Fort Lauderdale Flood Damage Lawyer

Do you need help with a new flood damage claim? Was your flood damage claim already delayed or denied? We’re here to fight for you!

Fort Lauderdale faces flood risks year-round from hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rainfall, and high tides. When floodwaters cause damage to your home or business, you expect your flood insurance to come through and cover the losses. When you get push back from the insurance company, delayed claims, lowball offers to settle your claim – or worse still, flat-out denials, you may feel like you have no options.

At The Bald Injury Lawyers, we spent years working for insurance companies, and we know the tactics they use to minimize payouts and dodge their obligations. Today, we use that knowledge to benefit our clients and to help you recover what you deserve. After a flood that leaves your home severely damaged, your insurance company should help you rebuild, not make recovery harder.

Our knowledgeable flood damage lawyers can fully manage your claim from day one. We work tirelessly to make sure your insurance company pays you what you are owed on your flood damage claim.

What Is Flood Insurance and Why Do I Need It in Florida?

Flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damage caused by rising water and flooding. If you don’t have flood insurance, then you are not protected from flood damage. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. If floodwaters enter your Fort Lauderdale home or business, your homeowner’s policy will not pay for repairs, contents replacement, or structural damage. You need specific flood insurance coverage to protect against these losses.

Florida homeowners can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurance companies. The NFIP is a federal program that provides flood coverage to property owners in participating communities. Private flood insurance offers an alternative with potentially higher coverage limits and different terms. Mortgage lenders typically require flood insurance for properties in high-risk flood zones, but any Florida property owner can purchase coverage regardless of flood zone designation.

Fort Lauderdale’s geography makes flood insurance essential. The city sits at sea level with coastal exposure, making it vulnerable to storm surges, heavy rainfall, and seasonal flooding. Even properties outside designated flood zones may still be at risk. Without flood insurance, you pay out of pocket for all flood damage repairs, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

What Types of Flood Damage Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance covers damage caused by rising water that affects two or more acres of land or two or more properties. This definition distinguishes flood damage from other types of water damage like plumbing leaks or roof leaks. Understanding what qualifies as flood damage helps you determine whether to file a flood insurance claim or a homeowners insurance claim.

Flood insurance typically covers:

• Storm Surge and Hurricane Flooding: Rising water from hurricanes and tropical storms that enter your property.
• Heavy Rainfall Flooding: Damage caused when excessive rain overwhelms drainage systems and floods your home or business.
• Overflow of Inland Waters: Flooding from canals, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water that overflow their banks.
• Tidal Flooding: High tides and king tides that push water into low-lying Fort Lauderdale properties.
• Mudflow Damage: Mud carried by floodwaters that damage your property during flooding events.
• Structural Damage: Damage to your building’s foundation, walls, floors, and essential systems caused by floodwaters.
• Personal Property: Furniture, appliances, electronics, and belongings damaged by flooding – if you also purchased contents coverage.
• Cleanup Costs: Expenses to remove debris and dry out your property after flooding.

Flood insurance does not cover losses resulting from moisture, mold, or mildew that could have been prevented. It also excludes damage to landscaping, swimming pools, decks, patios, and most items stored outside your home. It’s a good idea to review your policy at least once a year or when you renew it to remind you what coverage and exclusions you have and determine if your needs have changed.

What Should I Do First After Flood Damage to My Property?

Overwhelmed by unexpected flood damage to your property in Fort Lauderdale?

Your actions immediately after flood damage can protect your property and preserve your right to fair compensation. It’s important to remember that flood insurance policies have requirements, which include strict filing deadlines. To avoid having your claim denied, make sure you know what those requirements and deadlines are.

Additionally, taking crucial steps right away strengthens your claim and prevents insurers from finding technicalities to minimize or deny coverage.

Critical steps to take after flood damage:

• Always Ensure Safety First: Do not enter flooded areas until authorities declare them safe. Avoid any standing water that is near electrical sources or downed power lines.
• Contact Your Flood Insurance Company Immediately: Report the damage as soon as possible. Flood policies have strict notification deadlines you must meet.
• Document All Damage Thoroughly: Take extensive photos and videos of floodwater levels, damaged structures, ruined belongings, and all affected areas before cleanup begins.
• Separate Damaged Items: Move flood-damaged belongings to a safe area where your adjuster can inspect them, but do not throw anything away until your claim is settled.
• Begin Drying and Cleanup: Remove standing water and start drying out your property to prevent mold growth. Keep all receipts for your cleanup costs and emergency repairs.

