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Storm Damage

 

The Florida insurance claim attorneys at Murray Law Group assist you with the storm damage insurance claims process. From preparing forms to documenting damage to finalizing the claim settlement, our legal team is here to provide support, guidance and legal advice.

STORM DAMAGE

When a storm, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, causes damages and financial losses, insurance companies are expected to fulfill their promise and compensate their policyholders promptly. By undervaluing, underpaying and delaying claims, insurance providers increase the level of stress experienced by property owners when their homes or businesses sustain storm damage.

The Florida insurance claim attorneys at Murray +Murray help you with the storm damage claim process from the first contact with the insurance company through the final payment. We can help you review your policy to locate coverage, coordinate inspections by experts and assist in the submission of the claim. If litigation is necessary following the completion of the claim process, we promptly initiate a lawsuit or appraisal to enforce your contract rights in the courts.

The following conduct by an insurance company justifies our involvement:

  • Claim denial.
  • Claim delay.
  • False statements to the insured.
  • Withholding payments.
  • “Low-ball” offers, estimates and payments.
  • Advising against the hiring of third parties, such as public adjusters or attorneys.
  • Requests for a release as a condition of the settlement of a claim.
  • Coding checks as “full” or “final” payment.

If you believe that your insurance company is underpaying your storm damage claim or otherwise acting in an inappropriate manner, contact our Florida insurance lawyers so we can discuss your legal rights.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF FILING A CLAIM AFTER A LOSS?

First, locate your insurance policy. If you do not have a copy of your insurance policy, request a copy from your insurance agent. At the very least, ask your agent for the company name, phone number and policy number.

Report the damage or loss of property to your insurance agent and the responsible insurance companies as soon as possible. Tell the insurance company what happened and describe the damage. Take pictures to document your claim. Making a video of the damage is another way to document the damage caused by the storm.

In the meantime, make sure that you take the necessary precautions to prevent further damage. Keep detailed records of any temporary repairs and efforts to prevent further damage, as well as proof of payment for the repairs or supplies.

WHAT IS A PROOF OF LOSS?

Sometimes an insurance policy requires that you provide a sworn statement as Proof of Loss. A Proof of Loss is the formal submission to the insurance company of the policy holder’s claimed amount, which validates the claim. Many insurance policies require submission of the Proof of Loss form within 60 days of loss. Under other insurance policies, you must only provide a Proof of Loss when requested to do so.

The Florida insurance lawyers of Murray Law Group provide free initial consultations in English and Spanish. If needed, we can travel to you. Call our firm at 1-855-269-4317 to request additional information or to schedule an appointment.

General Other CLAIM FAQS

Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover damage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, wind, hail, and flooding, though coverage specifics can vary. It’s important to carefully review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. If you have questions about your coverage, Murray Law Group can help interpret your policy and advise on what types of storm damage claims you can file.

If your storm damage claim is denied, it’s important to first understand the reason for the denial by reviewing the denial letter or contacting your insurance company. Often, claims are denied due to a lack of documentation, missed deadlines, or disputed coverage. At Murray Law Group, we can help you review the denial and assess whether the insurance company is acting in bad faith. If necessary, we can pursue legal action to enforce your rights.

The timeline for resolving a storm damage claim can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the damage, the responsiveness of the insurance company, and whether there are disputes over coverage or payment amounts. In Florida, insurance companies are required by law to acknowledge claims within 7 days and provide a decision within 60 days. However, delays can occur, and our team is here to help expedite the process and ensure your claim is handled efficiently.

While it's best to report storm damage as soon as possible, you may still be able to file a claim after some time has passed. However, insurance policies often have specific deadlines, so it’s crucial to act quickly. If you’re unsure whether you’re within the timeframe to file a claim, contact Murray Law Group for guidance. We can review your policy and help you determine your next steps.

Insurance companies may undervalue claims as part of cost-saving tactics. This can occur when the insurer’s adjuster downplays the extent of the damage or when certain repairs or replacements are excluded from coverage. At Murray Law Group, we work with independent experts to assess the full scope of damage and advocate for the compensation you’re rightfully owed under your policy.

If you receive a settlement offer that seems too low, it’s important not to accept it without consulting an expert. Insurance companies may offer “low-ball” settlements to minimize payouts. Murray Law Group can review the settlement offer and help negotiate a higher amount based on the true cost of your repairs and losses. If necessary, we’ll take legal steps to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Yes, you have the right to hire a public adjuster to assess the damage independently. Public adjusters work for you—not the insurance company—to ensure an accurate estimate of your losses. If you feel your insurance company’s adjuster is undervaluing the damage, hiring a public adjuster could be beneficial. At Murray Law Group, we can guide you through this process and coordinate with the public adjuster to support your claim.

Delays in claim payments can create additional stress, especially when repairs are urgent. Florida law requires insurance companies to act in good faith and settle claims in a timely manner. If your insurance company is delaying payment without a valid reason, it could be acting in bad faith. Our attorneys at Murray Law Group are experienced in holding insurers accountable and can take legal action to push for timely payment.

In some cases, insurance companies may request that you sign a release before issuing payment, which could waive your right to pursue additional compensation later. It’s critical not to sign any release without consulting a lawyer first. At Murray Law Group, we’ll review the release and ensure that signing it won’t harm your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses.

You can file a storm damage claim on your own, but having a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation, especially if your claim is complex or has been denied or underpaid. Our attorneys at Murray Law Group can assist you from the outset—helping with documentation, negotiating with the insurance company, and taking legal action if necessary to enforce your rights.

Insurance policies can be complex, with various exclusions, deductibles, and conditions that may affect your storm damage claim. To avoid any surprises or missteps in the claims process, it's essential to thoroughly understand your coverage. Murray Law Group offers free consultations where our experienced attorneys can review your policy, explain your rights, and help you navigate the claims process to maximize your recovery.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure you're fully prepared to file your storm damage claim with confidence.

CALL A FIRM WITH 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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Murray Law Group’s Florida insurance attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions for thousands of clients in Florida. Our award-winning team has the expertise and in-depth knowledge to build strong cases for victims of bad faith insurance claims.

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TODAY FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION

We offer free initial consultations in English or Spanish, and we can travel to you when you need it. Call our firm at 1-855-269-4317 today.

When you book a consultation with Murray Law Group, you’ll speak with a real attorney about your case not a case manager or assistant.

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