Picking Up the Pieces: What Comes After the Storm?
When a hurricane-spawned tornado ripped through Mariner Sands and Stuart, it left behind more than just fallen trees and shattered windows. It left homeowners facing the daunting reality of rebuilding—a reality made even harder by the challenges of navigating the insurance claims process.
For many, the assumption is simple: if you have homeowners insurance, you’re covered. But as residents across Mariner Sands and Stuart are discovering, securing a fair insurance payout isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Delays, denied claims, and lowball offers have become all too common, forcing homeowners to fight for the compensation they rightfully deserve.
At Tighe P.A., we’re standing with homeowners, ensuring they get the fair payouts they need to rebuild their homes and lives. If your insurance company is stalling, underpaying, or making the claims process more difficult than it should be, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
The Insurance Struggles Homeowners Are Facing
For many Mariner Sands and Stuart homeowners, dealing with the storm’s aftermath was only the first step in a much longer battle. Insurance companies should be helping homeowners recover—not standing in their way. But we’ve seen homeowners repeatedly face three major obstacles:
- Delays in Processing Claims – Insurance companies often take months to inspect properties, forcing homeowners to wait in uncertainty. Meanwhile, further damage—like mold growth or structural weakening—continues to develop.
- Lowball Payout Offers – Many homeowners receive offers that don’t even come close to covering the cost of necessary repairs. Some insurers minimize claims, arguing that part of the damage was “pre-existing” or “not covered.”
- Pressure to Use Insurer-Preferred Contractors – Some insurance companies insist that homeowners use their pre-approved contractors, removing their right to choose trusted professionals. These contractors often cut corners, leaving homeowners with incomplete or poor-quality repairs.
These are not isolated cases—they’re patterns we see across multiple claims. But homeowners do not have to accept these unfair tactics.
A Case Study: The Harpers’ Fight for Fair Compensation
Take Michael and Susan Harper (names and facts changed for privacy), longtime residents of Mariner Sands. When the tornado struck, their home suffered severe roof and water damage, leaving them with an unlivable house and thousands of dollars in temporary housing costs.
When they filed a claim, their insurance company delayed sending an adjuster for nearly three months. When the inspection finally took place, they were shocked by the outcome—a $17,000 offer, which didn’t even begin to cover the cost of repairs.
With mounting expenses and no way forward, the Harpers turned to Tighe P.A.. Our team:
- Secured an independent inspection, proving the true extent of their damage.
- Challenged the insurer’s lowball offer, providing evidence that the damage was storm-related.
- Negotiated aggressively, ultimately securing a $104,000 settlement—enough to fully restore their home and cover additional costs.
The Harpers’ case is not unique. Many homeowners across Mariner Sands and Stuart are facing the same challenges, but the good news is that these tactics can be fought—and won.
Understanding the Claims Process & What Homeowners Can Do
Navigating a property damage claim can feel overwhelming, especially when insurance companies make the process unnecessarily complicated. Knowing what to expect can help you stay ahead of common pitfalls.
- Step 1: Filing a Claim – The sooner you report storm damage, the better. Document everything with photos, videos, and written notes.
- Step 2: The Insurance Inspection – Insurance companies will send an adjuster, but their goal is often to minimize payouts, not maximize fairness. It may be necessary to bring in your own independent inspector.
- Step 3: The Initial Offer – Insurers frequently offer far less than what homeowners actually need. You are not required to accept the first offer.
- Step 4: Disputing a Lowball Offer or Denial – If your payout is too low or your claim is denied, you have the right to fight back with legal representation.
- Step 5: Securing a Fair Settlement – This often requires negotiation, independent evaluations, and legal intervention to ensure you get every dollar you’re owed.
Many homeowners accept their insurance company’s first offer without realizing they can—and should—challenge it.
The Hidden Costs of Insurance Delays
When insurance companies drag their feet, the financial burden falls on homeowners. These delays lead to:
- Higher out-of-pocket costs – Homeowners may have to fund repairs themselves while waiting for a fair payout.
- Loss of Use Expenses – Some homeowners are displaced for months but struggle to get compensation for temporary housing, food, and additional living costs.
- Long-term property damage – The longer repairs are postponed, the more expensive they become. Water intrusion can lead to mold infestations, structural issues, and safety hazards.
The best way to avoid these escalating costs? Act quickly and aggressively to challenge unfair delays.
Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference
The unfortunate truth is that insurance companies do not always act in good faith. Their priority is limiting their financial liability—not ensuring that homeowners get the full value of their claims.
This is where having an experienced property damage attorney can make all the difference. At Tighe P.A., we help homeowners:
- Challenge unfair denials and force insurers to honor legitimate claims.
- Negotiate full and fair settlements rather than accepting lowball offers.
- Hold insurers accountable when they delay, underpay, or pressure homeowners into bad settlements.
If your claim has been stuck in limbo, undervalued, or denied, you have the right to fight back—and win.
Contact Tighe P.A. Today for Help with Your Claim
Homeowners in Mariner Sands and Stuart deserve better. If your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or making you jump through unnecessary hoops, you don’t have to face it alone. Tighe P.A. is here to help you fight for what’s rightfully yours.
Contact us today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need to recover the full value of your claim.
“Insurance companies are dragging their feet, and it’s the homeowners who suffer.” – Dan Tighe, Esq., in an interview with CNN
Additional Resources
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR): https://www.floir.com
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-assistance
- Consumer Federation of America – Insurance Claims Advice: https://consumerfed.org
- Florida Department of Financial Services – Insurance Consumer Helpline: https://www.myfloridacfo.com
