Naples Hurricane Damage Lawyer

Naples Hurricane Damage Attorneys

True Floridians are no strangers to some of history’s strongest and most brutal hurricanes. In recent times, Hurricane Ian is sure to make the record books as one of the top five strongest storms to hit the state, but it’s still not the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Florida. Back in 1935, a Labor Day hurricane that hit the Florida Keys was recorded at an unfathomable 180 mph!

As every Floridan knows, these types of winds, rains, floods, and other hurricane hazards can wreak havoc on your property. That’s why most Floridians have homeowner’s insurance policies that are meant to cover any losses sustained during hurricane season.

Considering the extent of the recent storm damage, insurance claims are likely to skyrocket, which can only mean one thing – there will be an equal wave of insurance claim denials, too. If your hurricane damage claim initially gets denied, then don’t panic. A Naples hurricane damage lawyer can help you navigate the situation and hopefully help you financially recover from the storm. Learn everything you need to know below.

Hurricane Season in Naples: What to Expect in the Future

While Florida’s most intense hurricane occurred back in 1935, weather experts have bad news moving forward. According to leading climate experts, Ian was just a preview of what future hurricanes will continue to look like. Climate modeling studies expect continued climate warming to fuel Atlantic hurricanes (https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/global-warming-and-hurricanes/), making them more intense, bigger, and stronger on average, for the next century.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Floridians will continue to survive and thrive through these storms, rebuilding when necessary. If you suffer damage during a hurricane, then your best bet is to look to your homeowner’s insurance policy for coverage.

What Does Insurance Typically Cover When it Comes to Hurricane Damage?

Hurricane damage policies do not exist exclusively, but you should have policies that cover damage from things like flooding, windstorms, and hail. What’s more, you might have specific policies that cover personal property, expensive items, or living expenses while your home is unlivable.

What your insurance policy will cover will highly depend on the type of policy you have. If you have specific questions about your policy or you’re interested in purchasing a new policy to protect you from future hurricanes, it might be a good idea to go over your policy terms with the best Hurricane attorney Naples has to offer. By doing so, you’ll have a good understanding of what’s covered and what’s not.

Filing a Claim for Compensation after a Hurricane in Naples

Once you know what should be covered, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to initiate an insurance claim. Here’s what you should do:

Step One: Document, Record, and Photograph

First, take your time to evaluate the extent of the storm damage. Document, record, and photograph everything that you can. If you can find paperwork proving the value of items prior to the storm, then make sure to keep that information for your future claim. Collect proof of the damage where possible. If you need to, then consider asking storm professionals to come out and evaluate the scene for you.

Step Two: Secure the Area

Once you’ve gone through the area, secure it. You don’t want your property to get worse after the hurricane, or you could have your claim denied later. For that reason, consider taping off, tarping up, and covering your property.

Step Three: File Your Claim

Finally, file your claim, including all the evidence you’ve collected, as soon as possible. If you need help with this step, then a good hurricane damage attorney in Naples can help.

Common Reasons for an Insurance Claim Denial

After a major hurricane like Ian, insurance companies get flooded with claims. Some of these claims are fraudulent, while others simply contain errors or a lack of documentation. Here are some of the most common reasons an insurance company will initially deny your claim:

• Not filing your claim in a timely manner
• Failing to provide documentation about the damages claimed
• Making an error on your claim paperwork
• The claim has incomplete or missing information
• The policy was canceled due to late payment
• The policy doesn’t cover the damages requested

How to Handle a Hurricane Damage Claim Denial

When you’ve received a denial letter, it’s normal to feel frustrated. First, make sure to read through the denial letter very carefully. The letter should identify the reason for your denial. In some cases, your denial could be the result of a very minor error that you can correct easily. For instance, you might simply need to provide your insurance company with documentation that backs up your claims of how much a specific item was worth before it was destroyed.

If that’s the case, then you can address the error and re-file your claim. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to discuss what’s going on with the best hurricane lawyers Naples has to offer. The top lawyers in Naples will have experience dealing with insurance claim denials, and they can help you understand your best course of action moving forward.

Are You Ready to Hire a Naples Hurricane Damage Lawyer?

When you pay into an insurance policy each month, you expect that coverage to be there for you when you need it the most. Unfortunately, many insurance companies have a huge incentive to either outright deny your claim or pay the bare minimum that you deserve.

Considering you’re likely already going through a lot after the hurricane, it makes sense to hire a Naples hurricane damage attorney who can help you get through any insurance claims you have to file. From the outset, they can help you avoid a denial and make sure you get what you deserve in compensation. If you do face a denial, then your lawyer will help you learn more about your options moving forward.

Are you ready to get in touch with a Naples hurricane attorney about your hurricane damage insurance claim? The lawyers at Landau Law can help. Leave your contact details on our online form now to discuss your situation in more detail with our best hurricane damage lawyers.