Lightning Damage Attorneys in Florida
Hurricanes, tropical storms and other weather events aren’t just dangerous due to the wind, rain and storm surge. Other events, such as lightning, can also lead to extensive damages, especially in the form of fires or power surges.
Welcome to the Lightning Capital of the United States
Central Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being the Lightning Capital of the United States according to the National Weather Service. The stretch between Orlando and Tampa has the highest frequency of “cloud to ground” lightning strikes in the country. If you live in this area, then you’re no stranger to the nearly daily afternoon thunderstorms that can develop during parts of year.
The frequency of lightning is due to Florida’s geographic location and the high land temperature in comparison to the low water temperatures on either side of the peninsula.
This essentially means business and homeowners in Florida have a much higher likelihood of needing to file a claim for lightning-related damage than people in many other parts of the country. Some meteorological estimates have Central Florida getting 28 strikes per square mile per year.
Lightning damage claims aren’t as rare of an occurrence as you might think. The natural electrical phenomenon is believed to cause approximately $400 million of damage nationally each year.
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The Dangers of Lightning Strikes
The most common damages associated with lightning strikes are fires and electrical system and appliance damage. There’s also a significant risk for injury, but health care costs generally won’t factor into a property damage claim or homeowners insurance policy. The exception would be in a premises liability claim where a tenant, guest or customer in a building suffers a lightning related injury that could have been prevented with proper maintenance or grounding.
Thankfully, lightning damage is a covered peril on most insurance policies, so if you can prove your business or home’s damage was a result of lightning your damage should be covered.
Common Lightning Claim Denial Strategies
Insurance companies aren’t fans of paying out large claims regardless of the source, and this includes lightning damage claims. Some of the common strategies insurance companies use to deny or underpay lightning damage claims include:
- Trying to use obscure policy exclusions based on specific circumstances to rationalize why your damage shouldn’t be covered
- Suggesting the possibility of arson and wanting to perform a longer, drawn out investigation that delays your claim payment
- Arguing with you regarding the cost of repairs or the extent of damages in an attempt to underpay your claim
Get the Lightning Damage Compensation You Need to Rebuild in Florida
If your home was damaged by a fire or power surge caused by lightning and you’re struggling to get the claim payment you need to rebuild, it may be in your best interest to speak with a property damage attorney experienced with lightning damage cases.
The hurricane damage and property damage attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga have extensive experience representing clients in all types of property damage claims. Our attorneys know how lightning damage claims work and will help you understand your options for fighting for the payments you need for repairs. Call 800-586-5555 for a free lightning damage case evaluation.