Compassionate Legal Representation After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation across the southeastern United States in late September 2024, affecting thousands of families and businesses. With its powerful winds, massive storm surge, and flooding, Helene damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, and essential infrastructure, leaving many without shelter, electricity, or income. The hardest-hit regions—Florida’s Big Bend and inland North Carolina—are still grappling with the destruction.
For those affected by this catastrophic event, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. Insurance claims, property repairs, and rebuilding efforts can be overwhelming, particularly when insurance companies fail to deliver fair compensation. If Hurricane Helene damaged your property or business, you need a trusted Hurricane Helene lawyer to advocate for your rights and help you recover the compensation necessary to rebuild your life.
At Dolman Law Group, we understand the challenges hurricane victims face. We’ve helped countless individuals recover fair compensation following natural disasters. Our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through the complex insurance claims process, holding insurers accountable, and ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve.
The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, packing sustained winds of 140 mph and a storm surge that reached historic levels. The storm’s path of destruction extended from Florida’s Gulf Coast, where it first struck, to North Carolina, causing widespread damage along the way. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, infrastructure was rendered unusable, and many communities were left without power for extended periods.
Florida’s Catastrophic Damage
In Florida, coastal areas faced unprecedented flooding, with storm surges as high as 7 feet reported in the Tampa Bay area. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and many homes, particularly in Keaton Beach and other coastal towns, were left uninhabitable. Nearly 90% of homes in some areas were either damaged or destroyed, displacing thousands of families.
Beyond property damage, the storm caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and left major roadways impassable, making rescue and recovery efforts even more difficult. Many residents in inland areas, often overlooked during hurricanes, experienced severe flooding and wind damage, complicating the recovery process further.
Historic Flooding in Asheville, North Carolina
As Helene moved inland, Asheville, North Carolina, experienced some of the worst flooding in its history. The French Broad and Swannanoa rivers reached record-breaking levels, surpassing the infamous Flood of 1916. Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, and downtown Asheville were submerged under floodwaters, leading to widespread property damage and loss of life.
Landslides compounded the devastation, cutting off major highways and isolating parts of the city. Buncombe County alone reported 40 fatalities, making it one of the hardest-hit regions in North Carolina. As a result, thousands of homes and businesses were either destroyed or severely damaged, leaving many residents without shelter and resources.
Widespread Destruction and the Challenges of Recovery
Hurricane Helene’s widespread destruction has created immense challenges for residents across Florida and North Carolina. The recovery process will be long and fraught with difficulties, from dealing with insurance companies to rebuilding homes and businesses. Among the most common challenges faced by victims are:
- Severe Property Damage: Many homes and businesses were damaged beyond repair, with roof collapses, flooding, and structural damage making it impossible for residents to return to their properties. In some areas, entire neighborhoods will need to be rebuilt from the ground up.
- Business Interruptions: Countless businesses were forced to close temporarily—or even permanently—due to hurricane-related damage. This has led to significant financial losses for business owners and employees, many of whom are still struggling to recover.
- Displacement: With homes and neighborhoods destroyed, thousands of families have been displaced, relying on temporary shelters, friends, or government assistance. For some, returning to their homes may not be possible for months, if not longer.
Despite the overwhelming damage, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Dolman Law Group, our compassionate legal team is here to support you. We have extensive experience handling hurricane-related claims and will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, allowing you to begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible.
Why Hiring a Hurricane Helene Lawyer Is Crucial
After a catastrophic event like Hurricane Helene, you may assume your insurance company will provide the necessary compensation to cover your losses. However, the reality is often far more complicated. Insurance companies frequently seek to minimize payouts, using tactics such as undervaluing claims, denying coverage for certain types of damage, or delaying payments. This can leave victims in a precarious financial situation, unable to repair their homes or businesses.
Hiring an experienced Hurricane Helene lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery. Here’s how we can help:
Reviewing Your Insurance Policy
We’ll thoroughly examine your insurance policy to understand the scope of your coverage and identify any exclusions or limitations that could affect your claim. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their policy may not cover certain types of damage, such as flooding, making it essential to have a lawyer review the fine print.
Filing a Claim on Your Behalf
Filing an insurance claim after a major hurricane can be a daunting process. With our legal team’s assistance, you can ensure that your claim is properly filed, fully documented, and submitted in a timely manner. We’ll handle the paperwork, leaving you free to focus on your family and recovery.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often present lowball settlement offers, hoping that policyholders will accept less than they’re entitled to. We’ll negotiate with your insurer on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance adjusters and know how to push back against unfair offers.
Dispute Resolution
If your claim is delayed, denied, or underpaid, our legal team will intervene to resolve the dispute. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we’ll fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.
