Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
Hurricane Helene brought winds up to 64 miles per hour to Fort Lauderdale, and at least 234 people died in the state due to the storm. Now that the storm has passed and people are trying to rebuild and move on with their lives, they are facing additional challenges. Many property owners have had trouble obtaining the compensation they need from their insurer. Some have received lowball settlement offers while others have been denied outright. If your insurer has not treated you fairly, our Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Helene insurance claims lawyer can help.
What Type of Damage Did Hurricane Helene Cause?
Hurricane Helene caused many different types of damage. These included:
- Flooding and water damage: Hurricane Helene caused the water to rise up to 20 feet in some areas and it took hours for it to recede. This resulted in mold developing, the spread of bacteria, and electrical systems that were irreparably damaged.
- Wind damage: The strong winds brought by the storm ripped off shingles, shutters, and siding. Entire structures were blown over and random debris was strewn throughout yards and buildings.
- Damage to landscaping: Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 when it made landfall in Florida. The severe winds ripped up shrubs, trees, and outbuildings.
- Structural damage: The hurricane caused many buildings to completely collapse. Many Floridians had to have their homes inspected to ensure they were safe to enter.
Even though the extent of the damage was well documented, insurance companies are still denying claims and violating the rights of homeowners.
Common Reasons for Insurance Denials After Hurricane Helene
There are many reasons for insurance denials after storms such as Hurricane Helene. The most common of these include:
- Lack of documentation: It is important to take many photos after a storm so you can show the extent of the damage to your property. Remember to take pictures of all damage, including those to the structure of your home, and property around it, such as your landscaping.
- Policy exclusions: Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all damage is covered by insurance, but this is not true. For example, most homeowners insurance policies do not include flood insurance. Instead, property owners must purchase this type of coverage separately.
- Negligence: Many insurers argue that the damage was not caused by the storm but instead, by the homeowner’s own negligence. For example, if water entered your home and you included the damage in your claim, the insurer may argue that you neglected to maintain the plumbing system. To prove the damage was caused by a storm, it is important to take pictures beforehand to show that there was no prior damage.
Many insurance companies will use the above arguments even when they are not true. This is known as acting in bad faith and a lawyer can help you hold the insurer accountable.
Call Our Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
Even though the storm has passed, property owners are still facing a number of challenges. At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Helene insurance claims lawyer can help you overcome them and ensure your best interests are always protected. Call us today at (954) 990-5251 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.