Property damages are often costly. Without payment from your insurance company, you could be stuck with the bill. When you have purchased insurance coverage to protect you in cases like these, and the insurance company is making it difficult for you to access the benefits and compensation you are entitled to, you may need a powerful legal advocate on your side.
Contact a Sarasota personal injury lawyer at GED Lawyers to discuss your legal options. We can discuss the details of your case during a complimentary consultation.
When to File a Property Damage Claim
As a home or business owner in Sarasota, you likely purchased insurance coverage to protect your property in the event of a national disaster or other serious event. Unfortunately, you may not always know when to file an insurance claim.
After all, isn’t filing a claim going to increase your insurance premiums? You do not want to file a property damage claim unless it is appropriate to do so. Some of the more common instances in which you might file a property damage claim include:
- Damage to your roof caused by falling trees, storms, windstorms, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or other events
- Fire damage caused by wildfires, electrical fires, or arson
- Vandalism, theft, or riot damage
- Water damage caused by broken pipes, storms, hurricanes, floods, or other plumbing issues
- Mold damage caused by flooding, storms, or water damage
- Windstorm damage caused by powerful storms and hurricanes
These are only a few of the more common instances in which you might file a property damage liability claim in Sarasota. If you are unsure whether you should file a claim, a Sarasota property damage attorney at GED lawyers can discuss your options.
How Can a Property Damage Lawyer in Sarasota Help Your Family?
Living in Florida comes with the risk of property damage given the prevalence of storms. However, most property and homeowners will protect themselves by purchasing insurance coverage designed to protect them in such events.
However, insurance companies are known for attempting to deny property damage victims the compensation and benefits they are entitled to. Your attorney can help you hold the insurance company accountable for their financial obligation. We can advocate for the benefits that are rightfully yours. Some of our most important responsibilities will include:
- Preparing your insurance claim
- Reviewing your policy documents to understand your coverage
- Determining how to best approach your claim
- Gathering and presenting the evidence needed to support your case
- Submitting your claim to the insurance company
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a reasonable settlement
- Preparing to bring your case to court if insurance negotiations prove unsuccessful
- Helping you feel more confident in your decision to move forward with your property damage claim
Although you have been through so much, you do not have to deal with the insurance company alone. With a powerful legal advocate on your side, you can access the settlement you need to cover your property damage expenses, get your property restored, and begin rebuilding your life.
Issues You May Face With Your Insurance Claim
You could face many obstacles as you attempt to seek the compensation you need through the insurance company. Many claimants assume the insurance company is obligated to cover all of their property damages.
However, this is not the case. There are many instances in which you might discover that your policy contains exclusions that could have a devastating impact on you and your family. Some other challenges you might face in dealing with the insurance company include:
- Being accused of intentionally causing damage to your property. Many people have been accused of attempting to commit insurance fraud by setting fires, or otherwise causing damage to their home or business through negligence. If the insurance company can argue that the damage was caused intentionally, they may be able to avoid paying out on your claim.
- The insurance company undervalues your claim. The more the insurance company pays out on your claim, the more money it will cost them. They will likely attempt to undervalue the cost of the necessary restoration or repair expenses, as well as the value of the property itself. Your attorney will ensure the insurance company evaluates your expenses and property accurately.
- The property damage is considered an exclusion. Insurance policies often contain exclusions that do not cover certain types of damages. For example, if a pipe bursts in your home and causes flooding, you might have assumed the insurance company will cover your cost. However, if there was recent flooding in the area, you can expect the insurance company to argue that your policy does not contain flood damage coverage and therefore will not cover the costs of your repairs.
- The processing of your claim is delayed. If the insurance company holds out on paying your claim, they have access to your money for a longer period of time. However, if the insurance company delays the processing of your claim, it could cause additional property damages, which could be more costly.
What to Expect From the Insurance Claims Process
After you file a claim with the insurance company, they will need to begin investigating and will be required to make a decision on your claim within 90 days.
During the insurance company’s investigation, it is important that you take steps to secure the property and prevent it from further damage. If you fail to take these steps, the insurance company could argue that you are not entitled to the compensation or benefits you would otherwise deserve.
If 90 days have passed and your claim has not been decided, your attorney may need to pursue legal action against them. If your insurance claim has been denied, your attorney may be able to provide them with the additional evidence they need to overturn your denial. However, if they continue to deny your claim in bad faith, your attorney will be prepared to move forward with a lawsuit against them.
Reach Out To a Property Damage Lawyer in Sarasota for Help Today
Insurance companies attempt to reduce their profit loss wherever possible. Do not let them take advantage of you. A Sarasota property damage lawyer at GED Lawyers can hold the insurance company accountable.
Call a team member today for your no-cost, risk-free consultation. Our Sarasota property damage lawyer can get started on your case as soon as today.