Litigation Support
In some cases, insurance companies act in bad faith by refusing to pay valid claims or delaying payments without cause. If this happens, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have successfully litigated complex insurance claims and will fight for your rights in the courtroom if necessary.
Common Problems with Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims
While insurance companies are supposed to provide relief in times of need, many homeowners and business owners affected by Hurricane Helene are encountering issues when filing their claims. Some of the most common problems include:
- Claim Denials: Insurance companies may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including disputes over the cause of the damage or lack of sufficient documentation. Denied claims can delay the recovery process and leave victims struggling to cover repair costs on their own.
- Underpayment of Claims: It’s not uncommon for insurers to offer settlements that fall far short of the actual cost of repairs or replacements. This tactic is often used to minimize payouts and maximize profits at the expense of policyholders.
- Delays in Processing: In the wake of a major storm like Helene, insurance companies are often overwhelmed with claims, leading to significant delays in processing. This can leave homeowners and businesses without the financial assistance they need to begin repairs or rebuild.
- Disputes Over Coverage: Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their standard insurance policy does not cover flood damage, even though flooding is often the most destructive aspect of a hurricane. This can lead to disputes between policyholders and insurers over what is covered and what is excluded from the policy.
At Dolman Law Group, we understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with these challenges. Our legal team has extensive experience handling hurricane-related insurance claims and will work tirelessly to ensure your claim is handled fairly and efficiently.
Types of Claims We Handle After Hurricane Helene
The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene was widespread, affecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure across Florida and North Carolina. Depending on the type of damage you’ve suffered, you may need to file different types of claims. Our attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of hurricane-related claims, including:
Property Damage Claims
Whether your home suffered roof damage, flooding, or structural collapse, our legal team can help you file a property damage claim. We’ll ensure that your claim is properly documented and that you receive the full compensation you’re owed under your policy.
Flood Damage Claims
Flooding is one of the most destructive forces in a hurricane, yet many homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. If you have flood insurance, we can help you file a claim with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or your private insurer.
Business Interruption Claims
Many businesses in Florida and North Carolina were forced to close due to Hurricane Helene, resulting in significant financial losses. Business interruption insurance is designed to cover lost income and ongoing expenses during a temporary closure. Our legal team can help ensure your claim is handled properly and you receive the compensation you need to recover.
FEMA and Government Assistance
In the wake of a disaster like Hurricane Helene, federal and state government programs, including FEMA, offer assistance to those affected. However, navigating the application process and understanding your eligibility can be challenging. Our firm can assist with FEMA applications, appeals, and other government aid programs.
Contractor Disputes
After a major disaster, homeowners are often eager to begin repairs as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this can lead to disputes with contractors over the quality of work, missed deadlines, or inflated costs. If you’re facing a contractor dispute, our attorneys can help resolve the issue and ensure that your home is repaired properly.
Steps to Take After Hurricane Helene Damage

Immediately after Hurricane Helene, it can be difficult to know what steps to take to protect your property and your ability to recover compensation. The following actions can help you maximize your chances of a successful insurance claim:
- Document Everything: The more documentation you have of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the stronger your insurance claim will be. Take photos and videos of all damage to your home, belongings, and vehicles, and save receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, and other storm-related expenses.
- File Claims Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate the claims process. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can begin the recovery process.
- Protect Your Property: Most insurance policies require policyholders to take steps to prevent further damage after a storm. This may include covering broken windows, tarping damaged roofs, and removing standing water. However, don’t attempt any repairs that could put your safety at risk.
- Seek Professional Help: Whether you need legal representation, a public adjuster to help document your losses, or a licensed contractor to handle repairs, seeking professional help is essential to a successful recovery. At Dolman Law Group, we can help you navigate the insurance claims process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
What to Do If Your Hurricane Helene Claim Is Denied
If your hurricane damage claim is denied, don’t give up. Many insurance companies deny valid claims in the hopes that policyholders will not challenge their decision. At Dolman Law Group, we can help you pursue your claim through the following steps:
- Review the Denial: We’ll carefully review the insurance company’s reason for denying your claim and determine whether the denial is valid. In many cases, denials are based on insufficient documentation or misinterpretations of policy language.
- File an Appeal: If your claim was denied due to a misunderstanding or lack of documentation, we can help you gather the necessary information and file an appeal with your insurance company.
- Take Legal Action: If your insurance company continues to deny your claim or acts in bad faith, we are prepared to take legal action on your behalf. Our attorneys have successfully litigated complex insurance disputes and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help with Your Hurricane Helene Claim

At Dolman Law Group, we are committed to helping victims of Hurricane Helene navigate the complex insurance claims process and recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Whether you are dealing with property damage, business losses, or personal injuries, our experienced legal team is here to assist you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one was affected by Hurricane Helene, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact us today at 866-458-3265 or through our online form for a free case evaluation. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the financial support you need to move forward after this devastating storm.