How to Settle a Sinkhole Claim?

Leave the battle of terror when an insurance company denies a claim to a Florida accident lawyer. Consider an accident involving sinkholes. You may think that you would be free from trouble when getting an insurance policy. You better think again. In some cases, there are insurance companies that deny the claim. So, what should be done when you need to repair on the damages caused by sinkholes? Although there are other insurance companies that do not cover on sinkholes and catastrophic ground cover collapse, the moment you have your house insured and covered with regard to these calamities, you are eligible to file for a claim.

Florida law provides a way to resolve disputed sinkhole claims. According to the Florida Statute 627.7074, the state authorized the Florida Department of Financial Services through the Neutral Evaluation Program. The process would involve a state-certified Neutral Evaluator to resolve issues with regard to the repair to recover on the damages caused by sinkholes as insurance company denies a claim when it is filed. Keep in mind that the insurance company also has to pay for any costs associated with the Neutral Evaluation program.

The moment you file for a sinkhole claim, it is wise to provide safety and protection for your family. Perhaps, it is needed to evacuate the premise. Ensure that there would be no more accident or injuries met otherwise, contacting a personal injury lawyer Florida will be an option in order to be rewarded with the compensation to recover on the expenses for the damages. In addition, you need to keep all your other valuable possessions safe and secure. It does not necessarily mean that an insurance company has to cover all the loss. Accident attorneys may be able to assist you however, it also requires cooperation. Both parties and your insurance company have to be working hand in hand in these situations.

In order to continue filing for a claim when your insurance company denies on it, it is an essential to have full knowledge on the Neutral Evaluation Program. How does this work?

When personal injury lawyers legally asses the claim being filed, this program provides a professional engineer or a geologist. Both would work together to investigate on the situation and to determine on the amount of claim to be rewarded to you. These engineers or geologists work as a third party. They determine the existence of the sinkhole loss. Other than that, they can determine on the method of repair and remediation of the property. Thereby, evaluators will schedule a conference with you and your insurance company in order to gather information and come up with a decision.

A neutral evaluation is considered mandatory should it be requested by the insurance company or by you. This evaluation is nonbinding. Therefore, both parties are eligible to pursue legal actions.

The moment the evaluator verifies the existence of the sinkhole, not to mention the estimated costs of the damages and loss, repairs exceed the amount the insurer has to pay, the insurance company has to pay a total of $2,500 for the attorney’s fees and the participation during the Neutral 

Evaluation process.

It is your option and right to be given the right amount to recover on the damages that was caused by sinkholes.