Property damage is an injury to property due to someone’s negligence or willful act or by an act of nature. Most Florida homeowners choose to purchase homeowners insurance to protect their costly investments against unexpected destruction or loss, and they expect that the premium they pay their carrier will allow them to achieve full compensation for damage if they have to file a claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies often reject claims or dispute their value while homeowners struggle to manage the cost of repairs themselves.
If you filed a claim with your homeowners insurance company and did not receive a settlement, a Punta Gorda personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance carrier on your behalf and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact the legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to get started.
Property Damage Claims in Florida
Because of its residents’ vulnerability to suffering property damage, Florida has some of the highest homeowners insurance premiums in the United States. Hurricanes pose a significant threat to Florida homeowners.
In addition to property damage caused by weather events, Florida homeowners also face the threat of sinkholes, which can have disastrous consequences on homes and land. Many homeowners opt for additional sinkhole coverage through their insurance carrier to cover not only the most basic repairs but also comprehensive damage. If your insurance company refuses to provide you with the coverage you need for your property damage, our lawyers can help.
Common Causes for Property Damage Claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), homeowners file the most insurance claims for weather-related issues such as wind and hail damage. This makes Florida homeowners more likely to file insurance claims than many other states, as coastal weather events can cause widespread destruction and extensive damage to dwellings. As the lightning capital of the U.S., Florida also faces the risk of property damage caused by lightning strikes, which can cause structural and electrical damage and even lead to fires. Although not as common, homeowners file claims for theft of property, as well.
Regardless of the reason for your property damage, you should not have to worry about the costs associated with damage that occurred at no fault of your own. You pay for homeowners insurance for a reason, and a Punta Gorda property claim lawyer can fight for a fair settlement in your case. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine right away to speak with our legal team about your claim.
Proving Your Property Damage Claim
The process for proving that you have a legitimate basis for your property damage claim and establishing its value depends on the cause of the damage. For property damage caused by weather, the homeowner must show their insurance company proof of the damage, such as photos or repair estimates, in a timely manner and hire a licensed professional to resolve the issue. Many times, insurance companies will only pay up to a certain amount for repairs, so you may need to submit an estimate for approval before scheduling with the contractor.
If your property damage involves theft or another act of negligence or recklessness by an outside party, you must demonstrate to your insurance company that the behavior of the liable party caused the damage because the party did not act in a reasonable manner.
In either case, if your insurance company refuses to pay or offers less than what you need to cover the damage, a Punta Gorda property claim lawyer can deal with the adjusters for you to help you pursue adequate compensation.
Insurance Adjusters Might Try to Take Advantage of Homeowners
Even if you have the most comprehensive insurance package available to you, your insurance adjuster may still attempt to devalue your claim or find a way to pin the blame on you. Insurance companies work for a profit and paying out policyholders for claims cuts into their profit. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the claims process or unsure of how much you will need to cover your property damage, your adjuster may offer you far less than what you need or deny your claim altogether.
If you feel that your insurance company has taken too long to process your claim or will not give you the full amount you need to repair your property damage, our legal team is prepared to handle your case by negotiating a fair settlement amount or, if necessary, taking your case to court to pursue just financial recovery.
Florida Statute of Limitations on Property Damage Claims
If you filed a property damage claim with your insurance company and they have delayed, denied, or devalued it, Florida law allows you a certain amount of time to take legal action in your case. According to Florida Statute § 95.11, you have five years from the occurrence of the bad faith incident, which refers to a decision made by the company that contradicts your contractual agreement to file a lawsuit in your case.
If you want to file a lawsuit against someone who negligently damaged your property, you have four years to do so, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. We recommend getting started as soon as possible so that you do not miss your chance to pursue your claim.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today for Help Pursuing Compensation
Insurance companies have an obligation to abide by the legal stipulations of your policies, and if they refuse to provide you with the coverage you pay for, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist you in moving forward with your property damage claim. We provide responsive legal care every step of the way, and we do not charge you anything unless we achieve compensation for you. Contact our legal team today for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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