Sarasota Hurricane Damage Lawyer

Florida hurricanes can be unpredictable, especially in a community on the gulf like Sarasota. Storm predictions are often off, so you never know if it is going to hit you, just miss you, or miss you completely. Homes near the gulf need to worry about flooding on top of storm damage from winds. After the hurricane, you also need to be concerned about the repair companies that price gouge and scammers — all on top of whether the insurance company will pay your property damage claim. A Sarasota hurricane damage lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and help you recover the compensation you need to repair your home.

Why You Need a Sarasota Hurricane Lawyer

An experienced hurricane lawyer can interpret complex insurance policy jargon and explain your rights and entitlements every step of the way. He or she can also help by collaborating with experts to determine the full scope of your losses and substantiate your claim. Finally, a property damage lawyer can deal with the insurance company to challenge denials and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How Our Sarasota Hurricane Damage Lawyer Can Help

Often, insurance companies are not willing to pay claims, especially after a large event such as a hurricane, as many policyholders are making claims. Klotzman Law Firm has extensive experience in handling hurricane damage claims, including with insurance companies that refuse to pay a fair and reasonable amount or refuse to pay at all.

Why Clients Choose to Partner with Klotzman Law Firm

Klotzman Law Firm has many years of experience with handling hurricane insurance claims and other natural disaster claims. Our insurance claim lawyer has helped Sarasota residents receive compensation from several major hurricanes over the last decade. Don’t let an insurance adjuster destroy your hope after a hurricane destroys your home. Contact our legal team today to see how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve after a hurricane hits the gulf.

Testimonials

“We can’t thank Scott Klotzman law firm enough. Scott’s professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail put us at ease. He was wonderful at explaining all of our questions and treated our case is if it was his own.” – Ashley L.

“Scott and firm were there for us when we needed them most after hurricane Ian! Scott personally came out and assessed multiple properties that we own that had damage and kept up with the process along the way. Scott is a very personable, honest individual whom we trust! It is a slow process things do take time, but at the end of the day he came through for us, and we did better than we even thought we could!! I definitely would use their firm again in the future. Thank you Klotzman law firm job well done😊🤗✅” – Wendy D.

“Scott Klotzman was amazing he never gave up on my case. He fought for me on my cases because damage that had received at my homes from the storms and better position me and family in better position that I could ever image. I recommend this lawyer because my experience with Scott Klotzman. Thank you Scott Klotzman for taking my case.” – Anthony Perez.

Types of Damage Caused by Hurricanes in Sarasota

Hurricanes can cause wind damage and flood damage. The wind picks up debris and flings it around, uproots trees, and rips roofs and siding off of homes. If the wind is strong enough, it can even push down buildings.

When the wind destroys the exterior of your home, it contributes to other damage, including rainwater coming inside.

Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance and requires a separate policy. If you do not have flood damage, which is different than water damage, the insurance company will not pay any claim related to flooding, including flooding from storm surges, flash floods, mudslides, and land collapses.

Flood insurance should cover structural repairs, the replacement of personal property, interior repairs, and loss of use costs.

It is crucial for Sarasota residents to have comprehensive insurance coverage that includes windstorm and flood protection. Standard homeowners insurance policies may not cover all types of hurricane-related damage, so additional coverage might be necessary. Given the complexities involved in such claims, a Sarasota hurricane damage lawyer can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and deal with insurance companies to help you receive a fair settlement.

The Impact Recent Hurricanes Had in Sarasota

Until 2017, Sarasota hadn’t been hit by a major hurricane with significant damage since 1966, when Hurricane Alma’s 105 mph winds caused destruction. Recent hurricanes and their damage include:

• Hurricane Irma: In Sept. 2017, Irma passed 35 miles east of Sarasota with 100 mph winds. The area suffered from a storm surge of eight to ten feet, over 227,000 power outages, downed trees, loose vegetation in roadways, and, surprisingly, minimal structural damage.
• Hurricane Ian: In Sept. 2022, Ian passed southeast of Sarasota with 140 mph winds. Losses totaled almost $21.4 billion for over 776,000 claims for property damage and auto damage. About 254,600 Sarasota residents lost power.
• Hurricane Milton: In Oct. 2024, Milton caused damages with its 120 mph winds. Milton made landfall near Siesta Key and caused about $333.7 million in structural damage to the unincorporated parts of Sarasota. It created a storm surge of eight to ten feet, destroying over 100 homes. The storm also damaged trees and power lines and flooded streets, homes, and businesses, causing damage to boats in Sarasota Bay and Longboat Island Chapel.

What to Do After a Hurricane Damages Your Property in Sarasota

After a hurricane, take steps to uphold your safety and facilitate a successful insurance claim, including:

Record All Property Damage and Other Damages

Document all damage to your personal property, the interior of your home, the exterior of your home, vehicles, and your property. Use photographs and video to document everything. Also, create an inventory to help support your claim.

Get Repair Estimates

Set up estimates from professional companies. Verify that they are bonded and insured. Obtaining estimates from at least two sources can strengthen your claim.

