Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact has left many business owners facing significant property damage, often compounded by frustrating insurance claim processes. If you find your insurance claim stuck or unfairly denied, you’re not alone.
Navigating commercial property insurance claims after a major disaster like Hurricane Helene can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to rebuild your business. This blog post offers vital legal tips on Hurricane Helene claims and professional advice to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Challenges in Hurricane Helene Claims for Commercial Property
Hurricane Helene brought substantial damage to countless commercial properties, and with it came several hurdles business owners face when filing claims. Understanding these challenges can better equip you to handle them and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Coverage Disputes
Commercial property insurance policies can be complex, and often, disputes arise regarding what’s covered.
For instance, while your policy may cover wind damage, it may exclude flood damage, and if your property has sustained both, this can cause complications. Insurance companies may try to argue that the majority of the damage was caused by flooding (not covered) rather than wind (covered).
Understanding the specifics of your policy is crucial to successfully resolving these disputes.
2. Delayed Response from Insurance Companies
After Hurricane Helene, insurers were inundated with claims. This has led to significant delays in responses, inspections, and claim settlements.
Under Florida law, insurance companies must acknowledge your claim within a set period and conduct a prompt investigation, but many business owners have reported frustratingly long waits.
3. Inadequate Damage Assessment
Insurance adjusters hired by insurance companies may undervalue the damage to your property.
If you believe the assessment is too low, you’re not powerless—you have the right to challenge the assessment and even hire an independent adjuster to provide a second opinion.
4. Denial of Claims
In some cases, insurance companies may outright deny your claim, citing policy exclusions or arguing that the damage is not as severe as reported.
If this happens, it’s essential to know your rights and what legal recourse is available to you.
Legal Tips to Unstick Your Hurricane Helene Claim
Dealing with commercial property insurance claims can be complex, but these Hurricane Helene claim legal tips can help you navigate the process more effectively.
1. Review Your Insurance Policy Thoroughly
The first step in getting your claim moving is to thoroughly review your commercial property insurance policy. Check for specific language regarding hurricane coverage, exclusions, and deductibles. Understanding your policy will help you avoid confusion and strengthen your position if the insurer attempts to delay or deny your claim.
If you’re unsure about the policy language, it may be wise to seek legal advice for Hurricane Helene claims from experienced attorneys who specialize in commercial property insurance cases.
2. Document Everything
Proper documentation is one of the most critical aspects of filing a successful insurance claim. Take photographs and videos of all damaged areas and keep records of any repairs or temporary fixes you’ve made to prevent further damage. This evidence will be essential if your insurance company disputes the extent of the damage or the cause.
Additionally, document all interactions with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and written correspondence. Keep track of any missed deadlines or delays on the insurer’s part, as this could be grounds for legal action if they fail to respond within a reasonable time.
3. Get an Independent Damage Assessment
If you’re not satisfied with the damage assessment provided by your insurance company’s adjuster, consider hiring an independent adjuster. These professionals work for you, not the insurance company, and can provide a more accurate estimate of the damage.
An independent assessment can also be valuable if you need to challenge a lowball offer or a denial.
4. File a Complaint with the Insurance Company
If your claim is delayed or denied, file a formal complaint with your insurance company, outlining the reasons why you believe their decision is unfair.
Insurance companies must follow state regulations and handle claims in good faith. If they’re not meeting their obligations, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.
5. Hire a Commercial Property Insurance Claim Attorney
When your insurance claim is stuck or denied, you may need to enlist the help of a commercial property insurance claim attorney. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, take the case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
An experienced attorney can also assist you in identifying bad faith practices by the insurance company, such as unreasonable delays or low settlement offers. Bad faith claims can result in additional compensation for your business, as insurers are required by law to act in good faith when handling claims.
6. Know Your Legal Rights
Florida law provides several protections for policyholders, including deadlines that insurance companies must adhere to when processing claims.
If your insurer fails to meet these deadlines or unfairly denies your claim, you may be entitled to take legal action. Knowing your rights and understanding the legal process can help you get your claim resolved faster.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Essential for Commercial Property Claims
Navigating a commercial property insurance claim in Fort Lauderdale, especially after a major event like Hurricane Helene, can be daunting. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, leaving business owners struggling to rebuild. This is why it’s crucial to hire commercial property attorneys for insurance claims who can level the playing field.
At Tarnovsky Law, we specialize in helping business owners who have had their insurance claims delayed, underpaid, or denied. Our attorneys have extensive experience with Hurricane Helene claims and know how to get results. Whether your commercial property has been damaged by a hurricane, wind, water, or other causes, we are here to fight for your rights!
