In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, many of us are attempting to assess the damage to our homes, cars, and other belongings. In order to ensure that you receive a fair and full coverage for the damage you sustained you need to start taking careful steps by making preparations today. The preparations you make today can make the difference in getting fairly compensated for damages.
Find your policy
Before filing for a Sandy related claim, it is important to know what your insurance policy covers. In this era of increasingly frequent and severe storms many insurers have recently made changes in policies that limit their liability. Many policies now include wind and hurricane deductibles which can range from roughly two to five percent of the home value. However, the good news was that New Jersey Gov. Christie declared that Sandy was not a hurricane at the time of landfall. (more…)
The NJ Star Ledger is reporting in an article published today that aerial estimates of the damage from Hurricane Sandy are predicting that nearly 70,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey suffered damage as a result of the storm. That number is expected to grow as the full understanding of flood damage (not visible by air) becomes clear. Federal authorities conducted the assessment by helicopter counting damaged properties and tallying them. Estimates were that nearly 500 buildings were completely destroyed beyond repair. The report cited that in some places like Union Beach, NJ, nearly one in five homes are considered no longer inhabitable. That is a pretty significant statistic. In Toms River, NJ, 138 buildings are damaged beyond repair. Some that weren’t damaged by the storm itself suffered damage as a result of natural gas fires. (more…)
There was a request this week by New Jersey State Senator Mike Doherty to hear the possibility of a new law that would require free access to Jersey shore beaches that accept Federal Funds to rebuild from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. According to NJ.com, there are only five beaches in New Jersey that currently allow visitors without beach tags – Atlantic City, Strathmere, Wildwood Crest, and North Hollywood. Admission to others can range from $5 dollars a day to $15, however, season passes are available for most. (more…)
As New Jersey continues the recovery effort in the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, there are ways that everyone can get involved, regardless of proximity to the affected areas. There are volunteering opportunities as well as donation opportunities: (more…)
Reports are coming out of multiple news outlets that homeowners’ insurance claims are already being filed to the tune of around 20,000 claims a day in the Atlantic Coastal States affected by Hurricane Sandy. Given that many of the areas in New Jersey that were most affected are just reopening now, that figure is sure the explode. Estimated to top a whopping $20 billion in damages, Sandy is easily the most expensive storm to hit the region in the last 50 years. (more…)
Hurricane Injury Claims
If you were affected by Hurricane Sandy and have sustained injuries, lost a loved one, or have damages to your home that have made it so that you could not return, it might be in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in the Southern New Jersey area. Hurricane Sandy striking areas of the New Jersey shore and coastal areas caused unprecedented damage and left many unprepared for the amount of damage that was inflicted on the areas of Cape May, Egg Harbor, Atlantic City, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Brigantine, Ocean City, and Sea Isle. Obviously, the period of time following the effects of a natural disaster can be chaotic and stressful. If you have a family member that has been injured, it can add to this stress. Your first priority should be to ensure the health of your family members. You can call 3-1-1 to find out what hospitals are open and have the capacity. Obviously, in the event of an emergency, you should find transportation to the nearest operational hospital. After that, it may be necessary to seek relief as soon as possible. (more…)
Over the course of my 19 years representing individuals in criminal, traffic, and general legal matters, I have appeared in many Municipal Courts across Southern New Jersey. A former Municipal Court Prosecutor, I now bring my knowledge of the Municipal Court system to protect the rights and interests of my clients. If you have a case pending or are thinking about filing a case in any of the Courts in New Jersey listed below, I invite you to contact us. (more…)
Monday, Ocean County State Assemblyman Ronald Dancer introduced a bill for what is being called the ‘Snookiville Law’ (or bill NJ A-3273). In short, the proposed law would let townships impose their own conditions on television productions, which could include stipulations such as additional payments, licenses and rules about where they can and can’t film. Obviously, the law is named after MTV’s Snooki Polizzi, whose show (and spinoff) just wrapped filming in Seaside Heights and Manchester, NJ. The reason for the proposed law is supposedly the fights, drunken behavior, and negative portrayals of area businesses in the show. (more…)
An article over the weekend stated that AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center has reported an increase in the number of patients seeking emergency medical attention for ocean-related injuries this year. The statement is only in reference to the number (which has reportedly doubled to 24) of patients seen at their Atlantic City location. Although there are many injuries, including broken limbs, water inhalation, and head and limb injuries, that are the most common ocean injuries, spinal cord injuries are what they are seeing most. Also stated was the fact that they saw eight trauma patients seeking immediate care for spinal cord injuries during the last week of July alone – six involving surfing accidents and two involving watercraft accidents.
(more…)
Last week, the Cumberland County Dept. of Corrections held a press conference to tout the success of its program for releasing rehabilitated inmates back into the public. The program is called the ‘Last Chance Recidivism Reduction Program”. If that title sounds overly technical, it refers to a Cumberland County program which was set up to reduce the rate at which individuals who have served their sentences and have been released from relapsing into repeat offending or homelessness. The program helps certain inmates with the transition back into society through health, economic, and social services. These services include education, counseling, and being assigned a case worker. (more…)
