Tropical Storm Damage Claims

Tropical Storm Damage Claims

As a property owner in Panama City, you know that tropical storms present a very real danger to your family, employees, home, or business. Florida typically experiences dozens of tropical storms each year, and the damage can range from mild to catastrophic. Having insurance coverage for the state’s severe weather events is critical, but insurers don’t always live up to their end of the bargain when it comes time to pay claims.

Whether you have experienced one tropical storm or dozens, the experience can leave you feeling a bit shaken up. Maybe the images you see don’t seem real to you, and you’re not sure what you’re supposed to do next. Surveying, repairing, and reporting the damage promptly is critical, so you can get back to living your life.

What to Do After Experiencing Tropical Storm Damage in Panama City, Florida

During a storm, you must stay inside your home or business until the worst of it has passed. You could be struck by debris or have it fall on you if you venture outdoors. Make sure you have at least one battery-powered radio to listen to for weather updates and follow all instructions, such as taking shelter in the basement away from windows, provided by the National Weather Service.

Once the storm is over, and it is safe to go outside, do a visual inventory of the damage to your home or business. Just be extra cautious about gas leaks, downed power lines, or any other situation that threatens your and others’ safety. If you do spot a dangerous situation, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 to report it.

Take Plenty of Pictures and Notes

You need to make an insurance claim as quickly as possible to receive reimbursement for the financial losses you have incurred. To support your claim, you want to jot down any type of damage you see, regardless of the area of your home or business that sustained it. Below are some of the most common types of property damage in Panama City, Florida after a tropical storm.

Damage from High Winds

Tropical storms can produce winds ranging from 75 miles per hour for a Category 1 hurricane to more than 157 miles per hour for a Category 4 hurricane. Heavy winds can cause extensive damage to your home or business, including the following:

• Damage to doors, the roof, siding, or windows
• Downspouts or gutters filled with debris or that have twisted or fallen off completely
• Electrical system damage, such as exposed cables, frayed wires, or cables
• Signs of flooding in the basement, which can include dampness or standing water
• Tree branches or limbs resting on the roof

If you feel uncomfortable inspecting your property yourself, a professional storm restoration company can help you

Water damage involves more than a flooded basement or leaking roof. Be sure to look for each of the issues below as they could indicate that your property has extensive water damage.

• Bubbling or peeling wallpaper or paint
• Condensation or high humidity on your windows
• Corroded or rusty pipes
• Damp or musty smell in certain areas of your home or business
• Dampness and/or standing water in the basement or crawl space
• Discolored ceilings, floors, or walls
• Mold growth or water stains on walls

Noticing even one of these problems means that you have sustained water damage. Be sure to include pictures and descriptions of the damage when you make a business or home tropical storm damage insurance claim.

Damage from Lightning Striking Your Property

Blown fuses, non-working appliances, and flickering lights are all signs of a power surge, possibly from lightning striking your home or business during a tropical storm. Lightening can also cause fires, which you will probably detect immediately. If the fire was only minor, look for signs like charred ceilings, walls, or wood.

Prepare to File an Tropical Storm Damage Claim and Hire a Hurricane Damage Lawyer

At a time of significant stress in your life, it can be disheartening to deal with an insurance company that undervalues the financial losses you have suffered. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence since insurance companies are in business to make money and not give it away.

Once you have filed an insurance claim in Panama City, Florida, your agent will send an adjuster to the property to assess the damages. You may not agree with this person’s figures, and no law says you must. You can get a second opinion, hire a lawyer, or both.

The Morgan Law Group has more than 25 years of experience representing the interests of people who have lost a significant amount of money due to storm damage. We invite you to contact the Florida location closest to you to request a free initial consultation today.