Do you need to file a property damage claim after Hurricane Ian?
The nightmare that was Hurricane Ian has passed, but the nightmare of trying to put your life back together could last for a long time. The last thing you need at this point is trouble from your insurance company while filing a property damage claim after Hurricane Ian. Unfortunately, insurers will often deny perfectly legitimate claims in an effort to protect their profit margins. If this is happening to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh. We’ll do everything we can to force your insurance company to give you full and fair compensation for your losses. You can give us a call at (561) 295-5825, or you can contact us online for more information on how we may be able to help. Property Damage Associated with Hurricanes If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, you’ve either had a close brush with a hurricane, or your area has suffered a direct hit. It’s just part of the price of living in paradise. You probably couldn’t care less about what category Ian was when it tore through Southwest Florida. But the insurance company will often care a great bit. Here’s a quick look at...
What Compensation Can I Recover If I Have Hurricane Damage?
What Damages Can I Recover If My Home is Damaged by a Hurricane? Homeowners and property owners that sustain damage from a hurricane are entitled to compensation for their storm-related losses through their home insurance or property insurance. After all, that is why we all pay our monthly premiums. But what exactly is covered, and what isn't? Florida Statute § 627.70132 allows you to file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance company or sue the property owner (if you’re renting) for any economic damages that result from a storm. But what are economic damages? Compensation for a Florida hurricane damage claim covers the following things: Property damage (i.e. damage to your roof or damage to your car) Loss of belongings (i.e. jewelry or electronics) Loss of wages (from missing work) Medical expenses (if you are injured during the storm) If you are a business owner, you may also be able to recover: Lost business or income opportunities Lost business contracts or sales If you’ve suffered damages from a hurricane, please contact a hurricane damage lawyer that specializes in home insurance claims for help. A lawyer can help by investigating your claim, compiling evidence, filing your claim within the deadline, and...
Steps to Take After Hurricane Damage To Protect Your Claim
We all know—or have a pretty good idea—of what to do before a hurricane. Water, gas, batteries, endless lines, and empty shelves. But what should you do after a hurricane to make sure that any damage done to your home or business is properly compensated? If you’ve been affected by a hurricane and suffered damages to your property, you should keep the following in mind: Find a place to stay if you can’t live in your home. You may need to stay with a friend, family member, or in a hotel, while your house is being repaired. Take precautions to protect your home from further damage. Open windows and doors and turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves if told to do so by authorities. Document your efforts to protect your home. Your insurance policy requires that you prevent additional damage to your property so you should document any efforts you took immediately after the hurricane passes. Take photos and videos before and after. First, you should document your home and belongings before the hurricane hits. The easiest way to do this is to take lots of photos, and do a walkaround video where you show all...
Flood: Hobe Sound Residents Await Potential Buyout
As if this year has not brought enough challenges, residents of Hobe Sound are now facing potential home moves they were not planning to make. After days of heavy rainfall across Treasure Cove, Hobe Sound endured 11-12 inches of rain, leaving over a dozen of homes nearly irreparable. With little to nowhere else to turn, Martin County commissioners are now considering the option of buying these properties from the owners. Why is Flooding an Issue for the Hobe Sound Area? This specific area is lower than others, so the opportunity for water to recede elsewhere is not great. There is no real outfall for the rain water, and creating one in the neighborhood is nearly an impossibility. Instead of exiting through an outfall, the water tends to sit and gather until it reaches dangerous heights that cause damage to homes. Flooding is not a new problem for this area, and the Public Works Department actually put in a request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency last year for over $2 million to create a pumping system to alleviate the trouble for Hobe Heights. Unfortunately, they are still waiting for a response a year later. Residents suffering from the early June rain are...