When to Call a Florida Insurance Attorney about a Hurricane or Storm Damage Claim

If you’ve lived through a hurricane season in Florida, you know it’s just a matter of time before a hurricane hits our state. You also know that even unnamed tropical storms can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses and that people often have problems collecting money from their insurance companies to make necessary repairs.

Unfortunately, experiencing problems with hurricane or storm damage claims is common in Florida. Home and business owners complain that their insurance carriers have delayed paying their claims, often requesting more and more information and documentation but not issuing any money for repairs. Others complain that their claims have been wrongly denied for various reasons. Still others tell us their insurance carriers would not cover all of the damage and underpaid their claims.

As an attorney specializing in Florida insurance claims, I’ve heard these complaints from many of my clients and have been able to help them obtain the money they need to repair their damaged homes of businesses and replace necessary items. If you’re having problems communicating with your insurance company about a claim or have had a delayed, denied or unpaid claim, please call Malik Law. We’re experienced Florida storm damage attorneys who want to help you get the settlement you deserve.

Delayed Florida Storm Damage Claims

After the initial crisis of a storm has passed, a longer, slower crisis often emerges – having to deal with your insurance company, assessors, and the claims process. Getting storm damage assessed, completing a claim, and submitting required information can be very time-consuming, and insurance company representatives don’t seem to be in a hurry to help you settle your claim.

Often, insurers engage in overt delay tactics, telling you they need more documentation of the damage even after you’ve submitted everything required to complete your claim. They use this tactic to induce claimants to settle for less than what they really need to repair the damage to their home or business, since after months and months of waiting for payment, many claimants just want the struggle to be over so they can move on with their lives.

Denied or Underpaid Claims

Many legitimate claims are also denied or underpaid for a variety of reasons. Insurance carriers might leverage ambiguities in your policy to say the damage to your property is excluded from coverage. They might claim the property wasn’t maintained well, and that’s why the damage occurred. They might claim the cost of repair or replacement falls within your deductible, so they are not responsible for paying anything. They might claim they will only pay a small percentage of the repair or replacement cost of the roof, for example, because of how old it is.

Regardless of what they claim, you have a right to a clear explanation for the denial, and you have the right to appeal their decision. If the explanation does not seem legitimate or if your appeal does not work in your favor, you also have the right to get help from an attorney who will fight for your rights.

Help from Experienced Florida Insurance Claims Attorneys

If your storm damage claim hasn’t been settled satisfactorily, you should talk with an experienced Florida insurance claims attorney as soon as possible.  Insurance companies are notorious for attempting to avoid paying policyholders what they need to make repairs and replace damaged goods. Having a knowledgeable, experienced insurance claims attorney on your side can help you cut through the red tape, avoid further costly damage, and get the compensation you need.

At Malik Law, we’ve helped many Florida property insurance policyholders get compensated fairly for hurricane and storm damage.  We know how disruptive such damage can be and will do whatever it takes to help you get compensated fairly so you can go on with your life and start planning for your future.

Call Malik Law today at 407-500-1000 or contact us online to talk with an experienced insurance claim attorney ready to fight for your rights.