Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Florida Hurricane Damage Lawyers

Legally Reviewed By
Andrew Norden

Why Do You Need a Florida Hurricane Damage Lawyer?

Hurricanes have the potential to destroy property and cause serious damage that can have negative impacts long after the storm has passed. A Florida hurricane lawyer can help you recover as quickly as possible.

When the winds of a hurricane have passed, the next hurdle lies in the aftermath – filing your hurricane damage claim. At Osborne & Francis, we recognize that your home or business is more than just a property; it's your sanctuary and livelihood. Located in Orlando, Boca Raton, and Lakeland, our team of skilled claims attorneys will work tirelessly to evaluate the extent of the damage, ensuring no aspect of your loss is overlooked.

Our Central and South Florida hurricane claim attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of insurance policies and know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. We aren’t afraid to go up against insurance companies that have unfairly denied, delayed, or devalued your claims. We’re ready to investigate your claims, gather evidence to support your position, and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us right away at (561) 293-2600 for representation. Our attorneys have successfully resolved countless claims stemming from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other natural disasters. From property damage and loss of belongings to business interruptions and additional living expenses, we handle the paperwork, which allows you to prioritize your peace of mind during these turbulent times.

 

When your insurance company fails to live up to its promises, we step in and protect your legal rights and financial future. Download a copy of “Tips for Speaking with Your Adjuster” checklist here.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

What Kind of Settlement Can a Florida Hurricane Damage Attorney Help You Secure?

A Florida hurricane attorney can help you secure various types of settlements and compensation for the losses incurred due to a hurricane, including:

  • Property damage: This includes damage to your home, business, or other property like detached garages, decks, fencing, swimming pools, and pool cages. A skilled attorney can help you obtain a settlement to cover the repair or replacement costs. This settlement should consider the actual cost of repairs, including structural damage, roofing, flooring, and other essential components of your property.
  • Personal belongings: Hurricanes can lead to the destruction or loss of personal belongings and valuable items. Your attorney can work to secure a settlement that compensates you for the value of the contents that were damaged or destroyed, such as furniture, electronics, appliances, and personal possessions.
  • Business interruption: If your business was impacted by the hurricane, causing temporary closure or loss of income, a hurricane damage attorney can advocate for a settlement to cover your business interruption losses. This compensation can help you recover lost revenue and cover ongoing expenses during the period of interruption.
  • Additional living expenses: If you were forced to evacuate your home and paid for a rental car or additional living expenses, such as hotel accommodations and food costs, a skilled attorney can help you pursue a settlement to reimburse these expenses.
  • Loss of use: If your property is uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of use. This settlement can help cover alternative living arrangements until your property is restored.

Dealing with insurance companies can often be more upsetting than the storm itself. Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with, especially in the aftermath of a hurricane when numerous claims are being processed. In some cases, insurance companies may deny or undervalue your claim. 

A hurricane damage attorney can also represent you in insurance claims disputes and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for a fair settlement. We negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you are not unfairly denied coverage or offered an insufficient settlement.

By enlisting the services of a knowledgeable hurricane damage attorney, you can maximize your chances of securing a comprehensive settlement that adequately covers your losses and helps you rebuild your life after the devastating impact of a hurricane. Contact Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 for experienced local representation.

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What Kind of Storm Damage Can a Florida Hurricane Claims Attorney Handle?

A Florida hurricane claims lawyer can handle various types of storm damage, including:

  • Property and possessions damage: This includes damage from wind, water, floods, and infestations that result from the storm such as mold, fire ants, or wildlife damage.
  • Loss of income: Attorneys can handle claims for lost income and business interruption suffered by businesses as a result of hurricane damage, helping them recover financial losses during downtime.
  • Negligence lawsuits: If your damages or losses were caused because your landlord failed to maintain or secure your residence, you may be eligible to file a claim against the property owner under premises liability. Government failures such as delayed evacuation notices or poorly maintained public infrastructure like roads or powerlines may be eligible for legal remedies.
  • Personal injury: Hurricanes can cause personal injuries and other forms of trauma (like PTSD). If you are injured by unsecured flying debris, the collapse of a building, or abandoned in situations unfit for human health, our attorneys can help identify the responsible parties.
  • Wrongful death: For those who lose their life due to negligence before, during, or after a hurricane, family members may have the ability to sue for wrongful death. Damages could include loss of income, loss of companionship, and to hold people accountable for the harms they’ve caused.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. Our Florida hurricane claims attorneys can handle a wide range of storm-related damage situations. If you have questions about whether your injuries or losses qualify for a lawsuit, reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your circumstances.

