Best Dade City Hurricane Damage Attorneys in 2025

Marc Wites Wites & Rogers Attorney at Law	Call Today 239-758-7577	View Profile
Thomas Rogers Wites & Rogers Attorney at Law	Call Today 239-758-7577	View Profile
Tyler E. Raiford Wites & Rogers Attorneys At Law	Call Today 239-758-7577	View Profile

Our Selection Process

How to Select the Best Hurricane Damage Attorney

Step 1: Make Sure You Need a Hurricane Damage Attorney in Dade City

There are multiple routes available if your insurance company denies your claim. Attorneys are needed when the amount of damage exceeds $25,000. Under this threshold, it might be better to use a public adjuster. Public adjusters will take a smaller percentage of the end settlement, and they have the knowledge to work on smaller damage claims. In cases with higher damages, an attorney may be a better fit as they have the expertise (and ability) to take the case to court if needed to get the settlement you deserve.

Evaluate your case and make sure you submit everything properly to the insurance agency. If they are denying your case, or giving you a low ball offer, it is now time to move to the next steps.

Step 2: Research Dade City Lawyers with Hurricane Damage Experience

Many lawyers out there will take on hurricane damage cases, however, only a small percentage actually specialize in this type of case. As storms continue to occur more frequently, more lawyers are building a practice in this field. Even if a law firm takes on these cases, make sure you ask how many hurricane damage cases they handle each year along with their success rate. You want to find a lawyer who has a strong track record of winning these cases as they’re often up against some of the biggest companies in the United States and their teams of lawyers.

If you can find a law firm that has extensive history handling cases against your insurance provider, you’re in even better hands. They will know the exact procedure to follow when submitting a claim against your provider.

Step 3: Schedule a Consultation with the Attorney or Multiple Attorneys

During the consultation with one or more lawyers, you’ll want to ask the above questions as well as if they have taken on any cases similar to yours as well as the results they were able to secure in those situations. In the consultation, the lawyer will generally provide you with their feedback and thoughts on your claim as well as how successful they believe they would be as your representative.

If the first lawyer doesn’t seem like the best fit for any reason, you should schedule other consultations. Beyond their expertise and experience in hurricane damage claims, you also want to make sure that their approach and communication style is compatible with your needs.

Step 4: Understand the Fee Agreement and Hire the Attorney You Feel Most Comfortable With

Almost every Dade City hurricane damage lawyer is going to send you over a fee agreement when it is time to evaluate if you would like them to represent you. Make sure you read the entire agreement in its entirety so you understand everything. Most hurricane damage lawyers work on a contingency basis - meaning you won’t pay for their services up front, instead they’ll take a percentage of the total settlement they secure. This percentage may vary from lawyer to lawyer. This is a beneficial arrangement as the more money the homeowner gets, the more they will be paid. This ensures they fight hard to get you the absolute best settlement possible.

Once you’ve determined which lawyer is the right fit for you, sign with them so they can start your case as quickly as possible. The insurance claim process can be tedious, so the earlier you begin the better. After a hurricane, the insurance company can be overwhelmed with claims. You want to be on the front end of the submittal process so you can expedite the process and get your damages fixed as soon as possible. There is also a statute of limitations when submitting a claim, so be sure to act quickly so you can get the settlement you deserve.

