Flood damage is a risk of living in many parts of Florida, but especially on the coast. A bad storm could cause surges of water that encroach on your home and property. In other cases, flooding may be caused by internal issues, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof. Unfortunately, property insurance companies are not always willing to offer fair compensation to repair flood damage. You may need a Florida-based insurance claim attorney from Williams Law, P.A. to assist you with settlement negotiations.
How Can a Florida Flood Damage Lawyer Help?
A Florida flood damage lawyer has the experience and legal knowledge to help you with a flood damage insurance claim both in and out of court. Your lawyer can handle negotiations with an insurance adjuster on your behalf while you and your family recuperate from flood damage. Having a lawyer negotiate for you improves the odds of collecting the maximum amount that your policy allows.
Although most flood damage insurance claims reach settlements, an attorney will also have the power to take your case to trial with a flood damage lawsuit, if necessary. A lawyer will have all of the abilities that you need to successfully handle a claim. At Williams Law, P.A., we have over 20 years of experience handling many different types of Florida water damage claims, including storm damage, hurricane damage, commercial property damage, condominium damage and hotel damage. We can help you with any type of flood damage case in Florida.
Common Types of Flood Damage in Florida
Homes and businesses are not designed to withstand large quantities of water. They are built with wood, siding, wallpaper and other materials that are susceptible to water damage. Unfortunately, this can mean a severe level of property damage in a flood. Common examples of flood damage include:
- Water marks
- Stained walls
- Wood rot
- Compromised foundation or structure
- Damaged furniture
- Ruined personal possessions
- Destroyed electronics
- Mold and mildew
- Reduced air quality
- Air duct damage
If the flood came from a storm, you may also have additional storm damage, such as broken windows, hail and wind damage, or missing shingles on the roof. Although houses on the coastline of Florida are more susceptible to flood damage in storms, any home may sustain damage from bad weather, overflowing drainage systems and home maintenance problems.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
It may come as an unwelcome surprise to discover that typical business and homeowners insurance policies in Florida specifically exclude flood damage. While the average policy covers water damage, it excludes water damage caused by flooding. This means that unless you purchased an additional flood policy, you may not have coverage available to pay for your property repairs after a flood in Florida. Your insurance company may deny your water damage claim if there is evidence of flooding.
Pursuing Maximum Insurance Coverage for Flood Damage in Florida
If you do have the correct type of insurance to cover flood damage, it can still be difficult to convince an insurance company to offer a fair and full settlement. Insurers are notorious for trying to protect their own profits by downplaying property damage and policyholder losses. You may need an attorney to help you pursue maximum financial compensation to repair your home or business after a flood.
Whether the flood was from natural causes or an issue within your home, an attorney can help you build a compelling claim and argue for an adequate settlement amount. An attorney can help you gather evidence and documentation to support your case and achieve a fair case outcome. A lawyer will also have the power to file a flood damage lawsuit in Florida, if necessary.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim in Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging its 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.