Beware of Unlawful Insurance Companies Tactics
Insurance companies are often known to utilize unlawful tactics to avoid paying full damages, such as devaluing your home and the contents within, miscategorizing property damage so that the insurance company pays less, or downplaying the actual damage total in order to cut costs.

To avoid missing compensation for the full value of your property damage, document your property damage thoroughly, and secure representation from a hurricane claims lawyer who works only for your best interests.

Proudly Representing Florida Residents Statewide

Boca Raton

Orlando

Lakeland

West Palm Beach

What should I do after a hurricane?

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

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Contact Florida Hurricane Claims Lawyers

When the destructive forces of a hurricane season wreak havoc on your life, having a skilled and experienced Florida hurricane claims lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Our team understands the unique challenges that hurricanes pose, and we are well-versed in Florida's insurance laws. With Osborne & Francis, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated advocate helping you rebuild and recover after the storm.

Why Hire Osborne & Francis

Our experienced Florida hurricane lawyers at Osborne & Francis have years of experience and a deep understanding of insurance law. While hurricanes can leave a trail of destruction, dealing with insurance companies shouldn’t be overwhelming you while you recover. Let us shoulder the burden, from evaluating your policy to investigating your damages to negotiating with insurers.

If you or your property has suffered damage from a hurricane in Florida, contact us online or call (561) 293-2600 to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Central and South Florida, including Orlando, Lakeland, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Broward County, and all surrounding areas. Reach out to us today, and let's start rebuilding together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida Hurricane Lawyer FAQs

What should I do after a hurricane?

In order to make sure you receive the full monetary coverage you deserve after a hurricane, you should document all losses and expenses by writing down details and taking pictures and videos. Don’t throw anything away without itemizing and documenting it first.

Next, seek legal assistance before filing a claim. By law, insurance companies must send out an adjuster when a claim is filed. A Florida hurricane claims attorney can review your rights and options, and help you obtain a second expert opinion if you need to dispute the insurance adjuster.

What is the difference between windstorm vs. flood insurance?‍

Most Florida residents have some form of windstorm coverage, but many others might not have specific flood coverage. Make sure you understand what your policy covers — many homeowners wrongly assume their homeowner’s insurance policy covers flood damage when it actually does not.

Hurricanes can create both wind and flood damage. The way the damage is categorized can affect the amount of your claim, so be sure you check your policy and understand exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. If you aren’t sure about your coverage, contact a lawyer who can help you review your policy and make sure you’re receiving all the reimbursements you’re entitled to.

What’s the difference between an insurance adjuster vs. a public adjuster?

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and are often young, inexperienced, and poorly trained. They also have an intensely heavy workload immediately after a hurricane, and may be traveling from hundreds of miles away.

Public adjusters are professionals who are licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. They are allowed to represent the rights of the insured during the property insurance claim process. 

While some may choose to hire a public adjuster rather than a hurricane claims lawyer, keep in mind that if your public adjuster is unable to settle your claim, you will need the assistance of an attorney anyway to go through the process again. Additionally, the adjuster will not be able to pursue other damage claims or lawsuits related to your case, whereas a law firm can handle multiple forms of litigation.

When should I contact a Florida hurricane claim attorney to file a claim?‍

You should actually contact an attorney as soon as possible, preferably before contacting the insurance agency. By doing so, you have the chance to have a legal professional review your policy and documents and inform you of how to proceed. Also, the attorney will be able to interact and negotiate with the adjuster and the insurance company on your behalf.

The statute of limitations or filing deadline regarding hurricane property damage claims requires that the insured provide notice of the claim to the insurance company within three years from the date the hurricane made landfall or caused the damage. Contact our Florida insurance claims attorneys at (561) 293-2600 to receive the support you need as soon as possible.