Last Friday marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of a Seffner man, who was killed when a sinkhole opened beneath his bedroom while he slept. This tragedy was called a freak accident by many, but in the year since it occurred numerous massive sinkholes have been reported. Sinkholes nearly swallowed vehicles, homes and even a vacation resort here in Florida in 2013.
Are sinkholes occurring more frequently than they used to, or are they just receiving more publicity? It has not been proven whether sinkhole activity has actually increased in recent years. The Florida Geological Survey is currently working to better understand sinkhole trends, and predict where sinkhole activity might occur and why.
One geologist who is featured in a documentary about sinkholes, “Sinkholes: Swallowed Alive,” contends that one reason sinkholes may seem more common is simply that more people are moving into sinkhole territories.
Florida is particularly prone to sinkholes due to its very erodible terrain – the state’s fragile limestone bedrock sustains damage from rain and sand, which create underground caves within the rock. Sinkholes can form when the surface material caves in, which can be triggered by downpours or water being pumped out of the ground, among other things.
Some say that urban sprawl, coupled with developers failing to adequately screen sinkhole areas and address drainage issues, has led to an uptick in sinkhole activity. Others say that there is simply increased reporting of sinkholes because more homeowners know what to look for.
While most sinkhole activity is not catastrophic, sinkholes do often severely damage property. It can be very difficult for homeowners to have sinkhole damage repaired properly – or to sell their sinkhole-damaged homes. Florida residents who have observed signs of sinkhole damage on their properties may benefit from seeking legal advice about how to file a sinkhole damage insurance claim.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging their feet regarding your property damage claim you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Tampa, Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
