Hurricane Sandy Insurance Claims. Hurricane Sandy, one of the worst storms to ever hit the United States, is responsible for at least 82 deaths, 8.5 million power outages and billions of dollars in damages. In the aftermath of the storm, many victims near the east coast have found themselves surrounded by wreckage because of wind damage, water damages, fire and other disasters.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may attempt to deny claims from victims or offer less than they deserve. If you are a victim of Hurricane Sandy and need to file an insurance claim, you may have valuable legal rights. Contact one of our experienced hurricane claims attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP today.
Areas That Were Heavily Affected
Hurricane Sandy affected 18 states in the U.S., causing horrific damage. Areas that were heavily affected by the “superstorm” include New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, West Virginia and Washington D.C. In total, a record of 8.5 million power outages and 82 deaths were caused by Sandy.
In New York alone, 34 people died and power outages peaked at 2.2 million. Public transportation grinded to a halt as the city attempted to combat the flooding and damage from the storm. Breezy Point, a beach community located in Queens, suffered some of the worst damage when a six-alarm fire destroyed 111 homes and damaged 20 others.
Neighboring New Jersey was also hit hard, with 14 deaths and 2.7 million residences without electricity. Nearby, Connecticut suffered three deaths and 620,000 power outages. The loss of power has become a political issue in the state.
Meanwhile, 8 buildings collapsed in West Virginia. Unlike other areas, the state was hit with snow amounting to nearly 3 feet in some regions. At least 6 deaths and 271,000 power outages were caused by Sandy in West Virginia. Washington D.C., who shut down early voting for two days, experienced 25,000 power outages because of the storm.
Hurricane Sandy Insurance Claims
Parker Waichman is taking cases where insurance companies claim damage from flooding. Typically, homeowners insurance does not cover damage from flooding. Insurance companies may use floods, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of water of spray from water as a reason to deny your claim. However, it is important for homeowners in this situation to realize that their damages may still be covered. Speak with an attorney at Parker Waichman LLP to find out your legal rights. It is also wise to consult a lawyer if you have filed a claim and the company has made an offer. Generally, people who are represented by an experienced attorney have a better chance of receiving greater compensation.
Hurricane Resources
Google Hurricane Sandy Crisis Map – FEMA disaster declared areas, power outage information, shelters and recovery centers, flooding, evacuation routes, weather, public alerts, evacuation routes
Hurricane Sandy and FEMA on Twitter – gives public information on what to do before, during and after a Hurricane.
Hurricane Sandy and The American Red Cross on Twitter – the official twitter stream for the American Red Cross.
Homeland Security – the official twitter stream for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Disaster Distress Helpline – National Center: a free, public program for those in distress related to different kinds of disasters in the US, including the Hurricane.
1-800-985-5990
Hurricane Sandy and Related Twitter hashtags
#Sandy
#hurricane
#hurricanesandy
@MTAInsider for information related to the MTA subway service
Sources:
Need Legal Help Regarding Insurance Claims?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
