Melbourne Sinkhole Lawyer
If you have lived in Florida for any amount of time, you are likely aware of the ever-present danger of sinkholes. Indeed, a sinkhole is often a catastrophic scenario for a homeowner as it can cause substantial structural damage and make a home unlivable for an extended period of time. And when it comes to getting insurance companies to pay for the damage, policyholders often face an uphill battle with their claims.
An experienced Melbourne sinkhole lawyer can provide you with valuable assistance in dealing with the insurance companies. At the Pendas Law Firm, we represent homeowners and policyholders throughout Brevard County who have experienced substantial damage to their property due to sinkholes. We will make every effort to ensure your insurer complies with your policy and Florida law in providing you with appropriate compensation for your losses.
Will Insurance Cover Sinkhole Damage to My Home?
Although most Florida homeowners purchase homeowner’s insurance for their properties, many are not aware of just what their policy does–and does not–cover. This confusion often creates an opening for insurance adjusters to make low initial settlement offers or even deny coverage for a sinkhole claim outright. Our attorneys can sit down, review your policy, and advise you on the true potential value of your claim.
Some of the factors that need to be looked at when determining the value of a sinkhole claim include:
- the extent of the damage caused by the sinkhole;
- how much it will cost to repair that damage;
- the coverage limits in your insurance policy;
- whether or not you are up-to-date on your premiums;
- your policy’s deductible; and
- whether you have previously filed any claims with the insurer.
Based on these factors–and most importantly, the language of your policy–your insurer may be liable for the following items:
- the cost of repairing your home, including damage to the foundation;
- the cost of repairing other structures on your property, such as unattached garages, storage sheds, and fences;
- damage to personal property inside of your home or other covered structures;
- the costs of relocating you and your family while you are unable to live in your home; and
- in some cases, payments for any medical care necessary if anyone in your home is injured due to the sudden collapse of a sinkhole.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today
It is important that you never assume your homeowner’s policy will automatically cover sinkhole damage. Your insurance company may have a number of potential defenses against such claims. For one thing, your policy may not include sinkhole-related damage. If you have missed any premium payments or deadlines to file a claim, that can also be a basis for denying coverage. And even if an insurer accepts that it is responsible for the sinkhole damage to your property, it may still dispute the extent of the damage and thus the amount of compensation you are owed.
In short, you need to work with a Melbourne sinkhole lawyer who will only serve as an advocate for your best interests when it comes to dealing with an insurance company. Contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
