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Lightning Damage in Florida

With storms approximately one hundred (100) days out of the year, Florida is known as the lightning capital of the U.S. On average, one hundred (100) people are killed per year in the U.S. from lightning strikes. Of those killed, approximately thirteen (13) are killed in Florida.

According to researchers at the University of Florida, lightning kills more people per year than tornados and hurricanes combined. Given that, imagine the kind of damage lightning strikes can inflict on a property. Lightning can often cause severe damage to Florida homes, ruining your roof and projections, trees, and overhead power lines.

Attorney for Lightning Damage in Sarasota, FL

If your insurance company attempts to deny your lightning claim or offers a settlement that is less than the cost of covering your damages, the property insurance lawyers at Germain Law Group have fought against insurance companies that deny claims for damages due to lightning for the year.

We will fight to maximize your settlement. Germain Law Group has handled cases throughout the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Metropolitan area in the surrounding cities like North Port, Bradenton, Hernando DeSoto, and Punta Gorda.

Germain Law Group has experienced attorneys that take cases in Sarasota County and the surrounding counties of Manatee County, DeSoto County, and Charlotte County, FL.

Call (941) 316-0333 for more information about how an experienced insurance defense attorney can help you.

Lightning Damage to Florida Homes

Lightning can cause a wide array of issues because when it strikes, it burns and can cause minor or severe fire damage. Additionally, lightning damage can cause electrical shortages that can damage appliances, wiring, air conditioning, and plumbing. If severe enough, lightning damage could cause your home to be completely inhabitable.

In addition, an individual's home can become collaterally damaged by lightning in Florida storm. If lightning strikes a tree in a neighbor's yard that falls on your property, then that property is damaged. Storms that ultimately cause lightning also cause floods and wind damage.

Filing a Claim for Lightning Damage in Central Florida

Once lightning hits your home or property, it is important to quickly document the damage done. Take photos and note all damage you see. If possible, create a list of all property and items damaged or destroyed by the lightning or any fires caused by the lightning strike.

Lightning coverage is a very common "named peril" in insurance policies. A named peril means that the specific damage something that the policy specifically covers. Depending on the policy, it should cover any damage that results from lightning, including the fire damage and electrical damage that may result from a lightning strike.  

After you make your claim, the insurance company will investigate. Your Sarasota property insurance lawyer can file your claim on your behalf and represent you in all matters to the insurance company, including negotiating your settlement. It is important not to sign any documents that your insurance company gives you without counsel.

Denial or Undervaluation of a Sarasota Lightning Damage Claim

Some insurance companies attempt to deny lightning insurance claims by stating that some specific circumstance excludes the damage from being covered under your policy. Additionally, your insurance company may also attempt to offer a settlement that severely undervalues the damage done to your home.

An insurance company may attempt to deny the necessity for some repairs, or it may claim that your home was worth less than its value. Your attorney can take the insurance company on, arguing on your behalf concerning why your lightning damage is covered under the policy you are paying premiums for.

A lawyer may also seek to negotiate a higher settlement that actually covers your damage.

Find an Attorney for Lightning Damage in Sarasota County, FL

Insurance companies have denied lightning claims in the past due, citing alternate causes as the basis for property damage. Generally, when the insurance company cites a different cause, that cause is not covered by the policyholder's insurance policy.

The property insurance lawyers at Germain Law Group have fought against insurance companies who deny claims for damages due to lightning for years.

We will fight to maximize your settlement. Germain Law Group has handled cases throughout the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Metropolitan area in the surrounding cities like North Port, Bradenton, Hernando DeSoto, and Punta Gorda.

Germain Law Group has experienced attorneys that take cases in Sarasota County and the surrounding counties of Manatee County, DeSoto County, and Charlotte County, FL.

Call (941) 316-0333 for more information about how an experienced insurance defense attorney can help you.

This article was last updated on Friday, June 7, 2017.