Sinkhole Damage
Florida Sinkhole Damage Attorneys
In Florida, sinkholes are a common and serious problem, especially in the west-central region known as "Sinkhole Alley." While Orlando isn’t officially part of this zone, nearby counties like Orange, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Polk, and Osceola frequently experience sinkhole issues. These events have become more frequent due to increased land development, water pumping, and the creation of retention ponds. Although sinkholes rarely cause injuries, they can destroy entire structures, leading to hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage annually.
Signs of Sinkhole Activity
Spotting early signs of a sinkhole can help prevent extensive damage. Be on the lookout for:
- Cracks in Structures: Cracks in the foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, and driveways are red flags.
- Uneven Floors: Floors that are suddenly not level might indicate a developing sinkhole.
- Ceiling Nail Pops: These can signal structural shifts.
- Plumbing Issues: Failures in plumbing could be due to ground movement.
- Ground Cracks: Visible cracks in the ground around your property.
- Surface Depressions: Any new depressions or holes on the ground surface.
- Door and Window Issues: Doors and windows that no longer open or close properly.
- Unidentified Dead Vegetation: Patches of dead vegetation without a clear cause.
- Unexplained Water Stains: Water stains that have no obvious source.
- Strange Noises: Creaking or other noises from the structure with no apparent reason.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Florida Insurance and Sinkhole Coverage
Florida requires all insurance companies to provide coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse. Insurers must also offer sinkhole coverage, although they can decline if testing reveals sinkhole activity in the area. To qualify for catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage, sinkhole damage must meet four criteria:
- Abrupt Collapse: There must be an abrupt collapse of ground cover.
- Visible Depression: The depression must be clearly visible to the naked eye.
- Structural Damage: There must be structural damage to the building foundation.
- Condemnation: The structure must be condemned, and there must be an order to vacate.
Even if the damage doesn’t meet these criteria, your insurer may still be liable under other provisions of your policy.
How Fauntleroy & Satmary Can Help
Navigating sinkhole damage claims can be overwhelming, but Fauntleroy & Satmary is here to make it easier. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigating the Damage: We thoroughly investigate the damage to collect evidence and build a strong claim.
- Calculating Compensation: We accurately determine the amount your insurance company owes you.
- Filing Your Claim: We handle the entire claims process, ensuring it’s done correctly and promptly.
- Securing Repairs: We work to get the best repairs to fix your sinkhole damage.
- Appealing Denials: If your claim is denied, we will appeal and fight for your rights.
- Explaining Your Rights: We detail your legal rights and options throughout the entire claims process.
With an experienced attorney on your side, you can be confident that your rights are protected and that you’ll receive a fair settlement. We’ll assist you every step of the way and fight back against any bad faith practices by the insurer.
Contact Us Today
Don't let a sinkhole disrupt your life. When you work with a Florida sinkhole damage attorney at Fauntleroy & Satmary, your insurance adjuster will take your claim more seriously, knowing they can’t avoid their responsibility to pay you the benefits you deserve. Contact us online or call 813-320-0550 today to find out how we can assist you. Let Fauntleroy & Satmary be your advocate in securing the compensation you need to restore your property and peace of mind.