divider

Blog

separator

Lightning Damage Claims Attorney

When Lightning Strikes, We’ll Bring the Thunder

/ 0 Comments /

Lightning Damage Claims Attorney

With over 10,000 insurance claims for lightning damage in Florida in 2019, it’s no surprise that the estimated property damage last year reached $74 million. Ranking number 1 for injuries caused by lightning strikes and insurance claims caused by lightning-related damage, Florida’s title of lightning capital of the US is quite believable. You may want to seek assistance from a lightning damage claims attorney if your home has been effected!

Why Florida?

According to the meteorological experts at the National Weather Service, Florida’s unique location explains why Florida takes the prize when it comes to lightning: we’re surrounded by all that warm water. July is the worst month for lightning strikes because this is when there are the most storms and more activity taking place.

Staying Safe

Lightning is one of the most dangerous and powerful forces on earth, and its effect can be deadly. Just one lightning strike can start a fire in your home or do serious damage, or worse still, can seriously or fatally injure you. Here are our top tips for staying safe:
Do:
  • Take cover indoors when you hear thunder, for at least 30 minutes after the last clap, and during lightning remain indoors.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Don’t:
  • You should avoid metal objects like fishing rods and stay away from bodies of water like lakes or the ocean.
  • Never shelter under a tree.
  • Always avoid contact with electrical items indoors and move away from windows.

Damage to homes

If your home is hit by lightning, you’ll hear a loud and powerful boom that could shake the entire house. Many homes are designed to withstand a lightning strike but make no mistake: lightning can cause significant damage to your home. When lightning strikes, it burns. Lightning can fracture concrete, brick, cinderblock, and stone, and lightning shock waves can shatter glass, blow out plaster walls, crack foundations and create trenches in the soil. Of course, lightning comes with a storm, which can also lead to water and wind damage in your home.
Your home might be declared uninhabitable following a  lightning strike if the damage is severe, especially if it caused a fire. Electrical damage is common, and lightning can cause an electrical shortage which damages wires, appliances, electronics, and the A/C system. Surges of power can destroy computers, televisions, and anything electric. Lightning can even damage the plumbing in your home. Sometimes lightning can hit a tree, causing it to catch fire, and the fire can then spread to your home or a neighbor’s home. Lightning can also be serious if it hits a power line.

Is your home covered?

Once you’re sure that the home is safe to enter, document the damage: photograph and list the damage, and note the call to the fire department. Most property insurance policies cover lightning, however insurance companies are not always cooperative – they can deny, delay, or undervalue your claim.
With years of experience, Jenkins Law PL can file the claim on your behalf, and negotiate the best possible settlement. Our lightning damage claims attorney in Florida handles lightning claims with care, efficiency, and professionalism. Don’t let the insurance company give you the runaround. When lightning strikes, we’ll bring the thunder.
separator