When Hurricane Ian pummeled the west coast of Florida last month, thousands of people lost their homes and businesses. Sadly, some people even lost their lives.
The storm caused havoc across Florida before finally making its way up the coast. And while Floridians are no strangers to major storms, the devastation brought by more frequent Atlantic hurricanes combined with an eroding coastline and rising sea levels seems to make each hurricane season worse than the last.
If you were affected by Hurricane Ian, you might have homeowner’s insurance policies or separate hurricane insurance policies that cover water damage, wind damage, and other damage. In the aftermath of the storm, you may already find yourself struggling to get compensated for your losses.
That’s where a Hurricane Ian lawyer can help.
Hurricane Ian insurance claim attorneys, like the Nonni Homola team, can help you file your hurricane insurance claim and hold your insurer accountable so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call (850) 601-1111 or send us an online message today to get started.
What Causes Damage During a Hurricane?
Hurricane damage can be caused by any number of forces during a major storm.
Some of the most common ones include:
- Flying objects,
- Storm surges,
- Other types of flooding,
- Rip currents,
- Tornadoes, and
- Wind.
Any of these (and more) can cause serious bodily injury and major property damage during and after a hurricane. If this happened to you, speak to a Hurricane Ian lawyer as soon as possible.
Whether your property was damaged or you suffered an accident on someone else’s property, a knowledgeable Hurricane damage attorney can help you navigate the challenges of obtaining compensation.
What Should You Do If Your Home or Business Has Suffered Hurricane Damage?
Filing your insurance claim as quickly as possible after the storm may help give you the best chance for compensation. The Florida statute of limitations gives people living in the state up to three years to file a hurricane claim with their insurance company.
However, filing quickly gives you the opportunity to have fresh evidence and witnesses with good memories if you wind up in a dispute with your insurance company. A Hurricane Ian claims attorney can help you strategize when it is best to file your claim.
If you have an insurance policy that covers hurricane-damaged property, your claim should be covered. Unfortunately, insurance companies often act in bad faith or drag their feet on the payment of claims. If that happens to you, a Hurricane Ian insurance lawyer, like a member of the Nonni Homola team, can help take on your insurance company and see that you are fairly compensated for your losses.
What Steps Should You Take If Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Was Denied?
If you submitted a claim after Hurricane Ian and it was denied, do not worry. You still have many options. A Hurricane Ian lawyer can review your case and help you determine if you want to pursue compensation from the insurance company. It is a common practice for insurance companies to look for any reason to deny claims after a crisis like Hurricane Ian. They often do this because they are experiencing an overwhelming number of claims. Surprisingly, people are often unmotivated to appeal a claims denial and simply accept what the insurance company says.
By hiring a Hurricane Ian attorney, like a member of the Nonni Homola team, you can trust that we will zealously fight for any amounts you are legally owed. We will help ensure you will be paid out by your insurance provider.
The Path Hurricane Ian Took (and the Aftermath)
September 27, 2022
The State of Florida declared a state of emergency. Evacuation orders were in effect for parts of Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, and Sarasota counties.
September 28, 2022
As of 5 pm Wednesday, September 28, Hurricane Ian was five miles east of Punta Gorda, Florida. Hurricane warnings and tropical storm warnings were in effect for most of the state. The National Weather Service warned of a life-threatening storm surge from Marco Island to the Tampa Bay area.
September 29, 2022
Hurricane Ian completed its path across Florida and was downgraded to a tropical storm as it left Florida and moved back out into the Atlantic. The Atlantic storm surge was estimated to have risen as high as two feet in the Jacksonville area. Hurricane Ian was among the strongest storms in Florida history, with winds hitting more than 150 mph. Millions were without power at this time.
September 30, 2022
Hurricane Ian was now a post-tropical cyclone over Florida, with landfall over Georgetown, South Carolina. Disaster remediation officials were surveying the extent of the devastation across Florida. FEMA disaster assistance was made available to individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Seminole counties. Those with insurance can file a claim with their insurance company. FEMA cannot duplicate coverage provided by insurance.
How Nonni Homola Can Help
At our firm, we have over 40 years of legal experience helping Floridians challenge unjust insurance payouts. We can fight for your rights and help you handle complex disputes with your insurance company or someone else’s, especially after a life-changing natural disaster. When you retain Nonni Homola, you will have direct access to communicate with your lawyer.
We believe in always being available for our clients should you have concerns or need questions answered. Let us handle all the complex legal issues while you concentrate on your recovery and getting back to work.
Contact our office online or call us at (850) 601-1111 to schedule an initial consultation to learn how we can help you after Hurricane Ian.