Hail Damage Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
Hailstorms can wreak havoc on Fort Lauderdale homes, resulting in significant damage that can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars or more. The extent of the damage can vary widely based on factors such as the size and density of the hailstones, the force of the wind, the construction materials of the home, and nearby structures or natural barriers.
Homeowners in Fort Lauderdale should be cautious of potential hidden damages, especially to roofs. A comprehensive inspection of your property following a hailstorm is essential, so that you can report your claim correctly and swiftly after damage occurs. If a homeowner only discovers roof damage, for instance, when it starts leaking several months after the hailstorm, the insurance provider might argue that too much time has passed or that the damage resulted from insufficient maintenance, potentially denying your insurance claim for property restoration.
In more serious cases, hail storms and wind damage can pose immediate risks that require urgent repairs. Significant damage to roofs or windows can allow water to seep into the home, causing harm to flooring, walls, furniture, and other personal belongings. On top of it, shattered windows can make the property vulnerable to theft and damage by animals. In such situations, finding a Fort Lauderdale lawyer for hail damage claims becomes important to ensure timely and complete financial recovery from the insurance company.
A Hail Damage Attorney in Fort Lauderdale Will Fight Insurance Bad Faith Practices to Protect Your Claim
Following a hailstorm, insurance companies may engage in bad faith practices to minimize claim payouts, leaving homeowners struggling to recover and restore their damaged properties. Fort Lauderdale hail damage lawyer Larry Moskowitz is committed to fighting against these unfair practices to ensure that homeowners receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the residential claims hail damage insurance policy.
Recognizing Insurance Bad Faith Practices
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to act in good faith when handling an individual’s insurance claims. Common bad faith practices by insurance companies in hail damage claims include:
Delaying Claim Processing
Insurance companies may deliberately delay the claim process, hoping that the policyholder will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement offer or abandon the property damages claim altogether.
Undervaluing Property Damage
Insurance adjusters may underestimate the scale of the extensive damage from hail natural disasters, providing lower repair estimates that do not adequately cover the costs of necessary repairs.
Denying Valid Claims
Some insurance companies wrongfully deny legitimate hail damage claims, often citing vague policy exclusions or alleging that the damage caused (such as damaged roof, shattered glass, or broken windows) was pre-existing or occurred due to normal wear and tear.
Offering Lowball Settlements
When you file a claim, the insurance company might offer a quick settlement amount that is significantly lower than the actual cost of repairs, hoping the policyholder will accept the offer out of desperation.
Fort Lauderdale Hail Damage Claim Lawyer Larry Moskowitz will Leverage Insurance Law Regulations Protecting Policyholders
Florida law offers strong protections to policyholders to ensure that insurance companies handle covered claims in a fair and timely manner. Under Florida’s Bad Faith Laws, insurance companies are required to adhere to specific regulations and standards of conduct when processing hail damage claims. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the protections afforded to policyholders, which attorney Larry Moskowitz will utilize:
Conduct a Prompt and Thorough Investigation of the Claim
When a policyholder submits a hail damage claim, the insurance company is obligated to initiate a prompt and comprehensive investigation. This includes:
- Prompt Response to the Claim
- Inspection of the Damaged Property
- Documentation and Evidence Collection
- Expert Evaluation, if Necessary
Provide a Fair and Prompt Settlement Offer Once Liability is Clear
Once the insurance company has completed its investigation and determined liability, they are required to provide a fair and prompt settlement offer to the policyholder. This includes:
- Accurate Valuation of the Damages
- Transparency in Settlement Offer
- Timely Payment of Settlement
Treat the Policyholder With Fairness and Honesty
Throughout the claims process, insurance companies are required to treat policyholders with fairness, honesty, and respect. This includes:
- Open Communication
- Full Disclosure of Policy Coverage
- No Coercion or Intimidation
- Compliance with Legal Obligations
How Fort Lauderdale Hail Damage Attorney Larry Moskowitz Fights Insurance Bad Faith Practices
Detailed Investigation into Your Insurance Claim
Attorney Larry Moskowitz conducts a comprehensive investigation of the hail damage to gather evidence and document the extent of the damage. This includes assessing the size and density of the hailstones, the force of the wind, and the materials used to build the home.
Challenging Lowball Estimates
When searching for “The leading hail damage claim lawyer near me,” know that Larry Moskowitz, challenges undervalued repair estimates provided by insurance adjusters by obtaining independent repair estimates from trusted contractors and experts in hail damage repair.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
With over 35 years of legal experience, including a background as a former prosecutor, Larry Moskowitz is a skilled litigator who is not afraid to take insurance companies to court to hold them accountable for their bad faith practices. He fights aggressively to maximize the value of each claim and pursue the matter through trial if necessary.
Ensuring Fair Compensation
Attorney Larry Moskowitz fights to ensure that homeowners receive fair compensation for all damages, including the cost of repairs, temporary housing, and any additional living expenses incurred due to the damage.
“Boots on the Ground” Approach
Attorney Moskowitz takes a proactive “boots on the ground” approach to each case, visiting the site of the damage personally to assess the situation and gather critical evidence. This hands-on approach allows him to build a strong case by understanding the specific details and circumstances surrounding the hail damage.
No Recovery ~ No Fee, No Costs Policy
Attorney Moskowitz offers a free consultation to evaluate the details of your case and determine the best course of action. He operates on a “No Recovery ~ No Fee, No Costs” basis, which means clients owe nothing unless he successfully recovers compensation on their behalf.
To get strong legal representation for hail damage in Fort Lauderdale, call now at 866-312-0708 and schedule your free case evaluation.