Orlando Hurricane Damage Attorneys
Knowing that a powerful storm could damage or destroy their property, Orlando residents routinely prepare for the Florida hurricane season that runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above-normal hurricane season for 2024, Orlando residents are bracing for storms that will likely bring massive amounts of rain, violent winds, and flooding to the area.
Whether you own residential or commercial property in the Orlando area, you are undoubtedly counting on your insurance company to cover the costs associated with damage that occurs during a tropical storm or hurricane. After all, you have paid your insurance premiums for months or years pursuant to the terms of your insurance contract. You have every right to expect your insurance company to comply with its obligations under the contract if your property is damaged in a storm.
Unfortunately, what you may experience instead are frustrating delays, endless requests for documentation, attempts to underpay your claim or an outright denial of your claim.
At Malik Law, we have first-hand experience with the devastating and destructive nature of Atlantic hurricanes. Homeowners can be stranded without a safe place to shelter, and business owners can lose their livelihood overnight. Adding insult to injury, we have also watched insurance companies delay, underpay, and deny legitimate hurricane claims filed by Orlando residents. If that happens to you, the Orlando hurricane damage attorneys at Malik Law can help. We are committed to putting our extensive experience and vast resources to work on your behalf to ensure that your hurricane damage claim is paid in full without further delay.
Call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our Free Case Evaluation form today to discuss your hurricane damage claim with an experienced insurance claim attorney.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season
Historically, the Atlantic hurricane season has opened on June 1st each year and runs through the month of November; however, experts have suggested moving the start date up to the middle of May as the Atlantic Ocean continues to warm up earlier each year.
For 2024, near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean coupled with the development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear have led the NOAA to predict an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Specifically, the NOAA predicts an 85 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 10 percent chance of a near-normal season and only a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season.
The average Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. The forecast from the NOAA for 2024, however, predicts 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Of those storms, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
How Destructive Is an Atlantic Hurricane?
The destructive nature of a hurricane is truly unparalleled. Of all recorded weather disasters in U.S. history, tropical cyclones (hurricanes when occurring in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific Oceans) have caused the most deaths and destruction, according to the NOAA. Since 1980, hurricanes have caused over $1.3 trillion in damage, with an average cost of $22.8 billion per event, making hurricanes the leading cause of weather-related damage. Sadly, hurricanes are also responsible for the highest number of deaths, causing 6,890 fatalities since 1980.
In recent years, the Atlantic hurricane season has been increasing in intensity with the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season ranking as the fourth-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. That year there were 20 named storms, tied with 1933, including seven hurricanes, three of which reached major hurricane strength. Hurricane Idalia struck Florida’s Big Bend region on Aug. 30th as a Category 3 Hurricane with 125 mph sustained winds. It was the first-ever major hurricane to make landfall in that region of Big Bend, according to the National Weather Service.
Common Types of Florida Hurricane Damage
Understanding the cumulative cost of hurricanes does not fully explain how a single hurricane can devastate the lives of Orlando residents. The destructive wrath of a Florida hurricane can suddenly leave an entire family without a safe and sanitary home, causing emotional and financial insecurity. A hurricane can cause a wide variety of damage to a home or business, including:
- Water damage
- Structural damage
- Roof damage
- Landscape damage
- Broken glass
- Damage from trees
- Electrical fires
- Cosmetic damage
- Vehicle damage
When faced with the need to repair or replace property damaged by a Florida hurricane, Orlando residents count on their insurance company to step up and cover the costs. While some companies do pay claims in a timely manner, other home and business owners experience unreasonable delays, attempts to underpay claims, or outright denials of their claims.
If you’re having trouble with your property insurance claim, call 407-500-1000 or submit our Free Case Evaluation form to get the help you need.
Orlando Hurricane Insurance Claims: What Can Go Wrong?
You have paid your insurance premiums faithfully because you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing any damage to your property will be fixed as quickly as possible in the aftermath of a hurricane. Instead, you may experience:
- Unreasonable Delays: If your insurance company requests endless documents or otherwise appears to be stalling payment of your claim, it may be time to consult with an Orlando hurricane damage attorney.
- Underpayment: Insurance companies often send out their own adjuster who may undervalue the cost of your claim, leaving you without sufficient resources to adequately and safely repair or replace the damaged property. The Orlando hurricane damage attorneys at Malik Law can help when an insurance company underpays your claim.
- Denial of Claim: Hurricane damages are usually covered under a separate portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Wind damage, however, may be covered under your standard policy. Insurance companies frequently use the confusion caused by the different coverage terms and limits to deny a claim when damages are caused by a tropical storm or hurricane. Consult with an experienced Orlando hurricane attorney immediately if your claim has been denied outright.
If you are experiencing an unreasonable delay in settling your claim or if your claim has been undervalued or denied, it’s in your best interest to consult with experienced insurance claim attorneys. We’ve helped many Orlando residents get the hurricane and storm damage payment they need repair their homes and businesses and will put our experience and expertise to work helping you.
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Hurricane Damage Attorneys
At Malik Law, our Orlando hurricane damage attorneys have the dedication and experience necessary to help home and business owners who are facing problems with a hurricane insurance claim. If your property was damaged by a hurricane and your insurance company has undervalued, denied, or delayed your claim, call us at 407-500-1000 or submit the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website today. One of our experienced Orlando hurricane damage attorneys will explain your rights to you and discuss your legal options at no cost.