Lightning Damage Claims
Lightning bolts can cause fires, explosions, fried electrical devices, and ground surges. Because lightning holds such massive amounts of energy, a bolt can leave behind heavy damages. When lightning strikes a building, there is also the risk of injury to people inside if there is any structural damage or fires. After you’ve experienced damages because of lightning, you can contact your insurer to seek compensation. If you believe the compensation is too little, you can speak with an attorney to help you get fair coverage for your damages. Call Florida Home Care today for a free consultation.
How do you prove insurance damage was caused by lightning?
After a lightning strike hits your home and causes damage, you can take pictures of the damage and list what property was destroyed. Your insurer will also check to see what lightning happened in your area, along with the date and time that you reported. They will also send an appraiser to review the lightning damage to compensate you with an accurate amount.
What is lightning damage?
Most lightning damage results in a massive current flowing through the ground and other surfaces. This can result in 300 kilovolts of power that heats up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat that causes this damage can also spark fires and cause additional hazards. If you are physically injured by lightning during the strike, it can cause burns, cardiac and respiratory arrest, ear and eye damage, and other wounds.
How bad is lightning damage?
The damages caused by lightning can range from fried electronics to explosions. Equipment can be damaged due to power surges and unpredictable spikes in electricity. Lightning can ignite fires by heating up dry materials or through electrical sparks. The ground surges caused by lightning are also a concern, as they can still cause power surges and overheat appliances.
How do you check for lightning damage?
The first thing you have to do is check for any heat or smoke coming from your rooftop. You can also check for charred electrical outlets to ensure that the electrical system is still intact. Go through all of your appliances to ensure that none of your electronics are destroyed. You should check for signs of fire and check your entire home. You should pay attention to any strange scents, such as electrical fires, and listen for any buzzing or hissing sounds. Look for burn marks around electronics and any damage to electrical panels. You can also check the roof, foundation, and siding damage to see any exposed wires, holes, dislodged beams, and more.
What qualifies as lightning damage?
Any lightning that comes from a storm that results in damages is typically qualified as lightning damage. If your personal property was destroyed because of a lightning strike, there are usually identifying signs caused by an electronic surge. For example, expensive appliances can be fried, there is damage to wiring inside the walls of your home, or some of your home’s occupants were shocked, resulting in severe injuries. Your insurer will send an appraiser to review the damages and use a standard protocol to check for lightning-specific damages.
Do insurance companies pay for lightning damage?
Insurers typically cover destruction caused by lightning under storm damage coverage. This includes replacement cost coverage and any medical bills resulting from lightning bolt injuries.
What do you do if you have lightning damage?
You should call 911 immediately and let authorities know your home was struck by lightning. You may not have detected a fire hazard, but a fire department will arrive to check that your property is not in any danger of burning down. They will use thermal imaging cameras to see inside the walls of your home to make sure no electrical wiring can spark and start a fire. Once your home has been cleared, and you are safe to stay home, you can inform your insurer of what happened. If you received severe burns or a shock, you can see a doctor to get medical treatment. You will need to provide them with pictures of the damages, a list of the destroyed property, and information about any medical aid you received. If you believe your coverage doesn’t fully reflect your damages, you can contact an attorney to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get Help With Your Lightning Damage
After your home has been hit by lightning, you should record what was destroyed and list any health hazards you encountered. If your insurer isn’t providing you with the correct coverage, you can work with a qualified legal team to help you obtain fair compensation. Call Florida Home Claim now for a free consultation.
