Property Insurance Law
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Property Insurance Claim Lawyer in Florida
High wind events, severe thunderstorms, and hurricanes are among the most severe and unpredictable natural disasters on Earth. Intense winds, heavy rains, storm surges, hail, tornadoes, damaged plumbing, electrical issues, fires, and flooding can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for Florida insurance policyholders, renters, homeowners, business owners, schools, hospitals, and universities. Even worse, insurance companies are not on your side. Allstate is not your neighbor, State Farm is not your friend, Citizens is not for the citizens of Florida, and Universal denies claims in Jupiter as well as the rest of Florida.
Property damage insurance claims can be complex, often involving multiple policies like standard homeowners and flood insurance and disputes over which policy should cover the damage. Our team has experience dealing with all property insurance policies, including homeowners, rental property, and commercial.
At Joshua Smith, P.A., we understand the challenges and frustrations of dealing with delays, denials, or underpayments on your property claims. You have paid your premium to the insurance company in a timely manner, and once it’s time for them to honor the contract, they often refuse. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding efforts. Whether you need help with your initial claim, your claim was wrongfully denied, or you believe your insurance company hasn’t paid you fairly for damages you suffered, Joshua Smith P.A. will vigorously represent your interests.
Property Insurance Law Practice Areas
Call our legal team for help if your insurance company denies your claim, delays payment or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses. We help you understand your insurance policy, gather necessary documentation, and represent your interests in negotiations or court.
Water Damage
Unexpected water damage from a leaking pipe, overflowing appliance, or storm damage to a roof, can lead to costly damage in a very short amount of time. There are several other ways water damage can happen, and it is important to contact a knowledgeable attorney quickly after water damage occurs. Insurance policies are difficult to read and contain exclusions that are not specific or can be tricky to understand. Often times, insurance companies will incorrectly deny part or all of a claim. There are also situations where an insurance company makes a payment, but the payment is not enough to properly repair the damage. An experienced law firm can help to apply the law and the policy terms to prove that a claim should be paid and assist in obtaining an estimate that accurately reflects the amount of damage caused by a water loss. If you have questions regarding a possible water claim, please contact the attorneys at Joshua Smith, P.A. for a free consultation.
Hail Damage
Hail can cause serious damage to windows, AC units, cars, and, most commonly, roofs. However, signs of hail damage are particularly difficult to identify. For example, hail can cause damage to a roof that doesn’t show any signs of damage (i.e. leaking) until much later down the road. Additionally, although all types of roofs are susceptible to hail damage, different types of roofs show different signs of damage. Ultimately, once hail causes damage your home, water may be able to enter, causing damage and creating mold. If you are unsure whether a hail storm caused damage to your home or your homeowner’s insurance policy covers hail damage, we are here to help.
Mold Damage
Mold is a part of the natural environment that can cause substantial damage and lead to health problems if found in your home. Usually, mold is caused by other problems, such as a water leak. Mold thrives in humid and moist environments, usually growing from wet areas and can extend across walls, floors and ceilings. Indeed, mold can grow behind walls, out of sight, and still cause health problems. Most insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by mold, but it can be tricky to understand the exclusions and the exceptions to the exclusions of mold coverage. If you notice any humid, damp, or wet portions of your home, and/or are experiencing irritations or allergenic-type symptoms, we will have your home inspected by a team of professionals for mold and its source. If you are unsure whether you have a claim we at Joshua Smith, P.A. are available for a free consultation.
Termite Damage & Collapse Claims
Termites damage many wood-framed homes, apartments, or condo complexes in Florida. Many property owners do not realize that termite damage may be covered under your insurance policy. Unfortunately, many insurance companies claim that the termite damage is not covered and many attorneys do not realize that there is in fact coverage for certain damage caused by termites. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, we at Joshua Smith, P.A. are available for a free consultation.
Fire Damage
When a home or business suffers damage caused by a fire, reporting and handling an insurance claim can be a low priority compared to safety of loved ones, salvaging of personal property and locating a new place to live or conduct business. Finding a law firm with significant experience in handling fire insurance claims early can be one of the most important decisions for an insured. After a fire loss, an insurance company will immediately begin its own investigation and will request paperwork, information, recorded statements, and statements under oath from insureds and people with knowledge of the loss. Communicating with an insurance company and providing responses to these requests can be stressful, time-consuming, and difficult. Having a law firm that is knowledgeable about what is required and permitted under a policy of insurance can help to reduce the amount of stress for the insured, and help to resolve the claim smoothly and quickly. The cost to repair fire damage can be extremely high, and insurance companies often strive to pay the least amount required under a policy of insurance. An experienced law firm can help an insured obtain all the benefits they are entitled to under their policy. Retaining contractors to prepare accurate estimates for repair, determining the true value of damaged personal property and properly calculating living expenses or lost business income are all things that an experienced law firm can provide following a fire loss. If you have questions regarding a fire loss, please contact the attorneys at Joshua Smith, P.A. for a consultation.
