Help For Homeowners After A Hurricane
The aftermath of ahurricane can be a scary and exhausting time for homeowners in Florida, And, living inFlorida, we deal with this scenario yearafter year, season after season. Secrets as soon as the storm is over, neighborhoods begin to comeout to survey the damages and check onloved one
But, knowing where to find help after a hurricane can be themost frustrating part of the ordeal. At
The Patient's Law Firm, we do not want you to feel the frustration and anxiety that comes with hurricane damage to yourproperty.
That is why we beipour clients to secure total and fair compensation when hurricane damage is sustained on their properties,homes, and belongings.
You can trust us to resolve the issue promptly with as little stress to you and your family as possible. Want to know how we do it at the Patient's Law Firm? In the following paragraphs, we will guide you through the aftermath of a hurricane and what to do when the sun comes back out.
WHEN THE SUN COMES OUT AFTER A HURRICANE
Witnessing the damagecreated by a major storm or hurricane is overwhelming. Whether you have minor or significant damagesto consider, the process can seemnever-ending and daunting at best. Take a deep breath and begin in an orderly fashion. Step by step. nere iswhat we suggest.
SAFETY FIRST AFTER A HURRICANE
- Please be aware asyou walk out the door. Watch for hazards such as tree limbs, downed powerlines, and the like. Thenyou can report the damages to theappropriate authorities right away to get you the list of post-hurricane repairs.
- Avoid walking infloodwaters. They may be contaminated, contain debris, or be touching downed power lines that may still beactive. Once the water has receded, youcan begin the cleanup process.
- Boll your drinking water until it has been announced thatthe water In your area is safe to drink.
IF THE POWER HAS BEEN OUT
There are additional precautions homeowners should be aware of if the power has been out for any length of time. Withsafety in mind, remember the following:
- First, call the local power company to make sure they knowyour area is out of power, but likely they already know.
- Use battery-poweredflashlights, candles, and Janterns for light. And remember to never leave an open flame nearthe bed drapes, or within a child'sreach.
- Then proceed withcaution. It is safe, turn the power back on. When there is standing water in your home, wait until it recedes andthe appliances and outlets are not inwater to avoid shock or risk of tire.
- Then, be aware of the amount of time your refrigeratorand the goods in it has been sittingwithout power. You may need to throw It out and go to the grocery store. Never risk eating food thathas been without proper counting.
DEALING WITH THE DAMAGE AFTER A HURRICANE
After the Satery First precautions listed above, you can get to the business of remediating your area and seeking theappropriate assistance.
- Take pictures of anyand all damage is done to your property before anything is moved or even touched. You will need thesefor the insurance company and yourl awyer.
- Contact your insurance companies to make them aware of theImpending claim to be filed.
- Then make anynecessary and temporary repairs to get life back in action — for instance, clear water out of the home.Call the tree specialists to remove thelimb. Protect the interior of the house by placing a tarp over the leaking root.
- When your insurance company has given you the green light tobegin repairs, be sure to hire only licensed professionals. Unfortunately, many people would take advantage ofhomeowners to price gouge and make unnecessary or faulty repairs.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE AFTER A HURRICANE?
Understanding who is on your side in a crisis is imperative to the remediation process after a hurricane, If there is anyconfusion over the assignment ofresponsibility after sustaining property data de personal fury, call your local trial lawyers for advice on how to knocked
IF A TREE FALLS ON THE HOUSE
Is the homeowner responsible or the owner of the tree? This is a common question. But often, the issue is determinedto be an "Act of God” Issue.
An act of God is defined by USLegal.com this way: “An actof God is a natural catastrophe which noone can pretend such as an earthquake, a tidal mase, a volcanic eruption, a hurricane or a tornado. An act ofGod Is generally considered an actattributable to nature without human interference. For example, damage from a tornado or a lightning strike would be considered an act of God. Damage would not be consideredan act of God if it is caused by theproperty owner." Acts of God should be a helpful tool to protect homeowners fromcatastrophes and natural events.Unfortunately, some insurance companies will attempt to use it as an excuse to divert responsibility forcompensation. That is where having agood legal team on your side comes in handy.
DAMAGE TO YOUR CAR DURING A HURRICANE
Damage to your car isall too common. But that is precisely what Comprehensive and Collision Insurance is for. The coverageis there to protect you in the event ofa natural disaster. It is crucial to have this coverage in areas like Florida to ensure your vehiclesare covered in such an event.
FLOODING IN YOUR FLORIDA HOME
Flossing is always a concern for those who live in coastal and low-lyingareas. If you have flood insurance, mostof the damage may be covered. However, if you are not prepared with the right coverage, and remediation process can belengthy and expensive. No matterhow you are ready, flooding in the home is awful ex have a flood in your home, the most importantthing to do is document the water intrusion, and then getthe water out. Then, when the watershave receded, take more pictures for the insurance companies and potential lawsuits.
PERSONAL INJURY FROM A STORM
Once all are safe and physically cared for, the procedure is much like that of property damage when personal injuries are sustained. Consult your insurance company to see what is covered. Then, if issues are not fully covered, you may need to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. Good news, the Patient's Law Firm is your local dual practice with medical and law experience to handle any personal injury case.
WHEN RELOCATION IS NECESSARY
In some cases, relocation may be necessary for a while. If the home hasextensive damage and needs repairs, Itmay be unsafe to stay in the house. This is a point you would think should be covered in yourhomeowners" insurance or flood insurance. If you find it is not that simple, get advice from your Florida Insurance Dispute Specialists.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE PREPARED FOR A HURRICANE
As you may know,there are a few hazards to living in Florida that we Floridians assume when we decide to live incoastal areas. These risks include
· Heavy Reinstall
· High Winds Kip Currents
· Storm Surge
· Tornado Activity
Bring prepared for the season is a beat practice “must" for Floridians. To learn more about hurricane preparedness, follow this link on Hurricane Preparedness for Residents of Florida. Then,be prepared each season for the worst-case scenarios, so you are not left in a more devastating elsen-stance Always bend the warnings of theNational Hurricane System and your localauthorities and evacuate when instructed to do so.
THE PATIENT'S LAW FIRM IS READY AFTER A HURRICANE
From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, the attorneys at the Patient's Law Firm have been serving Florida victims since 1998. We practice in all types of personal injury matters, including auto accidents, brain injury, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. We are prepared for hurricanes right alongside our fellow Floridians. With the Patient's Law Firm, your case will be evaluated by dually-licensed healthcare and legal professionals. Nurse attorney Christa Carpenter pride herself on responsiveness, dedication, and specialized knowledge in healthcare and trial law. After a hurricane, you know whom to call. Contact the Patient's Law Firm for help getting your life and claim settled.