hurricane – Corless Law Group https://corlessbarfield.com Team CLG Litigates High-Stakes Insurance Disputes and Personal Injury Cases Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:43:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://corlessbarfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/favicon-150x150.png hurricane – Corless Law Group https://corlessbarfield.com 32 32 The Importance of a Hurricane Damage Lawyer in Florida https://corlessbarfield.com/2023/04/10/the-importance-of-a-hurricane-damage-lawyer-in-florida/ https://corlessbarfield.com/2023/04/10/the-importance-of-a-hurricane-damage-lawyer-in-florida/#respond Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:43:29 +0000 https://corlessbarfield.com/?p=5190 Read More...

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Hurricane season 2023 is bearing down on Florida.  It’s now less than 100 days from the official June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season.  The National Hurricane Center chose this six-month period because it accounts for 97% of all Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes, according to NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division.  But remember, Mother Nature decides when hurricane season starts as there have been powerful storms prior to the official start date.  

Global warming is increasing the intensity and frequency of storms, and it’s capable of shifting wind patterns, which will further increase hurricane risk, steering hurricanes closer to the Gulf Coast and East Coast.  Climate change is creating stronger hurricanes that contain more moisture and rapidly intensify.  It only takes one storm for any region to have a record-breaking hurricane season. 

For example, Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, from Naples and Fort Myers to Orlando and Daytona, leaving tens of thousands of residents with homes that are uninhabitable.  According to a NOAA report, the storm ranked as the costliest disaster in the U.S. for 2022 and racked up a total cost of $112.9 billion in damages.  Many insureds who were affected called Corless Law Group to receive adequate compensation.  We still have property owners reach out about Hurricane Ian claims and will continue to fight for their rights to coverage.

We work with numerous stakeholders, including engineers and claims adjusters, on Hurricane Ian cases.  We guide our clients through every step of the claims process.  You should be aware of your rights under your insurance policy because many policyholders who file claims may find that the compensation the insurance company proposes is less than adequate to cover replacement or repair costs.  

Victims of storms should consider seeking assistance from an experienced and knowledgeable property damage attorney.  Corless Law Group has successfully handled thousands of property damage cases involving hurricanes and severe storms.

Preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm before the season begins will ensure you have plenty of time to gather supplies and stock up on other resources while reviewing the details of your insurance policy.  If your home or business suffers damage, you will want to hire a seasoned Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney for assistance in recovering all of the money you are owed under your policy.

If you are a homeowner, business owner, Community Managed Association, or serve on the Board of your Homeowner’s Association, a property damage attorney can help you receive full and fair compensation in an insurance dispute.  We are your top storm damage attorneys serving insureds throughout the Sunshine State. 

Property owners may face resistance from insurance companies who are determined to deny or delay valid claims as well as minimize payments.  We have secured record-setting verdicts and settlements for Florida insureds who experienced property damage due to a hurricane or severe storm. 

Corless Law Group has a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates for policyholders. We offer free consultations and the sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can get started on your property damage claim.  Call us today at 813-258-4998

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Autopsying Ian:  What Property Owners Should Know After Hurricane Ian https://corlessbarfield.com/2022/09/29/autopsying-ian-what-property-owners-should-know-after-hurricane-ian/ https://corlessbarfield.com/2022/09/29/autopsying-ian-what-property-owners-should-know-after-hurricane-ian/#respond Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:21:57 +0000 https://corlessbarfield.com/?p=5092 Read More...

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Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida as a strong Category 4 storm.  It unleashed catastrophic floods and life-threatening storm surge along with wind damage and tornadoes.  Millions of people remain without power.  Hurricane Ian’s devastating impacts were felt throughout Florida, including in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. 

Our goal at Corless Law Group is to help property owners recover as quickly and as fully as possible after a storm strikes. If you have residential or commercial property damage after Hurricane Ian, allow us to get you the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.  Hurricane Ian has left catastrophic property damage across the Sunshine State, from Punta Gorda and Sarasota to Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona.  Homeowners and business owners who have sustained property damage should not have to struggle to get the money they deserve from their insurance policy. Corless Law Group insurance claims attorneys are fierce advocates for policyholders who have experienced storm damage to their property.  We have successfully represented thousands of homeowners and business owners in the State of Florida for the past 25 years. 

Remember to take photos or videos of the damage to your property.  Make a list of all the damaged items, including their make, model, and serial number.  Additionally, get your property inspected by a licensed professional because the effects of a hurricane may be subtle and sometimes they can only be uncovered by a professional. 

