Repairing or replacing damaged property is stressful for you and your family. Not only are you living with a temporary mess, but you also have to deal with insurance companies that may try to delay or underpay your claim. Are you feeling overwhelmed about having enough money to make the necessary repairs?
If you are having problems with the insurance company handling your property damage claim in Miami or another part of South Florida, you need legal assistance. Aigen Injury Law is experienced in handling Florida property damage claims. We understand how the insurance industry tries to undervalue or deny claims. Our attorneys are here to help ensure you get paid what you deserve.
Types of Property Damage in the Miami Area
Property damage claims typically refer to extensive damage to homes or businesses that would be covered under an insurance policy. Here are some of the common types of property damage that we deal with in Miami and throughout South Florida:
Hurricane Damage
Miami is one of the most vulnerable cities in the U.S. when it comes to damage caused by hurricane winds. Hurricane-force winds can cause trees, vehicles, and road signs to become projectiles that slam into whatever is in their way. Roofs can blow off homes, buildings can collapse, and flooding can create water damage and mold damage.
Wind Damage
High winds can tear off shingles, send debris flying, and even collapse homes. While Miami offers a hurricane safety guide, preventive steps can only do so much. Insurance companies often dispute whether damage was caused by wind or flood, since these are covered differently under most policies. Our experienced property damage lawyers know how to determine if your losses were caused by wind—and help ensure you receive the coverage you’re owed.
Water Damage
Water damage on a property is common, but flood damage typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. It is required in high-risk flood zones if the property is under a federally backed mortgage. Check out flood zone maps in Miami-Dade County to see if your property is in a high-risk flood zone.
Even if you have flood insurance, filing a claim can be a slow and complicated process. An attorney will help determine the best route to compensation for your water damage.
Fire Damage
Fire and smoke damage can result from electrical fires, kitchen fires, or chimney fires. Policies generally exclude fires that were intentionally set by the homeowner. As a result, insurers thoroughly investigate fires, often causing delays or disputes. Work with a property damage lawyer to resolve disputes and get the compensation you need to repair your home properly after a fire.
Mold Damage
Miami and the rest of Southern Florida have a humid climate, which makes homes prone to mold growth. Insurance companies will investigate the source of the mold, typically only covering damage caused by accidental water damage. Homeowners are expected to take preventive measures against mold growing in their homes. Consequently, if your insurer determines the mold is a maintenance issue, they will deny the claim.
Roof Damage
Roofs in Florida take a beating from sun, heat, heavy rain, and strong winds, so it’s no surprise that roof damage is one of the most common property insurance claims. Insurance companies often take a close look at roof claims, especially when the roof is older or has signs of wear and tear.
Even so, damage caused by a covered event—such as a storm—may still qualify for repairs or replacement. Disputes usually arise when the insurer claims the damage comes from age, poor maintenance, or normal deterioration instead of a sudden event.
Sinkhole Damage
Water main breaks and cavities within the bedrock can cause sinkholes. Sinkhole damage includes structural damage such as wall and ceiling cracks, doors and windows that don’t fit correctly in their frames, and uneven floors.
If the sinkhole is large, it can cause catastrophic damage to your property. A property damage attorney knows Florida’s laws concerning sinkholes and insurers well and will help determine your right to compensation.
Damage From Theft
Some insurance companies may claim that a property did not have enough security, thereby giving them an excuse to not pay a theft property damage claim. If this is the case, a property damage attorney will fight to get you the money you need to repair or replace the damaged property.
Filing a Property Damage Claim
When you work with a lawyer concerning a property damage claim, you can expect the following process:
Claim Evaluation
An experienced lawyer carefully evaluates the property damage claim, looking at all aspects of the case. Understanding the insurance company’s stance on the claim can help us determine the best strategy to pursue for the best possible outcome.
Evidence Gathering
An attorney may investigate the property damage, talk to experts, and gather valuable documentation, such as a detailed list of damages and repair estimates.
Communicating With Insurance Companies
We have experience negotiating with insurance companies and understand their tactics. Our legal team will help ensure your property damage claim does not fall victim to injustice in the insurance industry.
Working With Adjusters
Insurance companies may send out an adjuster to investigate the property and determine how much the insurer can cover. The adjuster may offer a settlement that is too low. Having a seasoned lawyer on your side means we can handle negotiations and help ensure low settlement offers are not the final answer.
Appraisal
If there is a dispute with the insurance company, a neutral third party may be called in to appraise the amount of property damage. An appraisal is a way to settle the dispute fairly without going to trial.
Litigation
If all negotiation attempts fail, a property damage claim attorney will take the case to court. This usually means filing a lawsuit against the insurance company. Ultimately, a judge and jury will decide how much compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Helps in a Property Damage Claim Case
A property damage claim lawyer will help in a variety of ways:
- Carefully evaluate your property claim case
- Answer your questions
- Interpret policies related to your claim
- Guide you through the property claim process
- Handle all communication with insurance companies and adjusters
- Work with experts to prove damage
- Protect your legal rights to compensation
- Maximize your recovery
If you need help with a property damage claim, it is time to get in touch with Aigen Injury Law.
Reach Out to Our Team Today
We understand that Florida property damage claims can leave you frustrated and worried about your financial stability. If your insurance company is delaying or disputing your property damage claim, you need an experienced lawyer to help you get the money you deserve.
Whether you are filing a claim concerning hurricane damage, water damage, mold damage, or some other type of property damage, you have legal options to pursue a settlement that is better than what the insurer offers.
Contact our experienced law firm in Miami today and schedule your free consultation.