Storm Likely to be Christened Worst in Florida History Rips to Shreds Homes, Businesses, and Lives
A solitary lighthouse still stands at one end of Sanibel Island a day after what likely will be christened the worst hurricane in modern Florida history swept away in a wind and water homes and businesses on the once idyllic barrier island. The lighthouse remains a sturdy sentinel to what once was on Sanibel Island only 24 hours earlier. It’s beacon light, however, is dark like the rest of the decimated island.
Sanibel Island Severed from Florida Mainland
A single causeway connected Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland. The concrete bridge was partially destroyed in during Hurricane Ian, rendering the entire causeway impassable. The only way to connect with what is left of the island community is over water and even that is fraught with peril. Docks and piers on Sanibel Island have largely been destroyed by the storm and subsequent storm surge.
Homes Decimated by Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island
A yet to be tallied number of Sanibel Island Homes have been destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Ian. During the first week of October, FEMA officials and others believe that they will be able to ascertain at least a preliminary indication of the number of residential properties that have been completely destroyed or severely damaged, including:
- Single family residences
- Duplexes
- Apartment homes
- Condominiums
- Prefabricated or mobile homes
Local elected officials on Sanibel Island, in conjunction with FEMA, have been scrambling to find shelter for people who have found themselves homeless as a result of Hurricane Ian. Moreover, as of the weekend following the catastrophic hurricane, utility services, including water, electricity, and gas are off on the island.
Homeowner’s insurance claims are expected to be massive on Sanibel Island. The same holds true for flood insurance claims. There is going to be a looming row between insurance carriers and homeowners regarding what damage was covered by the overwhelming winds of Hurricane Ian and what was the result of the storm surge and water. The never-ending debate over is damage from storm surge really a result of hurricane winds is at the heart of the debate.
Ultimately, a Sanibel Island resident is wise to proactively consult with an experienced, dedicated Hurricane Ian Florida homeowner’s insurance attorney like a member of the legal team at The Doan Firm at (407) 289-0000.
Businesses Destroyed by Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island
Nearly all businesses on Sanibel Island have been decimated or damaged to the point that they are shuttered and will be closed for an unknown period of time. As is the case with residential property on the barrier island, there is no firm count as to the number of businesses that are damaged either beyond repair or to the repoint that reconstruction won’t be possible for an extended period of time.
Sanibel Island business owners are going to depend on prompt payment of their Hurricane Ian business insurance claims. This includes claims for business continuation insurance, business interruption insurance, and business property damage insurance or casualty insurance.
As is the case with homeowners, Sanibel Island business are wise to seek professional assistance from a dedicated, tenacious Hurricane Ian Florida business insurance attorney like a member of the legal team at The Doan Firm at (407) 289-0000.
Protect Your Legal Rights after Hurricane Ian
You can schedule a no-cost and no-obligation initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm Hurricane Ian Florida business insurance lawyer or a Hurricane Ian Florida homeowner’s insurance attorney by calling us at (407) 289-0000. We are keeping our Hurricane Ian lawyer hotline staffed around the clock, seven days a week, including all major holidays in the aftermath of this tragic event.
We can schedule an initial consultation for you with a Hurricane Ian Florida insurance lawyer as well as a case evaluation at any one of our Florida offices:
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
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