Florida Tornado Claim Attorney
Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters. They can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and personal property. While the Sunshine State is more commonly associated with hurricanes, property owners in Florida are no strangers to tornadoes, either.
The good news is that comprehensive insurance can help you recover your expenses in the aftermath of a devastating tornado.
The bad news is that insurance companies sometimes give policyholders the runaround. Your insurance company may delay payments or undervalue storm damage claims. When this happens, you need to team up with an experienced tornado insurance claim attorney in Florida from the Kennon Law.
Here’s what you need to know about filing a tornado damage insurance claim and how a tornado claim attorney in Florida can help.
Understanding Tornado Damage and Insurance Claims
Tornadoes wreak havoc, causing costly damage that requires an immediate response and thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Working with your insurance company is the first step to picking up the pieces and getting your life back to normal.
However, seeking fair compensation from your insurance provider can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Filing a property damage claim can be especially difficult if you are displaced from your home following a natural disaster.
A tornado insurance settlement attorney can be an invaluable ally and help you navigate the claim process. They can provide you with skilled legal representation, offer a free case evaluation, and enforce your legal rights during the claims process.
If you need to file a property insurance claim following major storm damage, don’t go it alone. Team up with tornado insurance claim lawyers in Florida and fight for the fair pay you deserve.
Common Tornado Losses and Damages
The destructive power of tornadoes can result in various types of damage, both direct and indirect. Some common types of property damage include the following:
- Wind Damage: Tornadoes produce high-speed winds that can rip apart roofs, walls, and structures
- Roof Damage: Flying debris and strong winds can rip off shingles or completely remove your roof
- System Failures: Tornadoes can cause extensive property damage to your electrical and plumbing systems
- Exterior Damage: The siding, windows, and doors of your home may also suffer storm damage
Tornadoes are often accompanied by heavy rains, which can cause water damage. The severity of the damage your home suffers will vary depending on the size and strength of the tornado, its path, and the type of home you live in. For example, mobile homes are more susceptible to all the damage a tornado can cause.
Most insurance policies cover tornado damage. However, you need to review your homeowner’s insurance policy so that you understand its terms, coverage limits, and exclusions
Factors Affecting Insurance Payouts
Several factors influence the amount of your insurance payout, including:
- Type of Damage: More severe damages generally result in higher payouts, but it’s up to you to provide accurate documentation of the storm damage
- Insurance Policy Limit: Your insurance policy has coverage limits, which define the highest amount of compensation you are eligible to receive
- Repair Costs: The cost of fixing or replacing damaged property directly impacts how much money you receive from the insurance company
Keep in mind that insurance companies often underpay storm damage claims. That means your insurer may not provide enough money to fix the severe damage your home suffered during the storm. Working with attorneys who have extensive experience in natural disaster claims can help you obtain better compensation.
What to Expect From the Claims Process
Storm damage insurance claims can be tedious and lengthy processes. Once you report the damage, maintain consistent communication with your insurer. Provide them with any supporting documents as quickly as possible so you can minimize the risk of delays.
Keep receipts for everything. You can typically request reimbursement for expenses related to storm damage insurance claims, including temporary living costs and any repairs you make to prevent further damage to your home.
Don’t get discouraged if the storm damage insurance claims process seems to progress slowly, especially in the first few weeks. Your policy provider can’t make a decisio
Steps to Filing for Your Insurance Claim
Here’s how to file a tornado insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurer as Soon as Possible
Report the damage to your insurance provider as quickly as possible. Be careful what you say, as the call will likely be recorded. Give them just enough information to document the damage and initiate the claims process.
Document the Damage
Take photographs and videos of the damage. Submit this information to your insurance company so that they can assess the damage and begin processing your claim.
Keep Your Home Repair Receipts
Keep receipts for any expense you incur related to the storm damage. This may include costs of a generator and fuel, lodging, and temporary repairs.
File Your Tornado Damage Claim
Your claim isn’t official until you submit all of the necessary claim documents and forms. You should be able to complete storm damage insurance claims documents online, which can speed up the process.
Find Temporary Shelter During Repairs
If your home is uninhabitable, seek a safe place to stay while repairs are underway. Keep receipts for your lodging and food expenses, as you may be able to get reimbursed for those costs.
File a Tornado Damage Lawsuit if Necessary
A tornado insurance denial attorney in Florida can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney and determine the best option for seeking fair compensation.
There are several scenarios where you may want to hire attorneys to represent you. Seek legal help if your insurance company:
- Unjustly denies your claim
- Refuses to process your claim in a timely manner
- Offers an unfair payout amount
- Does not negotiate in good faith
When seeking legal support, find law offices that focus on practice areas such as insurance disputes and Florida tornado claims. Attorneys with experience in Florida tornado cases will be best suited to help with your claim.
