape to walk your claim through the process. We will help file a claim and work with you from start to finish. Contact our team today to explore your options.
We Can Help.