All homes and businesses should be carefully inspected for damage to roofs, siding, fences, and other structural elements.  Common types of property damage associated with hurricanes include:

  • Flood/water damage
  • Toxic mold
  • Tornadoes/wind damage
  • Flying debris-related damage
  • Smoke/fire damage
  • Temporary relocation expenses 
  • Broken windows and doors
  • Cleanup expenses 

If Hurricane Ian damages your property, let our experienced team of lawyers and engineers get you the legal protection you deserve and the maximum compensation possible.  We will carefully review your insurance policy and inspection reports as well as assess your property damage claims.  With over $500 million in jury verdicts and negotiated settlements, we have experience dealing with Large Loss, complex insurance claims.  

Contact us as soon as you can at 813-258-4998.  Our Tampa-based law firm counsels and represents insureds throughout Florida.  We will not allow insurance companies to undervalue, delay or deny valid property damage claims.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you in a crisis.    

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Storm Damage Solutions for Sunshine State Policyholders https://corlessbarfield.com/2022/05/03/storm-damage-solutions-for-sunshine-state-policyholders/ https://corlessbarfield.com/2022/05/03/storm-damage-solutions-for-sunshine-state-policyholders/#respond Tue, 03 May 2022 14:44:43 +0000 https://corlessbarfield.com/?p=5023 Read More...

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The 2022 hurricane season is one month away and with Hurricane Preparedness Week running from May 1 and ending May 7, it’s time to start getting hurricane plans ready so that you can prepare your home, family, and pets for the upcoming season. We recommend that homeowners, business owners, condo owners, HOAs, and renters prepare now.  Make preparedness a priority during the month of May.

During Hurricane Preparedness Week, everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone community should take time to ensure they have adequate legal and financial protection for their property and possessions while also taking steps to make their home or business more resilient to the impacts of storm damage.  The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.  

Predictions from scientists at Colorado State University say there will be at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes in 2022. An average season normally has 14 named storms.  This year’s storm season is expected to bring above-normal activity.  Storm damage can include wind, flood, fires, mold, lightning, hail, and tornadoes.  

Corless Law Group takes a results-oriented approach to litigating storm damage claims while passionately protecting the rights of residential and commercial property owners.  During Hurricane Preparedness Week, it is important to complete the following: 

  • Determine your risk
  • Develop an evacuation plan
  • Assemble disaster supplies/emergency kit, including food and water to get you through seven days plus a first aid kit and a weather radio with batteries in case the power goes out
  • Collect important documents related to your house, car, and medications
  • Start your insurance review process by reading the declarations page of your policy for details on how much coverage you have, your deductibles, and how a claim will be paid
  • Strengthen and secure your home
  • Keep cash on hand if ATMs and credit card readers are not working or accessible due to hurricanes or related outages

Property owners who pay insurance premiums to make sure they are covered for storm damage are often disappointed when they discover that the process of filing a claim, collecting what they think is owed to them, and getting repairs made satisfactorily is frustrating because their insurance company attempts to delay, deny or underpay valid claims and repairs.  Corless Law Group doesn’t want to see this happen to you so call us at 813-258-4998 for a free, no-obligation consultation.  

The destructive path of hurricanes can reach far beyond the initial storm damage.  Storms can be financially devastating for someone whose home or business has been severely damaged or even completely destroyed.  It is important to understand the elements that might affect your insurance payout after a hurricane, so speak to our experienced property damage claim lawyers.   

We leave no stone unturned and try to provide you with the best possible outcome for your case.  While some property damage claim lawyers focus their practice on specific geographic areas of Florida, Corless Law Group has a track record of successfully litigating insurance disputes throughout the Sunshine State, from the Florida Keys to Daytona and Fort Myers to Tampa.   Florida’s coastal exposure means that when hurricanes hit, a lot of people are negatively impacted, which is why you need a property damage claims attorney fighting for your rights.  If your insurance company refuses to cover the extent of your hurricane damage, talk with an experienced hurricane and property damage attorney at Corless Law Group. 

For each case, I bring 25+ years of litigation experience handling insurance dispute cases.  Our team provides free consultations to review the details of your property damage claim to determine the best path forward.  Contact us at 813-258-4998.  We help Florida policyholders secure full and fair compensation to fix their property and get their lives back on track after hurricanes and other devastating storms. 

