Choosing the best Boca Raton property damage lawyer for your claim requires doing some research. You want to find an attorney who will help with:
- Thoroughly reviewing a policy to ensure it offers the relevant coverage
- Documenting the extent of your property damage
- Submitting sufficient evidence with your claim
- Completing paperwork, corresponding with insurance adjusters, and handling all tasks that pursuing compensation may involve
That said, not all property damage law firms are the same. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to choose the best property damage lawyer. Once you know what to prioritize during your search, finding the right attorney to handle your property damage claim should be much easier than you might have expected.
How Do I Know a Property Damage Law Firm Offers Reliable Service?
Most law firms want your business. You can confirm an attorney isn’t falsely promoting the benefits of hiring them by checking whether their website has pages for testimonials or case results.
You can also search review sites if you can’t find them on the firm’s website. Your goal is to find a property damage law firm that has achieved measurable results in a case like yours before and earned positive reviews from past clients.
How Important Is Location When Choosing a Property Damage Law Firm?
Geographic location is a critical factor when seeking a property damage law firm. Here are a few reasons why hiring a lawyer familiar with your area is essential:
- They’ll have extensive knowledge of local laws and how insurance companies operate in the state.
- A nearby lawyer may be better able to provide convenient and consistent service than one who isn’t close.
- A local property damage attorney will likely have experience handling cases involving the specific types of property damage for which you’re seeking compensation.
For example, many Florida homeowners file property damage claims due to hurricane damage. A lawyer in this region will likely have handled such claims previously.
That’s not to say the best law firm is the one whose office is literally closest to your home. Prioritize finding the best property damage law firm to serve your needs within your region.
What Should I Look for When Reviewing a Property Damage Lawyer’s Fee Structure?
Find out how a property damage lawyer charges for their services before hiring them. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a retainer fee.
However, many property damage lawyers in Florida offer contingency fee agreements when representing new clients. These agreements set a lawyer’s fee as a percentage of the compensation they recover. Thus, if they don’t recover compensation, you owe them nothing.
Hiring a property damage lawyer on a contingency fee basis allows you to avoid paying upfront fees. Instead, you only pay your attorney for their services upon receiving compensation.
What Do I Need to Know About Finding a Property Damage Lawyer Who Actually Communicates With Clients?
Always ask about communication when meeting with a lawyer you’re considering hiring. Set reasonable expectations when doing so. Suppose you’re looking for an attorney with no other clients and will thus be able to respond to your calls and emails within seconds. If so, you might have difficulty finding a reputable firm to handle your case.
However, a lawyer should make you feel comfortable with your ability to contact them and learn about new case developments. Confirm how you’ll get in touch with your lawyer before signing any papers.
Also, consider how language barriers can complicate matters. If necessary, look for a multilingual firm with staff members who can translate if an otherwise ideal attorney doesn’t speak your language.
How Important Is the Age of a Firm When Choosing a Lawyer for a Property Damage Case?
A firm’s age may not be the deciding factor when considering who to hire. However, you should still factor it into your decision.
If a firm has been in business for at least a decade, that indicates:
- Its team has served the area for years.
- The firm likely offers reliable service. A law firm’s reputation often plays a critical role in its long-term success. It’s difficult for a firm to remain in business (particularly in a busy state like Florida) for years if it doesn’t do right by its clients.
- The firm and its lawyers have probably demonstrated an ability to adapt to changes in the legal landscape while still providing its clients with reliable service.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Property Damage Lawyer?
Familiarity with the type of insurance policy your case involves is another factor to consider when seeking a property damage attorney. There are several types of policies under which you might file a property damage claim, including:
- Property insurance
- Homeowners’ insurance
- Auto insurance
- Renters’ insurance
These policies may also offer distinct types of coverage, such as:
- Collision
- Liability
- Gap insurance
- Glass surfaces
- Property insurance
- Rental cars
Most importantly, try to find an attorney who has handled cases relatively similar to yours. It’s essential that a lawyer understands the policy you’re filing a claim under.
Do All Property Damage Attorneys Offer the Same Services?
No. So, confirm you’re choosing a property damage law firm that primarily works with clients like you.
For example, maybe you’re seeking compensation for damage to your business. A property damage lawyer who almost exclusively works with residential clients may not be able to serve your needs the way one with commercial experience could.
Contact Our Property Damage Lawyers for More Help With Your Case
Don’t wait too long to file a property damage claim. For instance, under Florida Statutes § 627.70132, you typically have a year to file a claim, or you could lose your right to compensation.
That doesn’t need to happen. At GED Lawyers, a property damage attorney can review your case and provide representation. Get started today by contacting us for a free consultation.
