Because an insurer may be uncooperative in reopening a claim, legal support may be helpful for addressing your damages. In the initial stages of dealing with this matter, you may have obtained coverage for a significant area of damage. However, underlying issues may not have been observed. Roof damage is a common example for Florida homeowners affected by hurricanes. A roof repair may solve the obvious problem, but additional parts of the roofing system could be compromised without being immediately identifiable. In such a case, an insurance provider might attempt to dismiss newly discovered damage as having been covered in a prior claim.

Expert information identifying the cause of the newly discovered damage may be helpful in such a situation. Additionally, familiarity with insurance law may be critical in pursuing action from a reluctant provider. While hurricanes create some of the most serious circumstances requiring later insurance claims after an initial settlement, flooding, hail, and lightning strikes can raise similar concerns. Problems with the interior systems of the home could also lead to a need for legal support in reopening claims.

If you are facing frustrations in dealing with your insurance company based on a prior closed claim, you may want to enlist assistance and support from a lawyer to determine whether your claim is completely closed or whether you have the option of reopening the it. Our catastrophic damage page has more information about these issues.

Source: Williams Law Association, P.A. , “Reopening A Hurricane Claim For New Losses Under Prior Property Damage Claims“, December 08, 2014

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. 

K.C. Williams III
Managing Partner who has spent his entire career representing Florida insurance and personal injury claims.