Helping Floridians in Broward County and Coral Springs With Lightning Damage Insurance Claims
Lightning in Florida is one of the most deadly hazards. With our warm temperatures and water surrounding the state, it creates a perfect atmosphere for these storms.
Not only is it dangerous to people, but also to property. If it strikes, it can cause fires, malfunctioning equipment, and loss of power. Tomlinson Law Group understands the dangers and repercussions of lightning damage and wants to help you stay protected.
Common Lightning Damage
Lightning can ultimately damage just about anything, but some of the most common damages caused are as follows:
- Residential property damage: If your house is struck by lightning, it can cause fires, damage to electrical systems and appliances, shattered windows, cracked walls, roof damage, and damage to your air conditioning unit.
- Commercial property damage: This is similar to residential property damage but on a larger scale. Business owners will have to worry about damage to outdoor signage, landscaping, industrial equipment, and machinery. Lightning may also cause communication systems and servers to go down.
- Vehicle damage: If struck by lightning, any electrical system, such as an entertainment system or sensors, may be compromised.
- Agricultural damage: Lightning strikes in open fields can cause damage to crops, farm equipment, and even livestock injuries or deaths.
- Infrastructure damage: On a larger scale, these strikes can cause power outages due to damage to the electrical grid and utility lines, communication towers, traffic signals, and street lights.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Although not all, some damage can certainly be lessened or avoided by taking the proper precautions. Here are some effective ways to prevent or protect from power surges caused by lightning:
- Unplug: If you know a storm is coming, unplug large appliances and anything else you don’t want to be fried from a surge. Even if the house is struck, your appliances will be unaffected since they weren’t connected to power.
- Surge protectors: These are an excellent option if you don’t want to unplug everything when a storm rolls in. A surge protector will divert the excess voltage, leaving your electronics and house systems intact.
- Lightning rod: Some homeowners and businesses use lightning rods for protection. These metal rods are placed at the peak of the structure and connected by a copper wire to another rod that is buried underground. This dispurses the voltage. This is the least efficient way to ground, and it is also costly, though still a good option.
Does my insurance cover lightning damage?
The short answer is that it depends, but lightning damage is usually covered under Florida home insurance policies. Most “named peril” portions of policies have specific coverage for lightning damage. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check your policy before making a claim. With all the different kinds of destruction lightning can do—from broken windows and fried appliances to damaged plumbing and lights—contact your insurance provider to ensure you’re protected from lightning damage.
Representing Florida Property Owners in Lightning Damage Claims
Our team of experienced attorneys is passionate about representing Floridians from Coral Springs to Orlando and all the way up to the panhandle. We can take the challenges and stress of fighting for your claim off your shoulders so you can focus on what’s really important to you.
Tomlinson Law Group understands the difficulties and stress that go along with lightning damage and having to deal with insurance. We have the resources and experience to help ensure you’re properly compensated and will prepare for trial if need be. We are committed to serving and advocating for you. Contact us today.