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Climate Change Will Affect Storm Damage Insurance Claims https://corlessbarfield.com/2021/02/17/climate-change-will-affect-storm-damage-insurance-claims/ https://corlessbarfield.com/2021/02/17/climate-change-will-affect-storm-damage-insurance-claims/#respond Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:17:40 +0000 http://corlessbarfield.com/?p=4694 Read More...

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Wild Weather

The winter of 2021 is already historic, with the majority of the U.S. seeing the coldest (and iciest) weather in memory, including in areas not accustomed to extreme cold conditions.  Winter and ice storm advisories stretch from the Gulf Coast up to New England, across the Midwest and impact the Pacific Northwest.  Deep freezes and dangerously low temperatures have triggered rotating blackouts, leaving four million people without power at a time.

One of the hallmarks of climate change and global warming is these wild swings in temperature, precipitation, and the number of severe storms.  Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County, Texas said, “We’re seeing, basically, the winter version of Hurricane Harvey.” 

Global Warming’s Impact on Storms

Devastating hurricanes, torrential floods, crippling tornadoes, and even severe winter storms are extreme weather phenomena that result from global warming, and they can cause untold, deadly damage along with major property destruction.  

Planet Earth’s climate is changing and ocean water temperature is warming.  This change is leading to increased intensity of tropical storms and property damage.  The latest research shows the trend is likely to continue as long as the climate continues to warm.  

Hurricanes will continue to be one of the most destructive weather events on the planet.  In particular, hurricanes are retaining far more of their strength when they hit land because of global warming.  The warmer the water temperatures, the more heat energy is available and the higher the potential for tropical cyclones to develop.  The warmer the air is, the more moisture it can hold and the more rain it produces.  It’s a recipe for property damage disasters. 

2020 had a record-breaking hurricane season. The first predictions for the 2021 hurricane season courtesy of Colorado State University reveal that 2021 is likely to be another active year. The rationale?  The Pacific Ocean’s phase is currently in a moderate La Niña pattern, which typically allows for more favorable conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Benefits of Hiring a Hurricane Insurance Claims Lawyer

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) has released the final 2020 update to its Billion-dollar disaster report, officially confirming that there were 22 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters across the U.S., shattering previous annual records.  The 22 events – including tropical cyclones and other severe storms – cost the nation a combined $95 billion in damages. 

The danger to property when we’re talking about hurricanes and tornadoes is serious.  With a combination of stronger storms, sea levels rising, increased coastal populations, and infrastructure exposure, damages and disruptions will continue to mount.

Florida property owners rely on insurance to protect them and cover losses caused by hurricanes and other storms. But it is necessary to hire a hurricane insurance lawyer to maximize coverage and help process insurance claims, especially Large Loss ones involving multi-unit dwellings.  

After suffering hurricane or storm damage, property owners may choose to file a claim with their insurance to seek coverage for damage. However, insurance companies’ first line of defense is to delay, deny or offer an amount that is insufficient to compensate a property owner for damage.  That is why you need the help of a knowledgeable hurricane insurance claims lawyer.

Our lawyers have extensive experience interpreting the language within property insurance policies and fighting for claims payouts that are fair for property owners who have sustained property damage in the aftermath of a hurricane or storm.  Speak to a member of our law firm today.  Call 813-258-4998 or email service@corlessbarfield.com.

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Dos and Don’ts of Property Damage Disputes https://corlessbarfield.com/2020/01/28/dos-and-donts-of-property-damage-disputes/ Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:03:28 +0000 http://www.corlessbarfield.com/?p=2779 Read More...

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DO hire an attorney who regularly represents policyholders in all aspects of the insurance claims process. Corless Barfield Trial Group’s experienced and knowledgeable lawyers will help you file an insurance claim in a court of law and take care of the entire process for you.

DON’T take an insurance company’s first offer. Insurance claim litigation often arises when an insurance provider is not ready to honor the agreement in an insurance policy. Your insurance provider may pay far below what you’re entitled to as compensation.  That is why you need a Florida property damage trial attorney to represent you in your hurricane damage, storm damage, sinkhole, catastrophic ground cover collapse, fire loss, and water damage disputes.

DO judge the experience of past clients when you are hiring a property damage insurance attorney. Our skill and expertise at the negotiation table and in the courtroom are unmatched. We accept cases from property owners whose homes, buildings, businesses, and other belongings have sustained significant damage due to a natural disaster or any unforeseen circumstances. Our clients include HOAs, Community Management Associations, and Licensed Community Association Managers. 