The Bald Injury Lawyers can step in right after flood damage occurs to protect your legal rights and ensure you meet all policy requirements. We also help you avoid any missteps that could give insurers ammunition to deny your claim. Call us before you give any detailed statements to adjusters.

What If My Insurance Company Denies My Fort Lauderdale Flood Damage Claim?

A denied flood insurance claim does not end your options. Flood insurers deny legitimate claims regularly, hoping property owners will accept the denial and walk away. You have the right to challenge wrongful denials and fight for the coverage your policy promises.

Steps to take if your flood insurance claim gets denied:

• Request a Written Denial Letter: Your flood insurance company must provide specific reasons for denying your claim in writing.
• Gather Additional Evidence: Collect contractor estimates, engineering reports, and documentation that proves your flood damage and supports your claim.
• File a Written Appeal: Most flood insurance policies allow you to formally appeal denials within specific timeframes set by your policy.
• Contact The Bald Injury Lawyers Immediately: We can manage your claim from day one, but even if your claim has already been denied, you should still call our law offices. We can review your denied flood claim and challenge wrongful denials through appeals, negotiations, or litigation.

Time limits apply to challenging denied flood claims. Call us as soon as you receive a denial to protect your rights and maximize your recovery options.

Is the National Flood Insurance Program Different from Private Flood Insurance?

Yes, the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance differ significantly in coverage and in how claims are handled.

The NFIP is a federal program administered by FEMA with standardized coverage and set limits. Private flood insurance provided by independent insurers offers more flexibility in coverage amounts and policy terms – at a higher cost.

Private Flood Insurance Provides Higher Coverage Limits

The NFIP caps your total building coverage at $250,000 for residential properties. Contents coverage limits cap at $100,000. Private flood insurance offers higher coverage limits, which is essential for Fort Lauderdale properties that exceed NFIP caps. Private insurers may also cover additional living expenses and provide replacement cost coverage instead of actual cash value.

NFIP and Private Insurance Handle Claims Differently

NFIP claims must follow federal procedures with specific forms and timelines. Private flood insurance claims follow each insurer’s individual process. Both types of policies can deny or undervalue legitimate claims, requiring legal intervention to recover fair compensation.

Whether you have NFIP or private flood insurance, The Bald Injury Lawyers challenge wrongful denials and fight for maximum recovery under both types of policies.

Common Questions About Flood Insurance Claims in Florida

Florida property owners dealing with flood damage often have urgent questions about coverage, deadlines, and their legal options.

Here are straightforward answers to the most common concerns.

• Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage? No – your standard homeowners insurance does not provide any coverage for flood damage. You need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Without flood insurance, you pay out of pocket for all flood damage repairs.
• How long do I have to file a flood insurance claim? You must notify your flood insurer within 60 days of the flood damage. NFIP policies require a signed proof of loss statement within 60 days of your insurer’s request. Missing these deadlines can cause your claim to be denied. Report flood damage immediately.
• Can I appeal a denied flood claim? Yes. You can appeal denied flood claims through your insurer’s internal process. If the appeal fails, you can pursue legal action.

You can avoid missing deadlines or making other errors that could damage your claim by letting us fully manage your case from day one. If you have a claim that has already been denied, call us for help with your appeal.

Contact The Bald Injury Lawyers for Your Fort Lauderdale Flood Damage Claim

Flood damage can destroy everything you have worked to build. When you have flood insurance, you should be able to count on compensation to help you rebuild and recover from your losses.

The Bald Injury Lawyers work aggressively to hold flood insurers accountable when they deny valid claims or offer inadequate settlements. We know the tactics both NFIP and private insurers use to minimize payouts. Wherever you are in the claims process, we are prepared to help. We can fully manage your claim from day one, challenge wrongful denials, demand fair assessments, and fight until you get what your policy owes you.

Fort Lauderdale Flood Damage Claims FAQ

Still feeling unsure? More questions? These might help!