Property damages can be costly. Fortunately, when you purchase insurance coverage, you should be able to trust that your property damages will be covered as expected. Unfortunately, far too many insurance companies attempt to take advantage of property damage victims across the state.
A Florida personal injury lawyer at GED Lawyers could help you hold the insurance company accountable. Contact our office for a free consultation and get started on building a case so you can make the insurance company pay.
How Florida Property Damage Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Your property damage attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation into how the insurance company is handling your property damage claim to ensure you are compensated fairly. Generally, once the insurance company says you are working with a respected attorney, they will be more willing to settle your claim fairly.
The last thing an insurance company wants is to have to go to court to settle its case, as this could result in a significantly higher payout than the insurance company was prepared for. You can find out more about what to expect from your negotiations with the insurance company when you contact our property damage lawyer in Florida for help.
Our Florida property damage attorneys will also:
- Gather evidence to support your insurance claim
- Document witness statements about the damage suffered (if needed)
- Assess the value of your damages and assign a value to your case; This ensures you know what your case is worth and how much the insurance company should cover
We Can Work on Your Florida Property Damage Claim at No Upfront Cost
Our Florida personal injury lawyers are legal advocates who work tirelessly to recover compensation for our clients that meets their needs. We are here to help you hold the liable party accountable for your damages.
Property damage claims can be complicated legal matters for many reasons, but we welcome any challenge. We will help you navigate the complexities of the issue and handle your entire case for you.
The cost of hiring a property damage attorney stops many people from seeking professional legal representation, but you don’t have to worry about that at GED Lawyers. We accept personal injury cases on contingency, meaning you pay us no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. The cost of our services would come from your award settlement.
Common Types of Property Damage in Florida
Property damages in Florida can take many forms. However, you do not always have the right to file a claim with your insurance company. Some of the more common instances in which you might file a property damage claim include:
Flood Damage
You might be surprised to learn that your renter’s insurance and homeowner’s insurance policies are unlikely to cover flooding. For this reason, you should have also purchased separate flood damage coverage if you hope to file an insurance claim.
From Storm and Hurricane Damage
Florida sees its fair share of thunderstorms and hurricanes. This type of damage can have a significant impact on residential homes, businesses, and other properties. Some of the more common types of hurricane damage your family might be dealing with Include:
- Roof damage
- Damage to landscaping
- Flooring damage
- Broken windows
- Structural damage
- Destroyed sheds or garages
- Damage to pools
- Interior damage
- Water damage
- Mold
- Fire damage
- Damage caused by flying debris
- Loss of personal property
- Damage to furniture or appliances
Roof Damage
Roof damage can be extremely expensive. However, since it is a structural piece of your property, it is a necessary expense. If your home was damaged due to a hurricane, storm, downed tree branches, or other reasons, your homeowner’s insurance policy should protect you.
The insurance company should be required to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your roof and any necessary restorative services.
Fire Damage
Fires in residential areas are extremely common and can cause devastation. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Some of the more common causes of fires include:
- Arson
- Heating equipment
- Christmas trees
- Candles
- Unattended cooking equipment
- Barbecues
- Electrical issues
- Fireworks
- Smoking
- Defective lighting
Water Damage
If the pipes in your home burst or you were dealing with some other type of plumbing issue, and a water source damaged your property, you may need to get your home restored and the damage repaired. The insurance company should be required to cover these costs.
Wind Damage
When hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, and other storms cause damage to your roof, home, and property, your wind damage coverage should protect you. There are also other types of property that could be affected by wind damage, such as:
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- Expensive jewelry
- Electronic equipment
- Cars and other types of motor vehicles
- Valuable artwork
- Appliances and furniture
- Instruments
- Boats or personal watercrafts
Florida law requires insurance companies to include windstorm coverage as part of standard residential property insurance policies. However, your attorney will need to closely evaluate your policy to determine what your coverage limits are, whether any exclusions apply, and what to expect from your claim.
Florida law requires windstorm damage insurance claims to be filed within three years. Until wind damage repairs have been made, the insurance company has the authority to withhold payment.
What to Expect Filing a Property Damage Liability Claim in Florida
Before you file your property damage claim in Florida, you must make sure to go through your property and detail the items that will be included in your claim. You should keep a running list so that you do not need to draw one up after property damage has already occurred.
To prove the value of these items, be sure to keep receipts and take photos and videos of the property and assets in question, including the exterior of your home or property. As part of your description of these items, include model numbers so they can be easily identified.
Florida Insurance Company Obligations
Even though insurance companies may be obligated to settle your claim fairly, that does not mean they will do so without a fight. It is known that insurance companies can take advantage of property damage victims through various tactics.
However, under the law, these insurance companies have an obligation to their policyholders and claimants. Some of these responsibilities include:
- Investigating claims
- Representing the facts of a policy
- Investigating the claim before issuing a denial
- Taking action on claims once one has been filed
- Communicating with claimants about claim investigations within 30 days
- Notifying policyholders promptly when additional information is needed to move forward with a claim
- Providing reasonable explanation to a claimant for a specific offer or claim denial
- Explaining the reasons why the insurance company needs more information
- Issuing payments to claimants within 90 days
Any insurance adjuster who does not adhere to the previously mentioned requirements could be handling your claim in bad faith. If this happens, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the insurance company to recover total compensation for your damages.
Contact a Property Damage Lawyer in Florida Today
Per Florida Statutes § 627.70132, you have two years to pursue legal action if the damage is from a hurricane. If the property damage is from a flood or other natural disaster, then the time limitations will vary. Contact our property damage lawyers today for free to find out what the next steps are to seek compensation.
You do not need to foot the bill for your property damage when you previously purchased insurance coverage. Hold the insurance company accountable to their financial obligation when you contact a Florida property damage lawyer at GED Lawyers for help.
Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation by completing our online contact form or calling our office.
