One of the best things about living in Lakeland is the year-round warm climate. While most of the time the weather is beautiful, residents here know that it can also change in an instant. The sky can become darker, clouds can roll in, and large hail stones can send people suddenly running for shelter. Hail can also cause significant property damage.
In the best of cases, insurance companies will step in and provide the necessary coverage for hail damage. Unfortunately, that is often not the case. If your insurance company is trying to deny your claim, or reduce the total amount you receive, our Lakeland hail storm damage lawyer can hold them accountable for doing what is right.
Damage from hail storms is very common, and as many as 15 percent of all homeowner claims in Florida in 2020 resulted from hail damage. Hail storms are never easy to predict, but they usually occur in the mid-afternoon hours in May and June.
When hailstones are smaller, they generally do not cause harm to property, people, or animals. Larger hailstones, however, can cause significant damage to roofs and skylights, and they can also dent metal and shatter glass. Particularly heavy hail storms can even crack vinyl siding, wood, and asphalt roofs. Landscaping can also become damaged by hail, as can windows.
After a hail storm, it is important to conduct a full inspection of your property. Even if you do not see obvious damage, look for small dents that could become a bigger problem in the future, and small chips and cracks in windows that can also spread and cause issues.
If you notice any signs of property damage after a hail storm, you should call your insurance company right away. Still, it is important that you do not sign any agreements or contracts until you know all the facts about what your insurance will cover, the full extent of the damage, and what the insurer can legally deny.
You are also not required to work with a Lakeland hail storms lawyer when filing your claim, but it is always recommended. Dealing with an insurance company is not easy, particularly for those who are not experienced in negotiating fair settlements. A lawyer can advise on whether to accept a settlement and help you obtain a fair one, or recommend when you may need to file a lawsuit, which happens more rarely.
If your property has been damaged due to hail, you deserve compensation from the insurance policy you have been paying for years. At Ruel Law Firm, our Lakeland hail storms lawyer will review your policy to determine what compensation you are entitled to, and hold the insurance company accountable for paying a full and fair settlement. Call us now or connect with us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Ruel Law Firm. All rights reserved.