Pasco County, Florida Sinkhole Claim
Pasco Homeowner Receives 150% of Policy Limit in Sinkhole Claim Victory with Williams Law Association, P.A.
Our client contacted us because State Farm Insurance Company denied his sinkhole damage claim. Before our involvement in the case, State Farm had paid two experts to render opinions that our client’s house had not been affected by sinkhole activity, even though several other homes in the neighborhood – including his immediate neighbor’s home – had been confirmed as sinkhole-damaged properties. State Farm had also obtained a “neutral evaluator” who gave the requested opinion that the property had not been affected by sinkhole activity.
Background of the Claim
The homeowner discovered evidence of a sinkhole beneath their property after observing cracks in the foundation, walls, and driveway. Following a professional assessment, it was determined that the sinkhole caused structural damage, thereby jeopardizing the home’s structural integrity. The homeowner filed a claim with State Farm Insurance Company, expecting full coverage for the extensive damage under their sinkhole provision.
Challenges in the Case
State Farm Insurance Company acknowledged the sinkhole but argued that the damage was less severe than initially reported. They attempted to settle the claim for only the policy limit, which was insufficient to cover the full cost of repairs. Additionally, they contested certain aspects of the repair estimates provided by the homeowner’s experts.
As a result, the homeowner faced a substantial financial shortfall and was unable to cover the full cost of repairs. Frustrated and overwhelmed by the insurer’s refusal to offer adequate compensation, the homeowner turned to Williams Law Association, P.A. for help.
Outcome and Settlement
Through skilled negotiation and legal advocacy, Williams Law Association, P.A. secured a settlement that exceeded the policy limit by 50%, resulting in the homeowner receiving 150% of their policy’s stated limit.
This additional compensation enabled the homeowner to:
- Fully repair the structural damage caused by the sinkhole
- Cover-related expenses, such as temporary housing and engineering assessments
- Avoid financial strain from out-of-pocket repair costs
This outcome represented a significant victory, ensuring that the homeowner could restore the property’s safety and value without incurring further financial hardship.