As a Florida business owner, you know that hurricanes bring more than property damage. You must deal with income loss, employee displacement, and business reopening. Your employees depend on you for a job, and your family needs your business to run for peace of mind. Where do you turn?
At Viles & Beckman, we understand the challenges commercial property owners face after a hurricane. Our team of dedicated Florida commercial hurricane damage claim lawyers can help you get your compensation faster and potentially net you more money in the process.
Contact a board-certified hurricane damage claim lawyer in Florida immediately if a hurricane has shut your business down.
Your Policy May Not Cover All Hurricane Damage
Many business owners are surprised that their standard commercial property insurance may only partially cover hurricane damage. Insurers offer no single hurricane damage policy. Instead, your policy may cover parts of the damage through:
- Wind damage coverage
- Flood insurance (often a separate policy)
- Business interruption insurance
Before a hurricane, our Florida personal injury lawyers can review your policies to find gaps in your coverage. After a hurricane, we can tell you if an insurance denial or undervaluation is correct or if you need our help to hold them accountable.
The overwhelming devastation of a hurricane can sometimes push an insurer to use unethical pressure on you to either give up or accept a lower claim. Some may even act in bad faith. As your representative, we can oppose these tactics and get you the compensation you’re owed.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
About Business Interruption Insurance
Business interruption insurance can be an important part of your commercial hurricane damage claim. It covers the costs associated with the financial harm of not being in business after a hurricane.
This insurance can cover many costs, including your profits, temporary relocation, employee wages, and even taxes and loan payments. Since it can take months for a flooded business to reopen, this policy can keep your company running while you perform repairs.
If you’re unsure about what your business interruption insurance covers, speak with your insurance agent or with a Florida commercial hurricane damage claim attorney. You need to know what you can claim after a hurricane.
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Does My Commercial Policy Cover Flooding?
Hurricanes are known for their heavy rain and storm surge. This causes flooding. Most standard commercial policies do not cover floods because they are so common and ruinous to property. Instead, you must get commercial flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Don’t be fooled into thinking you have it if you have water damage coverage on your property policy. Water damage covers things like a burst pipe inside your building. It does not cover floods. If you try to make a flood claim on that policy, you will be denied, and the insurer will be correct to do so.
Flood insurance is essential in Florida because we are so prone to hurricanes. If you need help selecting a flood insurance policy or fighting to get what you’re owed from a flood claim, contact Viles & Beckman for legal advice.
Will the Insurance Company Be Fair?
All too often, insurance companies will work to devalue the damages you’ve suffered so they can pay you less. They’re more concerned with their profits and may cut corners because they deal with many claims after these disasters.
They may also use language in their policy to delay your claim. For example, you may need to write to your insurer instead of calling them after a major disaster like a hurricane. Read your policy carefully so you know how to report your accident.
If you are denied coverage without an investigation, immediately speak with a Florida commercial hurricane damage claim lawyer. Some insurance denials are just mistakes, but we’ll make sure that your insurer honors the policy you pay for.
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How We Can Help with Your Commercial Hurricane Claim
Viles & Beckman brings over 40 years of combined experience to your case. The services of our Florida commercial hurricane damage claim attorneys include:
- Thorough Claim and Evidence Review: We’ll examine your policy and ensure all damages are accounted for.
- Damage Assessment from Expert Witnesses: We work with industry professionals to accurately value your losses.
- Skilled Negotiation: We’ll deal with the insurance company on your behalf, pushing for fair compensation.
- Litigation if Necessary: We’re prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
Preparing for a Hurricane
The best way to protect the value of your claim after a hurricane is by proper preparation and quick action after the hurricane. You can protect your assets and file an effective insurance claim by doing the following:
Before the Hurricane
The best time to prepare for a future claim is before the hurricane strikes your business. Take these steps:
- Take photos and videos of the property inside and out.
- Make an inventory of your business’ goods.
- Take steps to secure your business against wind and water.
- Understand your insurance coverage and review it regularly for gaps.
After the Hurricane
As soon as you can safely return to your business, you’ll need to take action to build your claim:
- Document all of your damage thoroughly.
- File your claim as soon as you’ve documented the damage.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Consider speaking with a Florida commercial hurricane damage claims lawyer for legal help.
Why Choose Viles & Beckman for Your Hurricane Damage Claim
When you’re facing the aftermath of a hurricane that has destroyed your business, you need a law firm that understands how to fight against insurers and win. Here’s why companies throughout Florida trust us for insurance claim representation:
- Board-certified Florida lawyers
- A commitment to giving each case our full effort and attention.
- A 10% attorney fee discount for active and veteran military members and first responders.
Don’t Face the Hurricane Aftermath Alone
You’ve fought against the hurricane; now get help fighting the insurance company with Viles & Beckman. We’re committed to helping you get the most from your insurance claim after a hurricane.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent hurricane, like Helene or Milton, or still struggling with an unresolved claim from a past storm, we’re here to help. Contact Viles & Beckman today for a free consultation with a Southwest Florida commercial hurricane damage claim lawyer.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form