The Importance of a Professional Home Inspection.
In Florida, you only have a single year to file a hurricane property damage claim.
Some damage might not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time, causing more significant problems in the future. For instance, hidden water damage can lead to mold, and minor roof damage can evolve into major leaks.
While some storm damage is easy to spot—like broken windows or missing roof tiles—other issues can be hidden and harder to spot without the aid of specialized equipment.
That’s why having your home professionally inspected after a hurricane is crucial.
Identifying structural issues, certain types of water damage, wind uplift damage, and other covered losses that may be hard to spot is critical so your claim can be properly filed on time.
At JT Law Firm, we’ve seen multiple cases where an inspection revealed problems that homeowners hadn’t noticed, allowing them to seek compensation for all the damage the property sustained.
Advice for Homeowners with Hurricane Damage to their homes.
If a hurricane damaged your home, even if it seems minor, don’t wait to file a claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Photograph and Record Everything: Take photos and videos of the damage from various angles, including all affected areas. This will help build a strong case for your claim. Look through the photo gallery on your phone and try to find images of your home before the hurricane struck. This will help create images to compare your property’s condition before and after the storm.
- Keep All Receipts: If you’ve had to pay out-of-pocket for temporary repairs, supplies, or alternative living arrangements, hold on to those receipts. These expenses may be reimbursed by your insurance company.
- Speak with a Professional: Sometimes, you might not realize the full extent of your damage. It’s always smart to have a property damage attorney manage your claim.
Maximize your chances of getting a high payout for your claim and consult with a JT Law Firm property damage attorney today.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File Your Claim
You might be thinking you have plenty of time to file your claim, but delaying your claim could be a costly mistake. The sooner you file, the faster you can get the ball rolling with repairs.
Remember, damage typically worsens over time. The longer your home goes without repairs the worse the damage can become. After getting your home inspected, if damage is found, the immediate step afterward should be speaking with an attorney to get your claim filed properly and on time.
Insurance companies are notorious for dragging their feet when it comes to paying out claims, so filing as early as possible helps you stay ahead of any potential delays.
How JT Law Firm Can Help You
Navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with storm damage and an uncooperative insurance company. JT Law Firm has a track record of helping homeowners with hurricane damage claims and understands the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts.
JT Law Firm can help you:
- File Your Claim Properly: We’ll help file your claim correctly and on time, helping avoid any delays or denials due to paperwork errors.
- Maximize Your Compensation: JT Law Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to help you collect the compensation needed for all your covered repairs and any expense reimbursements you may be entitled to.
- Negotiate with Insurers: Our law firm has experience negotiating with insurance companies and we know how to get results.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the status of your claim, JT Law Firm is here to help guide you through the entire process.
