In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of Floridians faced damaged homes, businesses, and unanswered calls to their insurance companies. While you expect your insurer to step up and honor your policy, the reality is often very different.
Hiring a hurricane lawyer may be more affordable than you think, and in many cases, hurricane damage lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning it won’t cost anything upfront. Legal representation can make a powerful difference in how much compensation you ultimately receive. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of hiring a hurricane lawyer for a hurricane damage claim.
The Importance of Legal Assistance After Hurricane Damage
Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction, resulting in a surge of insurance claims across Florida. Unfortunately, not all insurance claims have been handled fairly. Many homeowners have received underpaid settlements, faced delayed responses, or had their claims wrongfully denied altogether.
This is where legal help becomes essential following a natural disaster. A qualified hurricane damage lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate your policy, and hold your insurance company accountable under Florida law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Hurricane Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a hurricane lawyer can vary depending on the attorney, the complexity of your claim, and the payment structure they offer. Fortunately, most hurricane attorneys, including Larry Moskowitz, PA, work on contingency fee arrangements, which means you don’t pay unless you win.
- Contingency fee: This is the most popular and accessible option for hurricane-related claims. Under a contingency fee agreement, you pay nothing up front, and you only pay a percentage of your winnings if your legal team wins.
- Hourly rates: Some attorneys charge by the hour, typically when dealing with particularly complex legal issues or if you’re only seeking legal advice, not full representation. This isn’t a common option when dealing with property damage claims.
- Flat fees: In rare cases, a lawyer may offer a flat fee for specific services, like reviewing your policy, preparing documents, or handling a minor dispute. Flat fees provide predictability, but may not be ideal for a complex insurance claims process that requires extended negotiation or litigation.
What Affects the Cost of Legal Action?
Several factors can influence the cost of hiring a hurricane lawyer, even under a contingency model:
- Complexity of the claim: More complex claims involving structural damage, business losses, or multiple policies may require more time and effort.
- Stage of the claims process: Legal fees may differ depending on whether your lawyer helps initially or after a denial or delay.
- The attorney’s experience and reputation: Lawyers with proven track records in hurricane and property damage claims may charge a higher percentage, but often bring stronger results.
Remember, a skilled lawyer can often recover more compensation than you might receive on your own, more than offsetting the cost of legal fees.
Is it Worth it to Seek Legal Assistance for Your Hurricane Damage Claim?
Especially when facing a delayed, denied, or underpaid Hurricane Helene insurance claim, here’s how hiring an attorney can save you money in the long run:
- They know how to maximize your settlement by identifying all covered losses.
- They handle the negotiations, so you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
- They can uncover bad faith practices, potentially leading to extra compensation or penalties for the insurance company.
- They reduce stress, ensuring your focus stays on recovery while they handle the legal battle and seek fair compensation.
In many cases, the difference between a self-handled claim and one managed by an experienced attorney could be tens of thousands of dollars.
Tips for Finding Cost-Effective Help If You Pursue Legal Action
You deserve strong legal representation without worrying about draining your finances. Here are a few tips to help you find affordable, trustworthy legal support to help you recover compensation for flood damage, damaged property, temporary housing, and your entire recovery process:
- Look for contingency-based lawyers who offer free consultations.
- Ask about all potential fees upfront to avoid surprises later.
- Choose someone with hurricane and insurance law experience, not just general legal knowledge.
- Check reviews and case results to ensure they’ve helped others in similar situations.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around; a reputable attorney will respect your right to explore your options.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we believe legal help should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we work on a contingency basis and only get paid if we win your case.
Make the Right Call
If Hurricane Helene damaged your property and your insurance company isn’t cooperating, legal help could be the key to getting the compensation you deserve after a devastating storm. And with a contingency fee arrangement, exploring your options has no financial risks.
Larry Moskowitz, PA, is here to fight for you, not your insurance company. Schedule your free consultation today and learn more about how we can help.