Dealing with extensive water damage, fire damage, or wind damage to your roof can be devastating. You may even have to relocate if your home is uninhabitable. Fortunately, because you pay a monthly homeowners insurance premium, it should cover your related losses. However, going through the claims process, especially for the first time, can prove challenging.
A Panama City roof damage insurance claims lawyer at our firm can handle your claim so you don’t have to worry about it. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, and we’ll be there when you need us. You can trust our Panama City property damage lawyers to negotiate with the insurance company and pursue the coverage you deserve. Reach out to GED Lawyers today for a free consultation.
How Our Panama City Roof Damage Insurance Claims Attorneys Can Help You
You don’t have to fend for yourself when trying to file a property damage claim because we’re here for you. We have been representing clients since 1995 and have secured upwards of $26 million for them. Although we cannot promise to recover a specific amount for you, you can rely on us to pursue maximum compensation. In doing so, we will complete these tasks:
- Explain your options for coverage after reviewing your insurance policy
- Compile an evidence file
- Correspond with the insurance company via phone or email
- Fight for a fair settlement during negotiations or a trial
Everyone deserves access to legal representation, and we make that easy for our diverse community. As such, we have a multilingual staff with members fluent in Arabic, Creole, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Our Panama City personal injury lawyers will also serve you on contingency. We charge nothing upfront or out of pocket, and you owe us nothing unless and until we secure compensation for you.
Starting a Roof Damage Insurance Claim in Panama City
After you’ve ensured your loved ones are safe, inform your insurance company about the roof damage immediately. Otherwise, they may dispute or reject your claim. Notifying them will also serve as the first step in the claims process.
You should also document the roof damage. Take pictures of the roof from several different angles. If you made any temporary fixes, like covering a leak with a tarp, capture that, too. This will show the insurer you have done what you could to mitigate further damage. You may also want to record a video and narrate what you show to give a more detailed description of what happened.
Next, contact a professional inspector to assess the damage. They may find issues that you weren’t aware of. Following their evaluation, the inspector can compile the list of damages and estimated repair costs. Get a copy of this documentation and include it in your evidence file. Your Panama City home insurance claims lawyer can submit all evidence, including receipts, photographs, and invoices, as proof of loss when filing your claim.
Water, Wind, and Fire Are Common Causes of Roof Damage in Panama City
Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or tropical storms can wreak havoc on a roof. Heavy rain can cause significant damage, including:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Roof leaks
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Clogged gutters
- Sagging ceilings
- Ruined insulation
Strong winds can cause roof shingles to blow off, curl, or crack. Sometimes, the wind can be so powerful that trees, streetlights, powerlines, or debris can fall onto the roof, causing extensive damage.
Fire is also a risk to roofs, such as when lightning hits a nearby power source and ignites a fire. This could char the roof framing and sheathing, exacerbate leaks, or melt or warp shingles.
All of these disasters may set the foundation for a roof damage claim in Panama City. Other types of damage can impact the roof and qualify you for coverage, but these are among the most common we see. To learn more about your eligibility to seek coverage, contact GED Lawyers today.
Following the State-Enforced Filing Deadline After Roof Damage in Panama City
Complying with the state deadline for filing a claim is vital for recovering compensation. According to Florida Statutes § 627.70132, property owners typically have one year from the day of loss to act. Some claimants may qualify for an extension, but it’s always best to start working on your claim immediately.
Any delay could put your claim at risk, potentially releasing your insurance carrier from liability. However, if you give our legal team enough notice, one of our Panama City roof damage claim attorneys can help ensure this isn’t your fate.
Our Panama City Lawyers Can Defend You if You Receive a Claim Denial
Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny property damage claims. Your insurance carrier may reject your claim for any of these reasons:
- Normal wear and tear caused the damage or made it worse
- The event that caused the damage is not a covered peril
- You did not provide enough evidence
- You did not perform proper roof maintenance
- Your coverage is insufficient
- The damage was pre-existing
- You did not take appropriate measures to prepare for and prevent the damage
If the insurance company denied your claim for an unscrupulous reason, one of our Panama City bad faith insurance claim attorneys can determine why, collect additional evidence if necessary, and file an appeal. If necessary, they can also help you get a second opinion on the roof damage and discuss the reason for denial with the insurance company to get more clarity.
Start Working With Our Panama City Roof Damage Insurance Claims Lawyers
We are a law firm with a history of winning, all while putting our clients first—just look at our reviews. Our Panama City roof damage insurance claims attorneys stand ready to pursue just coverage for you.
If your home experienced roof damage and you want help with the claims process or filing an appeal after a denied claim, call GED Lawyers today for a free initial consultation. We are available on weekends and evenings for appointments when necessary.
