Do you have wind damage as a result of a storm or hurricane? Are you receiving push-back from your insurance company? It is not uncommon for insurance companies to try to deny your claim for wind damage after a storm. But if you have been paying your premiums regularly and your policy covers wind damage, you are entitled to compensation for your losses.
Taking on insurance companies alone can be a difficult and overwhelming task. We can help you through the process. Contact a wind damage property claim lawyer in Fort Lauderdale at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free, no-obligation review of your wind damage property claim. We can evaluate your case and review your options for recovering losses.
Common Types of Damage Caused by Wind
The destruction left behind after strong winds can be devastating and demoralizing. Strong winds may have damaged your roof, knocked down trees and power lines, or blown other structures onto your property. Loose debris in strong winds can quickly become flying projectiles, causing severe damage to gutters, siding, and windows.
Some of the common types of damage we see as a result of strong winds include:
- Damaged roofs, including structural damage, shingle lifting and bruising, and cracks
- Broken or missing shutters
- Damaged exterior walls from flying debris
- Cracked and broken windows
- Fallen or uprooted trees
- Damage to exterior paintwork or stucco
- Damaged air conditioning units
- Broken patio furniture
- Gutter damage from strong winds and flying debris
If your insurance company is pushing back or denying your claim for losses associated with wind damage, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. We can help fight for your right to compensation for your covered losses. Contact us right away for a no-obligation review of your case.
Most Common Reasons an Insurance Company Denies Claims for Wind Damage
Because the covered losses from wind often exceed your policy’s deductible, you likely will look to the insurance company to help you recover your losses. But the insurance company may deny your claim. They may state that your losses were not covered under your policy, or there were lapses in your coverage. They may delay your claim while they conduct their investigations. Or worse, simply deny your claim without offering any reasonable explanation at all.
Some of the reasons the insurance companies use to avoid fully compensating you for losses to your roof, include:
Claiming Your Roof Did Not Meet the Damage Threshold for Replacement
Roof damage is one of the most common types of damage homeowners experience as a result of strong winds. But according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, if 25 percent of a roof is damaged, the entire roof must be replaced. Insurance companies may state that the damage to your roof was under that 25 percent threshold by minimizing the cost of repairs and avoiding the expense of a full roof replacement.
Wear and Tear Claim
Your insurance company may try to allege that the damage to your roof is the result of everyday wear and tear, especially if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Installation Defects
Another reason insurance companies may give for denying insurance claims is that there was a defect in the installation or design of the roof, and that was the primary cause of the damage.
Flooding Was the Primary Cause of Damage
Because flooding is typically not covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy, insurance companies may claim that the majority or even all of the damage was caused by flooding and not wind.
What to Do After a Wind Storm
If strong winds damaged your property, there are a few steps you should take immediately:
- Take photos or video of the damage: if there is enough notice before the storm, take pictures of your property and belongings. Not only will this show the condition of your property before the storm and make it easier to collect compensation for your losses, but it will also help you with an inventory of your belongings. After the storm, assess and take photos of the damage. Video footage can support your claim, as well.
- Document damaged belongings: create a list of all your furniture and personal belongings that were damaged.
- Prevent further losses: cover windows or holes in the roof to prevent further damage to your home and belongings. Save all receipts for storm-related expenses.
- Contact your insurance company: contact your insurance company right away to start the process of recovering compensation for your losses.
Contact a Wind Damage Property Claim Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we can review your insurance policies, determine what kind of losses are included, and establish whether your current situation falls within that coverage.
A wind damage property claim lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can also verify if your insurance company is treating you fairly. If it is stalling, devaluing your claim, or refusing to pay for losses that are covered under your policy, we can contact the insurance company on your behalf and demand payment.
The unfortunate reality is that some insurance companies will not take your claim seriously until you get a lawyer involved. They may attempt to overwhelm you with paperwork and required processes, hoping you will give up or accept a smaller payout.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we help our clients pursue compensation. Our wind damage property claim lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are proud of the results we have achieved for our clients who have filed wind damage property claims.
If you are involved in a dispute with your insurance company over their refusal to pay for property losses related to strong winds, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free, no-obligation consultation before the statute of limitations to pursue justice for your property damage under FL § 95.11 expires. We are ready to start working on your claim right away.
We Can Help.
