If you own a home or commercial property, filing a property damage claim in Florida is often inevitable and frustrating. Insurance companies have a duty to cover losses covered by the insurance policy that arise from certain types of losses including but not limited to storm damage, wind damage, water damage, and fire damage. Unfortunately, insurance companies often delay or deny claims covered under the policy. Nevertheless, you have paid high premiums for property insurance and have a right to expect your insurance company to fulfill its obligations.
The Law Office of William J. Roe represents clients in property damage claims throughout the state of Florida. We have extensive knowledge of Florida’s insurance laws and a proven history of enforcing our clients’ rights. If your claim has been denied or an insurer refuses to pay the full value of your claim, we may be able to help. While we prefer to resolve property damage claims through negotiated settlements, we are fully prepared to hold your insurance company accountable in a court of law. Our legal team is committed to helping you obtain the full and fair value of what you deserve.
How Does Property Insurance Protect Me?
Property insurance protects Florida homeowners and commercial property owners from damage to a premise and, in some cases, contents. This means that the structure of the building and items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, collectibles and other personal property might be covered from losses arising from:
- Storm damage
- Hurricane damage
- Windstorm damage
- Tornado damage
- Flood damage
- Water damage (broken pipes/back-ups)
- Fire damage
Given that Florida often experiences hurricanes, wind storms, heavy rains, and flooding, it is common for Florida residents to file property damage claims for wind and water damage to their homes and businesses. Additionally, water damage arising from pipe ruptures and appliances is also common. Non-weather damage claims, however, are often disputed, resulting in litigation. Regardless of the nature of your property damage claim, you should not go up against an insurance company alone.
Evaluating Property Damage Claims
At the Law Office of William J. Roe, we know that insurers have an unfair advantage over policyholders and that valid claims are often denied by the insurer claiming that the loss is excluded under the policy. While there may be legitimate reasons for denying a property damage claim, insurers often put profits ahead of their policyholders. We leverage our skills and resources to level the playing field and help our clients fight back. Our legal team routinely collaborates with a respected network of investigators, restoration specialists, contractors, and independent claim’s adjusters to determine the actual amount of damage and losses. Above all, we make sure our clients obtain the full and fair value of their property damage claims, which includes:
- Repair costs
- Loss of use
- Content replacement
- Additional living expenses
When you work with the Law Office of William J. Roe, we will handle all dealings with the insurance company. We are fully prepared to take your insurer to court if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
What is Insurance Bad Faith?
The fact that an insurance policy is a contract means that insurers are legally obligated to process claims in good faith, according to the terms of the policy. Nonetheless, insurers may act in bad faith to delay or deny valid claims. Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer:
- Attempts to settle a claim for substantially less than the actual repair and replacement costs
- Delays, discounts, or denies a claim for no valid reason
- Misrepresents the terms of a property insurance policy
- Withholds pertinent information
- Fails to conduct a thorough investigation
- Fails to conduct a prompt, reasonable, and thorough appraisal
- Fail to pay or deny a claim within a reasonable time period
- If your insurance company has been engaging in bad faith, our experienced property insurance attorneys will fight for your rights.
Contact Our Florida Property Damage Claims Attorney
If your home or business has sustained property damage, you likely have concerns about covering your losses, repairing your premises, and getting back to your normal routine. When you work with our experienced property insurance attorneys, you will have confidence knowing that your claim is in good hands. While navigating an insurance claim and dealing with an insurer can be confusing and frustrating, we have a well-earned reputation for helping our clients obtain the coverage to which they are entitled.
Under Florida law, if you obtain a settlement or favorable court decision in a lawsuit against an insurer, you may also be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and court costs. This means that you will not pay any attorneys’ fees to us in advance. If you are involved in a dispute with an insurance company over a property insurance claim, contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.