It has been two years since Hurricane Irma hit the coast of Florida, and some people are still recovering from devastating loss. Yet some homeowners may not have been impacted as much as others. Often roof damage from a heavy storm or hurricane is not immediately apparent. Have you filed your Hurricane Irma claim? If not, or if you have discovered additional damages, it is not too late to file or reopen a claim.
Statute of Limitations
There is a limitation on how long you have to file a claim after a hurricane. According to Section 95.11(2)(e), Florida Statutes, you have up to five years from the date of the loss to file an action for breach of property insurance contract. Many people think that a lawsuit has to be filed right away. However, you actually have until September 10, 2022, before you run out of time under the Statute of Limitations.
Delayed Discovery of Damages
It is easy to miss damage from a hurricane if you were not in the direct path. If you did not have a complete inspection of your roof done after the hurricane, you may not have been aware of the damage caused until it becomes apparent through roof and ceiling leaks, which can take months or years after the damage is done. Instead of paying out of pocket to fix these leaks, you can file a claim with your insurance to get these repairs.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Negotiations with the insurance company can become difficult the longer you wait to file or reopen your claim. While you are entitled to compensation for repairs, insurance companies may try to get out of paying by suggesting the damage was not related to the hurricane. If you have any trouble getting your insurance to cover the roof damages, contact an attorney to represent you and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you have roof damage from Hurricane Irma that has not been repaired or covered by your insurance, contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.