One of the greatest challenges of living in Florida is dealing with the storms. While we don’t always have to brace for hurricanes, we still navigate stormy weather often. In fact, it’s reported that Deerfield Beach, Florida weathers a hurricane every 2.68 years. With our record breaking “acts of God”, it’s important to always prepare.

 
In this brief guide we’ll talk about what to do if your property gets damaged during a natural disaster. Understanding property damage liability is the first step to rebuilding. As experienced attorneys in Deerfield Beach, Florida, we are committed to giving you the facts you need.

Check Your Surroundings

Facing a natural disaster is one of the most frightening experiences of one’s life. Watching your things get destroyed or leaving items behind is challenging. But it’s important to always be safe and aware of your surroundings. Avoid trying to “save” items that are in the path of a storm. If you and your family must evacuate don’t return home until your area is cleared.
 
When assessing the damage remember to remain alert and move cautiously. Double check your steps, look for clear and easy paths and remain alert. Pets and animals often get lost during stormy weather and theft tends to rise.

Assess Your Property Damage

While you are assessing your property damage it is important to understand what to look for. Begin with a bird’s eye view of your property damage. Then move to more details on the damage. Some of your property may only have small damage while other parts major. To determine the extent of the damage you’ll need to assess calmly and thoroughly as well as keep meticulous notes and take several pictures. 

Contact An Experienced Property Liability Attorney

Speak to an attorney as fast as possible if your property is damaged. Avoid contacting your insurance company without representation. Many insurance providers may offer options that are not viable and create more worry for you. For example, rather than replace your floor due to water damage from a flood they may want to repair only affected areas.
 
An experienced property damage attorney can fight for a fair settlement. With an attorney’s help you’ll not have to worry about handling your claim alone and instead focus on rebuilding.

Document Your Property Damage

One of the very firsts steps you’ll need to take when facing property damage is documenting. Before leaving your property, if possible, take pictures of your assets. Your assets should include:

  • appliances
  • furniture
  • electronics
  • flooring
  • lighting
  • guns and ammunition
  • jewelry
  • automobiles
  • boats
Pictures of your items before the damage can help your reach a settlement faster. For example, if you are a professional chef by trade and your kitchen appliances are far above standard, you’ll need proof. It is always a good idea to report valuables to your insurance company as well.
 
When disaster strikes always take pictures of the damage. Also keep a journal of your days to help you recall specific events. For example, if your family was required to evacuate and you could only return home after a week, jot it down. These small details will help you build your claim. Building and detailing your claim is essential for a faster settlement.
 
Documentation helps your property damage liability attorney in Deerfield, Beach, navigate your case. Giving this information to your attorney enables your attorney to build your case. It also helps your claim be concise so that you can settle more quickly.

Remain Calm

As you face the challenges of assessing the damage to your property always remain calm. By maintaining your composure you’ll be more able to identify damage. Paying attention to details and accurately documenting your property damage is key.

Ask for Help

When you feel overwhelmed don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can get help from volunteers in your disaster area or family and friends. Asking for help enables you to keep a level head so that you’re not overwhelmed. Your experienced property damage attorney in Deerfield Beach, can also lend a hand.
 
An attorney can act as your advocate and voice when you need to make tough decisions in a pinch. These decisions often can affect you for many years. So having an experienced property damage expert on your side will prove invaluable.

Start a Journal

With so many moving parts during disaster it is impossible to keep up and follow everything. To help you manage your property damage claims, we recommend that you start a journal. Jot down times, meetings, and conversations you have had with your insurance company. Keeping a journal will help you keep track and save you time when recounting events.

You Are Not Alone

Handling property damage in Deerfield Beach, Florida is not easy. Avoid trying to handle your claim alone. Our experienced attorneys in Deerfield Beach, Florida will fight for your best settlement. They can also help you navigate your claims so that you can focus on recovery.