Recommendations While You Wait to Connect to an Attorney

Submit the Claim Properly to Your Insurance Company: In some cases insurance companies won’t deny the claim. Make sure you have followed the procedure correctly to submit your claim against the insurance company. If your offer is denied or you believe they’ve offered an unreasonably low offer, reach out to an attorney.
Document All the Damage to Your Property: Take photos and videos of all the damage. If you have comparable photos before the damage took place these will be very valuable as well. Make sure each photo has the timestamp of when you took the photos. Attorneys will use this as validation to prove the damage came from the hurricane that recently occurred to get you the proper settlement for your damages.
Mitigate the Damage to Your Property: Make sure to properly mitigate all the damages to your property that you can safely while you await the adjusters. If your roof has holes, cover them with tarps. If your windows are broken, board them up. This will help to prevent additional water from encroaching on your property.
Get Multiple Estimates from Contractors to Fix the Damage: Before the insurance company sends out their adjuster or contractors to get an estimate, it is wise to get quotes from multiple third-party contractors. This will allow you to be prepared when the insurance company provides an estimate. Often when internal companies evaluate the damage for the insurance company, they will provide an estimate that is beneficial to the insurance company and not the homeowner.
Document All Damage You Paid to Fix and Keep Receipts: After a hurricane, some damages need to be addressed immediately to correct unsafe conditions for you the homeowner — like mold or mildew. If you need to fix damages to keep your home in safe livable conditions, keep all receipts. If the damage to your property is so severe that you need to seek temporary housing until the damage is fixed, keep records of the cost of this housing.
Organize and Keep Records of All Communication with Insurance Company: Keep record of everything. Insurance companies are trained to deny claims and deny them to the best of their abilities. Documentation throughout the whole process will provide security to you. The more organized you are, the better chance of securing a good outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t Hurricane Damage Lawyers Expensive?

People are often hesitant to hire a lawyer as they’re unsure of the associated costs. As most hurricane damage lawyers work on contingency, there is little to no risk of out-of-pocket costs when it comes to hiring a lawyer. The faster you submit your claim, the easier it will be to prove the damages to your property were the result of the hurricane. Hiring a Dade City hurricane damage lawyer will help you navigate this sometimes complex correctly and approach your insurance agency properly.

Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage in Florida?

Homeowner's insurance usually covers hurricane damage caused by high winds, hail, and rain. Unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. Usually, you will have needed to purchase additional coverage to cover any flood-related damage. Be sure to check your policy with your insurance agency to ensure you have the proper coverage in advance of storms.

Am I Entitled to More Compensation than the Insurance Company Initially Offers?

In most cases, yes. Insurance companies always start with the lowest offers to see if you will give in and settle. Most attorneys will highly recommend that you not take the first offer provided by the insurance company. If your damages are in excess of $25,000 reach out for a consultation with a lawyer to get their evaluation of your claim. If you believe the damage is less than $25,000, it may be in your interest to consult with a public adjuster before proceeding.

For Which Hurricanes Can I Still File a Hurricane Claim?

Hurricane Milton Claims

Hurricane Milton impacted Florida, and certain areas received some of the most significant damage it has received from a hurricane. With all the damages just received from Hurricane Helene, many places in Florida had not fully recovered before Hurricane Milton hit. The flooding and wind from Milton sparked a whole other level of damage. An attorney can help you to submit your claim and get the maximum settlement possible. There will be an influx of claims submitted, which will cause delays with your insurance settlement. File your claim as soon as possible to get your money before your insurance company is too bogged down or bankrupt.

Hurricane Helene Claims

Hurricane Helene impacted Florida’s Big Bend Region as a category 4 hurricane causing immense damage throughout Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina making this the most widespread impact on the United States from a single hurricane. Millions were left without power and in some areas, it was total destruction. Some are saying it looks “apocalyptic” in specific cities. It will be tough to get the full amount owed to you during this process as insurance companies are facing millions of claims. Let a Dade City hurricane attorney help you navigate this process to get your money as fast as possible.

Hurricane Idalia Claims

Hurricane Idalia was historical and caused significant property damage and flooding from Florida's Gulf Coast to the Georgia border. Attorneys can help you if your Florida insurance company is not adequately handling your hurricane damage claim in. Hiring the best Dade City lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve for your damaged property.

What Qualifications Do I Need to File a Hurricane Lawsuit?

In order to file a hurricane lawsuit you MUST have homeowner’s insurance and you must have sustained legitimate damage to your property from the hurricane.

Additionally, to retain the services of a lawyer you must not have already entered into an agreement or retained a different lawyer.

What Types of Property Damages Are Accepted for Hurricane Claims in Dade City?

Wind Damage
Flood Damage
Roof Damage
Shingle Damage
Siding Damage
Other Major Property Damage

What Types of Property Can I Make a Hurricane Claim for in Dade City?

You can file claims for multiple types of dwellings and structures including:

House
Guest House
Business Property
Commercial Property
Mobile Home
Condo
Detached Shed
Detached Garage
Farm
Barn