Jacksonville Sinkhole Lawyers
Florida Attorneys: Sinkhole Damage Claims
Sinkholes can be a catastrophic problem for Florida residential and commercial property owners. Cracks in the foundation, cracks around doors and window frames, difficulty opening and closing windows and doors, sloping floors and other evidence of settlement may be indicators that your home or business property could be affected by a sinkhole. If your property damage is in fact caused by sinkhole activity, your insurance policy may provide coverage.
If you have questions about your rights under your homeowner's insurance policy, commercial liability policy or other insurance policy, contact the Jacksonville sinkhole attorneys of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A., at 904.398.9999, or in Florida contact us toll-free at 1.800.344.1122
Experienced Florida Sinkhole Damage Claims Attorneys
Property damage claims involving sinkhole-related damage can be difficult to pursue. There are complex and constantly evolving laws governing sinkholes and sinkhole damage recovery. Insurance companies will frequently look for reasons to deny claims, alleging that the property damage resulted from some other means. Having experienced legal counsel can make a considerable difference when pursuing sinkhole-related property damage coverage under your insurance policy.
What is a sinkhole? When groundwater comes into contact with underground limestone — which underlies the entire state of Florida — it can cause portions of the limestone to dissolve. A sinkhole results when the land above the gaps in the limestone settles into these voids. A common misconception is that Florida sinkholes must be large and fully visible. However, small sinkholes can occur resulting in costly damage.
The issue of whether settlement damage is caused by sinkhole activity is often highly contested by insurance companies. Our Florida sinkhole damage claims lawyers have extensive experience in confronting these challenges. We consult geotechnical professionals and other expert witnesses who can evaluate the cause of damage to your property as well as the cost of repair.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy in Sinkhole Damage Claims
The laws governing sinkhole insurance coverage provisions are constantly evolving. It is important to understand what the current laws are, and what type of settlement damage provisions are contained in your homeowner's insurance policy.
- Sinkhole coverage: Sinkhole coverage is a specific endorsement that must be offered to all homeowners (at an additional premium) and may be contained in your insurance policy. Any property damage, such as cracks in the walls, cracks in a single room or other property damage sustained as a result of a sinkhole may be covered under the general provisions of sinkhole coverage.
- Catastrophic collapse coverage: In insurance policies issued in certain counties, sinkhole coverage with catastrophic collapse coverage as the primary source of recovery has been replaced for homeowners who have sustained property damage resulting from a sinkhole. While sinkhole coverage must still be offered, many consumers are unfamiliar with the difference and opt out of this separate, additional coverage. Unfortunately, many claims that might have been paid under sinkhole coverage are not covered under catastrophic collapse provisions. Essentially, in order to be covered, the ground cover must have collapsed and the structure be condemned as unlivable in order to be covered.
Using more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys thoroughly review your insurance policy, have your property examined by experts and, when coverage is supported, prepare a strong argument on your behalf.
Contact Our Insurance Dispute Lawyers
If you have further questions about sinkhole damage or would like to discuss your case with an experienced Jacksonville sinkhole attorney, contact our insurance dispute law firm at 904.398.9999, or toll-free at 1.800.344.1122.