Our Hurricane Blog | Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

Hurricane damage and insurance laws are constantly being amended and revised. We stay current on these changes - it is our job, after all. Our blog page allows us to keep you updated on these changes, focusing on how these changes affect you, the insured.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fifth Anniversary of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan is Important Legal Milestone

The 2004 hurricane season in Florida will be remembered for producing four intense hurricanes, Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan, and countless homeowners insurance claims. As the fifth anniversary of these storms arrives, if you still have an open insurance claim from one of these storms, or if you feel you were not paid enough on a claim you previously made from one of these storms, you need to act now to protect your rights.

Florida law has a five year statute of limitations on breach of contract claims. If you have a claim from one of these storms that is still pending, you need to act soon or any legal action you may have could be barred forever.

If your home or business is damaged because of a tropical storm or hurricane, make sure you contact an experienced property damage attorney before settling your claim with your insurance company. Knowing your rights is important to ensuring you receive all the insurance benefits you are entitled to.

posted by Michael Cerasa at 9:52 AM

South Florida "Rocket Docket" to Set Trials on Chinese Drywall Cases

Interesting article from the Daily Business Review regarding the consolidation of Chinese Drywall cases into the Federal Court in the Southern District of Florida.

If you suspect your home contains Chinese Drywall, contact one of our property damage attorneys today for a free consultation. Given the speed with which these claims are being handled by the Courts, it is vital to protect your legal rights.

posted by Michael Cerasa at 9:44 AM

Friday, May 29, 2009

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season


The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has put together a comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Site. Anyone who lives in a hurricane prone region should take the time to review this important resource.

The first step to protecting you, your family, and your property during hurricane season is to ensure you have appropriate supplies on hand in advance in case a storm comes through your area. In advance of storms, many areas run out of important supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food items, plywood and tarps. Keeping a supply of these items on hand ensures you will be prepared in the event of a hurricane.

If your home or business is damaged because of a tropical storm or hurricane, make sure you contact an experienced property damage attorney before settling your claim with your insurance company. Knowing your rights is important to ensuring you receive all the insurance benefits you are entitled to.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Michael Cerasa at 10:31 AM

Friday, May 22, 2009

New Florida Law Abrogates Florida Policyholders Rights Against Surplus Lines Insurers

Many Floridians do not realize that there are two classes of insurance companies, admitted insurers, which are licensed and strictly regulated, and surplus lines insurers, which are not as tightly regulated, but are major providers of insurance to Floridians.

Florida House Bill 853 was passed earlier this month in the 2009 Legislative Session and will likely be signed into law very soon by Governor Crist.  The law exempts surplus lines insurers from all of the consumer and policyholder protections afforded to Floridians under Florida Statutes Chapter 627.

This bill eliminates protections against surplus lines insurers granted under the law that Floridians currently have against admitted, or licensed, insurers.  Not only does this dangerous law eliminate these protections for claims not in litigation against the insurer by May 15, 2009, the law retroactively applies to all claims brought since 1988.

If you currently have a claim dispute against a surplus lines insurer, contact an experienced property damage attorney today to learn your rights and get an explanation as to how this new law affects your claim.

Labels: , ,

posted by Michael Cerasa at 2:02 PM

The Devastating Effects of Chinese Drywall

Here is an interesting report from CNN regarding the devastating effects Chinese Drywall can have on your home.



Contact one of our property damage attorneys today for a free consulatation to know your legal rights.

posted by Michael Cerasa at 9:19 AM

Thursday, May 21, 2009

NOAA Predicts Active 2009 Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season will have 9 to 14 named storms, including 4 to 7 hurricanes, 1 to 3 of which will be major hurricanes.  The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30.  Now is the time to make sure you, your family and your home are prepared for hurricane season.  For tips on how to prepare for the season, and make your home more storm resistant, refer to:
 
My Safe Florida Home

 
Now is the time to prepare to make sure you, your family, and your property remain safe during this year's hurricane season.  If your home is damaged by a storm, make sure you know your rights before you make a claim to your insurance company.  Being prepared and knowing your rights are important in making sure you get all the insurance money you are entitled to.   If you have experienced flood damage to your home or business, don't deal with the insurance company alone. Let an experienced property damage attorney help guide you through the claim process and ensure you and your family are properly compensated for your loss. Contact us today. Se habla espanol.

posted by Michael Cerasa at 12:53 PM

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Brush Fires Damage Property in Punta Gorda

A devastating brush fire ran out of control recently in Punta Gorda. Despite the best efforts of the fire department and its brave firefighters, the fire invaded residential areas severely damaging and destroying homes, cars, boats and more. And it destroyed not just material things, but countless family memories and heirlooms valuable more in what they meant to families than in their tangible worth. 

At CGWC our experienced insurance attorneys are skilled at forcing reluctant homeowners insurance companies to pay families what they deserve when their homes and belongings are destroyed by fire or storm. If you've been the victim of a storm or fire, don't rely on the insurance company to treat you fairly. Get an attorney and make sure you're getting the insurance benefits you paid for. Contact CGWC to speak to one of our insurance attorneys.

posted by Michael Cerasa at 4:44 PM

If you have further questions about hurricane damage law, please contact attorney Michael D. Cerasa today to arrange a consultation. Se habla español.

Serving all of Florida
including:

  • Ft. Lauderdale
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami
  • Naples
  • Orlando
  • Pensacola
  • Sarasota
  • St. Petersburg
  • Tampa
  • Tallahassee
  • West Palm Beach

1.866.FLA.FIRM | Contact Us

The hiring of a law firm is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

Website Designed, Developed, and Optimized by Page1Solutions, LLC: Copyright 2008