Time Limits for Filing a Tornado Insurance Claim
Florida Statute 627.70132 requires you to file a tornado insurance claim within one year from the date of the incident. If you miss the deadline, your claim can be denied.
Don’t wait until the last minute to file a claim. The sooner you initiate the claims process, the better your odds of receiving fair compensation. Additionally, waiting to file could make it tough to track down important information relevant to your claim, such as receipts or estimates from repair companies.
Benefits of Working With a Top Tornado Claim Attorney
A tornado insurance claim attorney in Florida can be invaluable when filing insurance claims and negotiating with your coverage provider. They will advocate for the maximum payout allowed under your policy. Your lawyer will also assist with filing important paperwork and keeping up with key deadlines.
A tornado damage insurance claims attorney can also help you take your insurance policyholder to court if they refuse to negotiate in good faith. Letting a professional manage your claim allows you to focus on getting your life back together and rebuilding what you lost.
Get Help With Your Tornado Insurance Claim Today
If your property has suffered tornado damage, don’t face the insurance claims process alone. A top tornado claim attorney can help you:
- Understand your policy and legal options
- Fight for a fair settlement that covers all your damages
- Prevent insurance companies from undervaluing or denying your claim
Do you need to speak to a tornado damage claims lawyer in Florida? Contact Kennon Law and schedule a free consultation with a tornado claim attorney in Florida. We bill on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can get the help you need without worrying about the upfront costs of hiring an attorney. Schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Handle a Tornado Damage Claim on My Own?
Yes, you can handle insurance claims on your own. Your insurance company should have an online portal or designated number for submitting a claim.
However, if you encounter tornado damage coverage disputes in Florida, you should partner with a tornado claim attorney to help you navigate the process. You don’t want to face the insurance company’s legal team without your own professional representation.
What if My Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?
Underpaid claims are a common occurrence with most insurance companies. There’s a good chance that your insurance coverage provider will initially deny your claim or offer to pay too little for the storm damage your home suffered. The good news is that you can fight back.
A bad-faith tornado insurance lawyer can help you appeal the denial or negotiate with your insurance company for fair pay.
How Do I Deal With Insurance After a Tornado?
Document all of the storm damage and maintain communication with your insurer. Consider consulting with an experienced insurance claims attorney for guidance.
Is Tornado Insurance Separate From Homeowners Insurance?
Your standard homeowner’s policy should include tornado coverage. However, you need to review your policy documents to make sure you are satisfied with the level of protection your plan provides.
Pay close attention to any exemptions and policy limits, as well as protection for secondary buildings on your property, like a garage or garden shed. The last thing you want is to file a claim only to find that your policy doesn’t provide enough compensation to fix the damage.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Tornado Damages My Property?
Always address the safety of yourself and your loved ones first after a storm. Look out for damaged electrical lines, flooding, or structural issues that may endanger you and your family. After you have gotten to a safe place, document the damage and contact your insurer to start the claims process.
Can I Recover Attorney Fees if I Win a Dispute With My Insurance Company?
In some cases, you can recover attorney fees. However, an insurer will rarely agree to pay your attorney’s fees during negotiations. This means you would likely need to take the case to trial and ask the judge to include compensation for your legal team in the decree.
What Should I Do if My Insurance Company Claims the Damage Was Pre-Existing?
An experienced legal team can help present evidence to counter claims that damage was pre-existing and prove that it was related to the tornado. They may also bring in weather experts to attest to the impacts of the tornado and the type of damage it can cause.
Can an Attorney Assist With Both Property and Vehicle Damage Caused by a Tornado?
An experienced lawyer can provide Florida tornado insurance claim help to ensure you use the benefits provided by both your vehicle and property insurance policies. A law firm that is experienced with both types of insurance policies can handle everything from filing claims to negotiating with each provider on your behalf.
How Do Tornado Insurance Claims Differ From Other Weather-Related Claims?
Tornado claims often involve specific types of wind damage. Since tornadoes are well-documented events, you typically won’t have to prove that the incident impacted your home. That is something the insurer can verify independently.
However, you will have to prove the extent of the damage. Proving significant damage simply involves submitting photographs or video evidence. On the other hand, insurance companies may claim that light damage was pre-existing, especially if your home was on the outer perimeter of the tornado’s path.
What Are My Options if My Tornado Claim Is Denied Due to Insufficient Evidence?
You can appeal your denial by providing additional evidence to your insurer. However, insurance companies may exploit loopholes in your policy to object to your denial.
The best step is to contact a windstorm insurance claims lawyer in Florida. They can help you gather additional evidence and ensure your appeal documentation is submitted by established deadlines.
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