Part of living in the beautiful sunshine state is getting used to some extreme storms. If you live in Orlando, FL you know that when the sun stops shining, the wind starts blowing.
Right through the summer months, from June to November we regularly experience a full range of storms, from mild thunderstorms to full-blown hurricanes.
As a result of these extreme weather events, you may have experienced the devastation of knowing that the roof over your head has been badly damaged, or even destroyed.
This highly stressful situation can be made worse by knowing that your roof damage insurance claim process may take a long time, or worse yet, your roof claim gets denied or is underpaid. You may also be wondering if your homeowner’s insurance will pay out everything that you need to repair your home or commercial property.
This is where our team of highly skilled lawyers can step in and help you through the entire process. Rest assured that we will assist you with every step of your claim process and help you through this difficult time.
Why Hiring an Orlando Roof Damage Lawyer is Important
Roof damage claims are one of the most common insurance claims in Orlando, and all over Florida. Unfortunately, this often means that your insurance company may try to underpay or delay your roof damage claim.
In some cases, insurance companies will even try and deny a claim due to some technicality, such as the age of your roof, or another deficiency. These deficiencies can range from substandard repairs or other installations that were done without you realizing it.
Many insurance companies will also try to underestimate your roofing claim by suggesting that your property damage is only cosmetic, and does not require a full roof replacement.
Nothing is more frustrating for property owners than paying your insurance policy every month only to be denied a fair settlement in the claims process. That’s why you need a professional roof damage attorney and a highly respected law firm to help you through the insurance claims process.
By using our well regarded legal services we can help you appeal any unfair insurance company decisions and save you thousands of dollars. We offer a free initial consultation to determine what you deserve from your insurance coverage.
Our central Florida attorneys will ensure that your compensation provides you with everything you need to get your home damage claims settled so that you can carry on enjoying your life without worrying about fighting with your insurance company.
Common Types of Roof Damage in Orlando, FL
For Florida residents enjoying this winter haven, it’s not just tropical storms that can damage or even destroy your roof. The most common types of roof damage claims are from hail, wind, and fire. Even a small water intrusion can cause long-lasting roof damage that you may not realize has even occurred. If there is no visible leak into the living spaces of your home, it can be weeks or even months before you realize that you have a water damage insurance claim.
Minor leaks caused by wind damage, strong winds, or a hail storm can reduce the integrity of your roof structure and also lead to the growth of toxic mold. Many homeowners won’t even notice this until a serious problem has developed.
If you have experienced severe hail storms or even just a strong wind and you suspect it may have damaged your roof shingles or tiles it is advisable that you schedule a roof inspection. Contact a reliable, independent inspector to survey the damage.
Remember that it’s often difficult or impossible for you as the homeowner to assess the extent of your roof damage. Many insurance companies will try and deny a claim if the policyholder has failed to notify them promptly.
If you do need to file a roof damage insurance claim, the first thing you should do is contact us for a free consultation. Our friendly team of central Florida lawyers have got you covered, no matter what type of roof damage you have had the misfortune of experiencing.
We know that taking care of the safety and wellbeing of your family is what is important to you, not wrangling with your insurance company!
How Do I Make a Roof Damage Claim in Orlando?
Serious roof damage can be a scary experience, especially if it is due to a hurricane or strong winds. Never attempt to do anything until the storm has died down and it is safe to go outside with no risk of falling trees or flying debris.
Once it is safe to do so, the first step is to document the damage by taking as many photographs as possible. Try and take pictures of all the damage that has occurred, as well as what caused the damage, such as a fallen tree. This is very important as this is the evidence that you need to make your claim.
Should your home be uninhabitable, it is best to document this before moving to alternative accommodation as these additional living expenses will form part of your claim.
If only parts of your roof are affected try and move your personal belongings into a safe, dry place and cover the damaged parts of your roof with a tarp to prevent further damage. Just beware of electrical fires that could result from short circuits.
The next step is to contact your insurance provider as soon as practical. Let them know that your roof is damaged, and what the extent of the damage is. They will inform you if the cause of your damage claim is covered by your policy and what time frame you have to file your claim.
Your insurer will also provide you with all the necessary paperwork you will need to file to initiate the claim.
Although you may want to start repairs immediately, it is a good idea to wait for the insurance adjuster to come and complete a physical inspection of the damage before you, or a contractor starts doing any repairs. This will allow your insurance company to assess the extent and cause of the damage for themselves and is an important part of the process. Often they will have a list of approved contractors. If you go outside of this network, they may not cover your claim.
If this sounds complicated and you are concerned that your claim could be denied, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our attorney fees are a small price to pay for your peace of mind and to make sure that you receive the full value of your roof damage claim.
Once all of this is done and your claim is successfully settled, only then can the actual repairs to your roof be carried out. This may take some time but it is vital to follow each step of the process to avoid having your claim denied.
Underpaid & Denied Roof Claims
There are various reasons why your insurance company may underpay or deny your roof damage claim. Unless you are in the insurance business, it’s easy for these companies to cite one of the reasons below, leaving you with a hole in your roof and no money to repair it.
One of the most common reasons is that your roof has had previous damage. Your insurance adjuster may claim that your roof suffered from pre-existing damage which you were totally unaware of.
Another reason is the age of your roof and the associated wear and tear. All building materials degrade over time. If your roof is over thirty years old, it may be possible that the shingles on your roof have reached the end of their lifespan.
Perhaps the most frustrating scenario for any homeowner is if your insurance company claims partial damage. This means that they have determined that your roof only needs some repairs, rather than a full replacement. The causes for determining this can seem very arbitrary, and the criteria vary greatly from one insurance company to the next.
Roof damage claims are also often denied because the claim has been filed too late. All insurance companies have a limited time frame to make a claim after the damage has occurred. This is why it is so important to contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as your roof is damaged.
How an Orlando Roof Damage Attorney can Help
By hiring a roof damage lawyer you can rest assured that you have a legal professional who is highly skilled in all aspects of negotiating your claim.
Our lawyers understand all of the insurance company loopholes and will help analyze your policy and determine if your compensation for your roof damage is fair and has been made in good faith.
Should your compensation not be fair, we will consult with your insurance company on your behalf, and if necessary represent you in court. Our priority is to ensure that you receive what you deserve to rebuild your home and recover as quickly as possible from any roof damage.
Schedule a Consultation with an Orlando Roof Damage Lawyer Today
Vargas Gonzalez Baldwin Delombard, LLP, is one of the most respected law firms handling roof damage in Orlando, Florida. Our many testimonials prove our dedication to serving people like you that need help securing the insurance payouts that they deserve.
We understand the trauma and stress of having your roof damaged, don’t struggle through this difficult process alone, we are here to help you through each step of the process.
Contact Vargas Gonzalez Baldwin Delombard to set up a free consultation today!
