South Florida residents know the damage storm season can cause. Living in Coral Springs, FL, means gorgeous weather, beach access, and the inevitable storm season. Weather damage insurance claims can wreak havoc on property owners. According to the National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP), eight events in 2023 caused over two billion dollars in damage for Florida residents. Tropical storms and hurricanes caused most of this damage.
Home and commercial property damage from natural disasters is expensive to repair. Florida requires insurance providers to provide windstorm insurance to people with residential property plans. Wind damage can be extensive. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, last year’s Hurricane Ian resulted in over 550,000 insurance claims.
Hurricanes and severe storms can cause significant damage to your property, particularly your windows. Homeowners and business owners must address window damage following a storm. An owner must know how to assess the damage, file insurance claims, and explore all available legal options.
Assessing the Damage
A thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your property is required to assess the damage. When checking the exterior, you should first look for visual damage. This damage may include cracks, shattered glass, and damaged window frames. Take photos of any damage because this will be crucial for insurance claims. The photographs are also necessary if you need to seek legal action.
The interior inspection is just as vital. First, check for interior water damage, such as water stains, mold, and damp areas around windows. Minor cracks can lead to significant water intrusion. Next, property owners should check the structural damage to their homes or businesses. Ensure the window frames and sills are intact. Any damage may compromise the stability of the structure.
Finally, property owners should test whether the windows are functional by verifying whether they open and close correctly. Warped frames or damaged hinges may be signs of more extensive damage.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Property owners should file an insurance claim as soon as they determine the extent of the damage to their property. The process of filing a claim can be complex. Here are steps to follow to streamline it.
- Review Your Policy—Property owners must familiarize themselves with their homeowner’s or commercial property insurance policy. Ensure you know what is covered and what is not. Some insurance only covers damage from particular types of storms, and some insurance doesn’t cover window damage. High deductibles can be a hurdle for home repairs. Check your policy’s deductible to see if the repair cost will exceed the deductible.
- Document the Damage – Compiling evidence is necessary for an insurance claim. Gather photographs and notes from the inspection to create a comprehensive report of the damages.
- File the Claim – Report the damage to your insurer immediately and open a claim. Prompt reporting is necessary to ensure that all evidence is still available. Provide them with all necessary documentation. Finally, remember to follow up on your claim. Keep in regular contact with your insurance company to ensure your claim is processed, and be prepared to provide additional information as necessary.
Legal Options for Window Damage
An attorney is often the most qualified person to negotiate with insurance companies following a property damage insurance claim. You may require legal intervention after experiencing storm-related window damage if your insurance company is not cooperating. Insurance companies have decades of experience dealing with claims and are counting on inexperienced policyholders to be unaware that they should ask questions. A skilled attorney can handle disputes over liability because they have years of experience in negotiating with insurance companies.
A property owner should hire an attorney if their insurance company denies a claim that seems to be covered under the policy or offers an insufficient settlement. An attorney will fight for you to reserve fair compensation for your loss.
Florida law provides protections for policyholders. A lawyer knows these laws and can see that you are treated fairly. Florida laws distinguish between “windstorm” damage and “hurricane” damage.
- “Windstorm” means wind, wind gusts, hail, rain, tornadoes, etc., caused by a hurricane.
- The National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service must formally declare a storm as a hurricane for it to qualify as such under most insurance policies.
Hurricane policies cover damage caused by a windstorm during a declared hurricane. Insurance policies are very particular. Understanding your policy’s stipulations before filing a claim is essential. Hurricane coverage will only compensate for damage incurred during events as specified in the policy.
Attorneys are also aware of any statute of limitations that may limit the time you have to take legal action on your claims. Once the statute of limitations has expired, you can no longer seek compensation for the damage to your property in court.
Liability Issues
A skilled premises liability attorney is the best person to determine whether third-party liability is present in your case. A third party could be a construction company or a neighbor. For instance, a neighbor may be liable for the damage if they were negligent by having poorly maintained trees or building structures that subsequently caused damage to your property. If a third party caused the damage, you might have a liability claim. An attorney can help determine whether you have a case and represent you in court if necessary.
Property owners may have a product liability claim if their windows fail due to manufacturing defects. Product liability cases involve complex litigation with precise rules, and having experienced legal representation is crucial to a successful outcome for property owners.
Contacting an Attorney
Dealing with window damage after a storm in Coral Springs, FL, can be challenging. South Florida residents are all too familiar with the damage storms can bring to our area. However, the proper knowledge and resources can allow property owners to manage the situation effectively.
Contact Tomlinson Law Group if you need legal advice or assistance with an insurance dispute. We can take your call at (954) 906-5963.