Doing Business in Florida Blog

Remembering Hurricane Irma

July 31, 2018
Michael J. Higer  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

Here we are just about one month away from the one year anniversary of the hurricane known as Irma. As it approached the southern tip of Florida, it roared with the ferocity and breadth of the monster of all hurricanes. Even though it quieted somewhat by the time it made landfall in Cujo Key, it was still a devastating Category 3. Thereafter, it literally

Hurricane Preparedness Should Include a Plan to Protect Critical Data from a Security Breach

June 21, 2018
Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

As hurricane season resumes for 2018, businesses should prepare for disruptions to networks, critical databases, as well as electrical power sources, telecommunications systems, and other utilities which can compromise or destroy critical infrastructure and trigger significant losses. Businesses should also take stock of their insurance coverages and

Wind-Driven Rain Insurance Coverage: A Post-Irma Review

June 21, 2018
Christopher B. Choquette  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

Over the last few years, Florida policyholders have seen an increasing trend of insurance companies relying on wind-driven rain exclusions. Many policies now exclude rain damage to the interior of a home or business unless an “opening” first occurs in the roof from wind or hail. Commonly, the insurance company will argue it is an insured’s burden to prove

Hurricane Damage Caused by Flying Debris. Who’s Liable?

June 21, 2018
Nicole Levy Kushner  |  Dispute Resolution, Hurricane Preparedness

The 2018 hurricane season has officially arrived. Damage caused by flying debris is one of the major threats associated with a hurricane. Securing loose items on your property should be part of your standard preparation when a high wind storm is approaching. But what happens when an item becomes a flying projectile during a storm causing damage to yours

Repairing Your Home or Business After a Hurricane: Know Building Code Requirements

June 21, 2018
Jeffrey Scott Bartel  |  Government and Regulatory, Hurricane Preparedness

Whether you ride out the next hurricane or evacuate to a safer location, invariably one of the first things property owners will do after the storm is inspect their homes and business locations that were in the hurricane's path for damage. Prior to the storm, it is, of course, prudent to record “time-stamped” photos and videos of the interior and

We’re All in This Together

June 19, 2018
Melanie Ann Hines  |  Dispute Resolution, Government and Regulatory, Hurricane Preparedness, Price Gouging

When the Governor declares a storm-related state of emergency, normalcy is suspended. Everyone rushes to stock up on batteries, food, water, ice, and lumber for “boarding up.” Gas stations become parking lots. ATMs run out of cash. Some people flee to hotels; others rent storage facilities for their possessions. For days on end, we are all focused on “the

Irma by the Numbers: The Claim Count Continues to Grow

June 17, 2018
Christopher B. Choquette  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

On June 12, 2018, the Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) released an update on Hurricane Irma claims data received by insurers. The total number of reported Hurricane Irma claims has reached 978,767 with losses totaling an estimated $9,701,252,056. Of those claims, OIR reports that 823,733 are for residential properties and 58,544 for commercial

Are You Caught in the Storm?: What Bankruptcy Trustees Need to Know About Hurricane Claims

June 17, 2018
Ilyse M. Homer  |  Bankruptcy Litigation, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

On the heels of last year’s Hurricane Irma, everyone is mindful about the upcoming 2018 hurricane season. Last year, Hurricane Irma hit Florida and left about 65% of the state without power. In the months following the storm, businesses in the affected areas often struggled to recover, and it was a more difficult process for some more than for others.

Workers' Compensation Compliance (Securing It and Consequences for Violation) and, State Authority to Enforce

September 17, 2017
Colin M. Roopnarine  |  Administrative Law, Government and Regulatory, Hurricane Preparedness, State & Local Government

In light of the devastating storms that have been plaguing the South this year, it is timely to remind those in the construction industry and employers in general of their workers’ compensation obligations in the State of Florida.

After Hurricane Irma: Weathering Your Insurance Claim

September 12, 2017
Michael J. Higer and Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Atlantic Hurricane Season, Florida Insurance Litigation, Hurricane Insurance Claims, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

As Hurricane Irma barreled through Florida, it left a path of destruction and uncertainty.   First and foremost, we hope that you and your families are safe and recovering well from the storm. We also want you to know that, if you sustained any damage, we are here to provide you with guidance and counsel during the insurance claim process and help ease

After the Storm: What an Association Needs to Know

June 14, 2017
Michael J. Higer  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance, Insurance Litigation

Michael Higer and Gina Clausen Lozier teaches some of the important things an association needs to know following the reporting of an insurance claim. Click here to watch. For more information, please contact Michael J. Higer or Gina Clausen Lozier on the firm’s dispute resolution team.  

Vlog: Winds of Change: Updates to the NHC Warning System

June 11, 2017
Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

Berger Singerman attorney Gina Clausen Lozier interviews WPEC CBS 12 meteorologist Lauren Olesky on updates to the NHC Warning System. Click here to watch For more information on what you need to know to protect your right to insurance benefits please do not hesitate to contact Gina Clausen Lozier in our Insurance Litigation