Perform Repairs if Necessary

You may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Be sure to take photos before and after temporary repairs and see to it that the repairs comply with your insurance policy requirements.

Make an Insurance Claim

Notify your insurance company of the damage. You will need to submit documentation of the damage when you start the claims process.

Find an Insurance Claims Attorney

An experienced hurricane damage attorney can guide you through the process, including helping with filing the claim, giving sound legal advice, and working with the insurance company on your behalf.

What is Hurricane Insurance in Florida?

Hurricane insurance is usually a rider on your hazard insurance policy. If it is a rider, it has a separate deductible from your hazard insurance, and it is usually higher, which means more out-of-pocket expenses. It covers only damage specific to high winds if you are in the path of a hurricane.

How Do I File a Hurricane Damage Claim in Florida?

As soon as it is safe to document the damage to your property, follow these steps:

• Notify your insurance company of the damage to your property.
• The insurance company will assign an adjuster who will make an initial assessment.
• The adjuster reviews your policy to determine coverage and limitations.
• The adjuster then estimates the cost of repairs or replacements. This is where your documentation and estimates from professional companies will be handy.
• Once the adjuster completes the assessment, he or she will calculate the claim’s value.
• The insurance company will provide a settlement offer minus your deductible.
• If the settlement offer is not enough, you can dispute it. You may have to provide additional documentation.
• Once you agree to a settlement, you can start repairs and replacements. Keep a record of all expenses related to repairs.
• The insurance company will not issue you any additional payments once you reach a settlement agreement.

What Types of Property Damage Are Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

Your regular homeowners insurance policy, often referred to as hazard insurance, covers the following:

• Your home
• Other structures, such as sheds and fences
• Personal property
• Loss of use
• Personal liability
• Medical payments to others

However, most property insurance policies do not cover some natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods. You may have to pay for a hurricane insurance rider, which carries a separate deductible. Natural disaster claims are difficult to file, so having an experienced insurance attorney on your side is often a benefit.

Can I Get Compensation for Temporary Living Arrangements?

Some homeowners insurance policies offer ongoing compensation for temporary living arrangements. However, you must review your insurance policy to see if it offers this benefit and how long you can receive it. You may also recover funds for temporary living arrangements from FEMA in certain circumstances.

Common Reasons Why Claims Are Denied After a Sarasota Hurricane

Your insurance company may not cover hurricane damages for several reasons, including:

• You do not have hurricane damage insurance coverage on your policy, whether through a rider or your main insurance policy.
• You did not purchase enough insurance coverage through your insurance provider.
• You did not sustain enough damage to meet your deductible.
• You waited too long to file your claim.
• You may not have coverage for specific damage, such as flood damage.
• You have insufficient documentation of the damage.
• The insurance adjuster may disagree with your assessment of the damage.
• You did not disclose previous damages.

What if My Insurance Company Denies or Delays My Claim?

If the insurance company denies your claim, you can schedule a free consultation with an experienced Sarasota hurricane damage attorney to determine whether the insurance company is acting in bad faith and to guide you through the claims process. The attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Do I Need a Hurricane Lawyer if I Already Have an Insurance Adjuster?

Yes. An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and has the company’s best interests in mind. That means offering you the lowest amount possible or possibly denying your claim. A property damage attorney has your best interests in mind and will fight to get you fair compensation.

Does My Commercial Property Qualify for Hurricane Damage Claims?

Your commercial property may qualify for a hurricane damage claim depending on your insurance policy. However, standard commercial property insurance does not cover flooding, earthquakes, terrorism, intentional damage, and normal wear and tear. Commercial property insurance has three levels of coverage:

• Special form is the most comprehensive coverage you can purchase for your business. It covers all direct physical damage unless the type of damage is excluded.
• Basic form covers specific incidences such as lightning, fire, windstorms, explosions, vandalism, smoke, and other events.
• Broad form covers everything, including basic coverage, plus certain additional perils, such as ice, sleet, damage from the weight of snow, water damage from the accidental discharge of the water system, and falling objects.

Is it Possible to Handle a Hurricane Damage Claim Without a Lawyer?

It is possible to handle a hurricane damage claim without an attorney. However, it is not advisable as insurance companies are out to make a profit. If they pay a claim, it cuts into their profits, so they will offer the least amount possible or may even deny your claim. Having an experienced hurricane damage lawyer by your side means protecting your rights and interests in the face of insurance company tactics.

How Do I Choose a Sarasota Hurricane Damage Lawyer for My Case?

When choosing a hurricane damage attorney, it is crucial that the attorney has plenty of experience dealing with insurance companies and has specifically handled many hurricane claims. Handling hurricane claims requires knowledge of the unique challenges and nuances involved, such as documenting storm-related damage and dealing with policy exclusions. The attorney you hire should have an excellent reputation and should be familiar with Florida’s insurance laws.

Did a Hurricane Destroy Your Home?

If your property suffered damage due to a hurricane, contact a Sarasota hurricane damage lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm today for a free case evaluation by calling 786-823-3635 or filling out our online contact form.