Miami Sinkhole Lawyer
The geology of Florida is such that at any moment, your home may be at risk of being damaged by a catastrophic sinkhole. While rarely fatal, sinkholes can cause serious damage to your personal property. Luckily, a law was passed in 2007 that requires all insurance companies to include sinkholes in their normal home insurance policies. Before this law, homeowners had to purchase sinkhole coverage on top of their normal homeowners insurance. Even though this unfair loophole was eventually closed up, oftentimes insurance companies still deny coverage due to sinkholes. If you are dealing with a claim denial or your insurance company is offering an unfair settlement, contact one of our Miami sinkhole lawyers today to discuss the legal options available to you. The Pendas Law Firm provides aggressive tactics that will get you the compensation you deserve.
What is a Sinkhole and How do They Occur?
A sinkhole occurs when the ground surface collapses. Sinkholes occur naturally, as well as from human activity, according to St. John’s River Management District.
Natural Sinkholes are Caused by:
- Erosion from groundwater;
- Collapse of a cave roof; and
- Lowering of the water table.
Human-made Sinkholes are Caused by:
- Abandoned mines collapsing;
- Broken water main;
- Collapsed sewer pipes;
- A change in the land surface, such as creating artificial industrial storage ponds;
- Overuse of groundwater; and
- Drilling new wells.
Miami is naturally prone to sinkholes due to the geology our homes and business are built upon. Florida has karst topography, which means it is rich with underground cave networks and sinkholes. Karst topography is formed by the dissolution, or dissolving, of soluble rock such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. As rain seeps through the topsoil, absorbing carbon dioxide and reacting with decayed vegetation, it becomes slightly acidic. This acidic water slowly eats away at the bedrock, which in Florida is limestone, and creates tiny cracks. These cracks widen and form tunnels and caves. When enough bedrock has been eroded, the ground surface can no longer support itself, resulting in a sinkhole.
The Pendas Law Firm is Here to Help After a Catastrophic Sinkhole
Insurance companies are known for their profit-minded business sense, which often comes at the expense of their clients. They will deny claims or offer settlements far below what it would cost to rebuild, and many times homeowners don’t know where to turn. Our Miami sinkhole lawyers will use our own experts, carry out our own investigations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We won’t allow your insurance company to bully you out of a fair deal. Give us a call today at the Pendas Law Firm to discuss your legal options so you can afford to properly rebuild and repair the damage to your home.
