Hurricane Milton Damage & Updates
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | News
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, struck the west coast of Florida on October 9, 2024. It came just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which caused devastation across multiple states. The back-to-back storms left little time for residents to clean up and rebuild, forcing many to prepare for yet another round of destruction.
As communities face the aftermath of both hurricanes, understanding how to navigate insurance claims and the recovery process is more critical than ever.
The Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key with sustained winds of around 120 mph. It weakened as it moved inland, but it caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in its wake. It also led to at least 24 deaths in Florida, including two in Pinellas County.
Coastal communities experienced severe flooding, while inland areas dealt with downed trees, widespread power outages, and severe wind damage. A flurry of unusually destructive tornadoes only exacerbated the devastation.
During and after the storm, Floridians faced risks from:
- Flying debris
- Floodwaters and water damage
- Wind damage
- Structural damage (foundations, roofs, walls, etc.)
- Damaged vehicles
- Personal property damage, including mold
- Flesh-eating bacteria from performing storm cleanup
- Exposed electrical wires
Though emergency services have been working tirelessly to provide assistance, clear debris, and restore power, the scale of damage from the two hurricanes means that many Floridians are facing a long recovery process. Monetary losses from Hurricane Milton are expected to exceed $50 billion due to substantial property damage, a downturn in tourism, and business disruptions.
Disaster Relief Resources
We understand that you and your family may be struggling to meet your basic needs after a natural disaster like Hurricane Milton. Various resources are available to provide financial aid, cleanup help, mental health services, and much more. You can get the assistance you need as the community works to rebuild and heal.
Navigating an Insurance Claim After Hurricane Milton
If your property was damaged by Hurricane Milton and/or Helene, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. However, before doing so, you need to thoroughly assess and document the damage.
You should examine the entire premises and obtain pictures and videos of every detail. Make a running list of any issues you find. It’s also helpful if you have photos of your property before Hurricane Milton for comparison. With two major hurricanes occurring so close together, the insurance process could become more complicated.
If you can remain in your home, you’ll want to start the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may need to find temporary living arrangements. Keep all receipts and documentation of any repairs you make, temporary housing costs, and other related expenses.
Note that in the aftermath of two destructive hurricanes, insurance companies will be overloaded with claims. While reasonable delays could be expected, watch for bad faith insurance practices.
What To Do If Your Claim Is Denied After Hurricane Milton
The insurance company may be quick to deny your Hurricane Milton claim for any reason. They may allege that you didn’t prove the extent of your losses or that your policy doesn’t cover the incident.
If you do receive a denial, be sure to ask for a formal explanation letter outlining the reasons. You may need to review your policy closely to determine what type of coverage you have and what falls under it.
If you think that your claim has been unfairly delayed, undervalued, or denied, contact an attorney right away. A lawyer experienced in handling Florida hurricane claims can appeal, negotiate on your behalf, and work to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Contact an Experienced Attorney For Help With Your Hurricane Milton Property Damage Claim
Hurricanes Milton and Helene have left Floridians facing unprecedented challenges, with widespread injuries, deaths, and destruction. If you need legal help navigating the aftermath, don’t hesitate to contact Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers.
Whether you want us to initiate your claim or are having issues dealing with an aggressive insurance adjuster, we’re here for you. Contact our Hurricane Milton damage lawyers for assistance. We offer a free consultation.
Contact the Pinellas County Personal Injury Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.