DON’T trust insurers. Insurance company adjusters work on behalf of insurance companies to deny, delay or minimize the value of your claim. They will use biased or unseasoned claims adjusters and biased engineers. However, Corless Barfield Trial Group levels the playing field by retaining expert contractors and engineers to make an independent (and substantiated) evaluation of your property damage case.

DO get a free case evaluation. It takes resources, legal knowledge, and tenacity to effectively counter an insurance provider’s attempts to undervalue, delay, or deny an insurance claim. Corless Barfield Trial Group is a Large Loss Lawyers firm. We represent clients in high-end property damage disputes.

DON’T handle your insurance dispute alone. Most insurance companies will make every effort to deny your property damage claim or pay out as little as possible. If you find yourself involved in a property damage insurance dispute with your insurer, contact Corless Barfield Trial Group at 813-258-4998 for a free initial consultation. We are available 24/7, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.  We represent clients throughout the state of Florida.

DO engage a law firm that represents clients in many types of insurance claims, including:

  • Windstorm
  • Water Damage
  • Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage
  • Roof Damage
  • Lightning 
  • Fire / Smoke Damage
  • Construction Defects
  • Mold / Bacteria 
  • Sinkholes 
  • Foundation Cracks 

As a property owner, there are a variety of issues to tackle in the event that your property is damaged by natural forces or human error. Act now to ensure that your insurance company provides fair and just compensation.  For your free initial case consultation, call 813-258-4998. 

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2019 Hurricane Season: How Do I Handle My Hurricane Claim https://corlessbarfield.com/2019/07/30/2019-hurricane-season-how-do-i-handle-my-hurricane-claim/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:43:04 +0000 http://www.corlessbarfield.com/?p=2641 Read More...

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Living in Florida comes with many benefits such as warm temperatures, access to beautiful beaches, and year-round outdoor activities. Yet Florida is also known for its destructive hurricane season that has the potential to wreck property and cause serious damage, which can have negative impacts long after the storm has passed.  Adding to a property owner’s stress is when an insurer delays, denies or underpays a legitimate claim for property damage. 

An experienced Florida hurricane lawyer can help resolve your insurance coverage claim.  Property owners, property managers, HOAs, Community Management Associations, and Licensed Community Association Managers don’t have to fight insurers alone for compensation stemming from storm damage.

The nationally recognized law firm of Corless Barfield Trial Group has built a tradition of success and a strong reputation for favorable results to ensure property damage claim interests are protected.  We are able to provide the resources needed to navigate the insurance claims process for Florida clients. Contact Corless Barfield Trial Group today at 813-258-4998 for a free consultation regarding your insurance policy for property damage caused by any of the following:

✓ Hurricanes

✓ Tropical Storms

✓ Flooding

✓ Winds

✓ Hail

✓ Impact Damage

✓ Lightning

Did you suffer property damage in a storm?  Is your insurance company offering you less than you need to repair the damage, or are they denying your claim entirely?

Our law firm provides skilled and knowledgeable attorney representation to homeowners, businesses, and condominium owners and associations throughout Florida who have suffered property damage due to hurricanes or tropical storms.  

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your property is to know your rights. Insurance companies in Florida use a number of different tactics to deny and delay payment for storm-related damage.  What are the pitfalls you should look for? Insurance companies attempt to dispute coverage for storm damage claims because …

  1. damage was allegedly pre-existing 
  2. damage was caused by flood or wind not covered under the policy 
  3. failure to mitigate
  4. damage was not reported immediately.

Insurers may sometimes provide only a portion of the coverage you need for your property damage and fail to acknowledge the severity of the actual damage with its associated costs for repair or replacement. As a result, if your residence or business has suffered storm damage, it is best to have an attorney representing your rights and interests. 

Corless Barfield handles hundreds of cases for insureds who are in need of advice or representation against insurance companies after storm damage. We’re ready to investigate your claim, gather evidence to support your position, and help you achieve the best possible outcome at trial.

As dedicated trial lawyers who have more than 20 years of experience with hurricane and property damage insurance claims, the attorneys at Corless Barfield Trial Group are ready to fight for your rights. Receive a case evaluation on your hurricane or property damage claim from the attorneys at Corless Barfield by calling 813-258-4998. 


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