Almost a year has passed since Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in Florida, but many homes have still not been repaired. In Brevard, homes and businesses sustained losses of $157 million during the hurricane. People in the county submitted 45,458 insurance claims after the storm. While 93 percent of the claims have been closed, 3,065 were still open as of June 2018.
The county reports that it issued 2,778 re-roof permits between Sept. 10, 2017, and Aug. 1 of this year. Local roofing companies report that calls continue to come in from insurance companies that are working on claims.
In addition to people waiting on their insurance claims to be processed, the county is also waiting on FEMA money that still has not been paid. The United Way of Brevard reports that it is still receiving requests for help from people who suffered losses from Irma. The Brevard Long-term Recovery Coalition, which was formed in 2004 and is overseen by the United Way, has completed 34 large projects since the hurricane.
Hurricane damage claims may take a long time to be processed after a large hurricane like Irma. However, insurance companies may sometimes drag their feet and engage in bad faith insurance practices. People who have received insurance claim denials or who believe that their companies are acting in bad faith might benefit by talking to experienced lawyers who handle bad faith insurance claims. The attorneys may be able to secure settlements for their clients through negotiations. If they are unable to recover settlements, they might file formal civil complaints and fight for their clients through the litigation process. This may help people to be made financially whole so that they can move forward with their lives.
Source: Florida Today, “Hurricane Irma still raining misery for some, almost a year later,” Britt Kennerly, Aug. 10, 2018.