Boca Raton Property Damage Lawyer

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Reasons to File a Property Damage Claim in Boca Raton

There are a number of situations that can damage your residential or commercial property. Sometimes, it’s the result of someone else’s carelessness, like a neighbor cutting down a tree that crashes onto your roof. Other times, it’s a natural disaster in the form of hurricanes, lightning, and hail damage. Our property damage lawyer at The Law Offices of Scott J Senft have over 25 years of experience in representing clients who suffer significant harm to their holdings, no matter the reason:

Hurricane damage

A combination of high winds, surging waters, and prolonged power outages, hurricanes almost always result in substantial disaster for people’s homes and vehicles. From interior water damage, roof destruction, and flooded vehicles to severe exterior harm, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Even if you took the precaution of boarding up your windows well in advance, your home may be littered with broken glass, waterlogged furniture, destroyed possessions, and even missing walls.

Flood damage

Floods may not come with raging winds of a hurricane, but the rising water inside your home can present just as much of a challenge. Heavy downpours can wreck your roof, foundation, garage and your belongings inside. If you don’t hire experts to take care of the accumulated water, the growth of mold and mildew can cause even more damage.

Water damage

Whether it’s a burst pipe, a plumbing leak, or a malfunctioning water heater or washing machine, water damage usually translates into structural damage, mold damage, and the deterioration of personal belongings. Surveys show that restoring and repairing these types of damages can cost upwards of $3,000 on an average.

Fire damage

In cases of fire damage, it’s not just the fire itself that causes devastation – the smoke and soot that infiltrate every corner can be just as damaging. Also, the efforts of firefighters to save your home and loved ones often involve copious amounts of water being sprayed throughout the premises, which can add the element of water damage to the equation.

Vandalism and theft

Discovering that your home or business has been vandalized or that valuable possessions have been stolen is not only frustrating but a scary experience. Insurance claims can be a lifeline in these circumstances when you’re feeling burdened with unexpected financial losses.

Fallen trees or branches

Maybe it’s due to a severe storm or negligence, but broken tree branches can cause roofs to become damaged, fences to crumble, and compromise the integrity of other nearby structures. Your insurance coverage can provide the necessary support to cover the costs of repairs and debris removal. Just make sure to take plenty of pictures and videos of the scene.

Accidental damage

If a car, truck, crane, or any other vehicle accidentally crashes into your home or office building, the structural damage can be very costly and time-consuming to repair. Your insurance coverage provider can provide relief by covering the damage to your exterior walls, foundation, roof, ceilings, windows, load-bearing walls, beams, and columns.

Termite damage

Despite their small size, termites can be a nightmare to take care of once they get into your home, especially if you have neglected to address the issue in its early stages. They can eat their way through your furniture, flooring, and other valuable wooden structures, leading to structural weakening, warped or hollowed-out beams, compromised foundations, and damaged antiques.

If you have experienced any of the situations in Boca Raton described above, your homeowner’s insurance policy should provide you enough coverage to restore and/or repair the damage. However, if the home or auto insurance company is denying or lowballing your claim – which they usually do – you have the right to hire an attorney and explore your legal options to obtain your rightful compensation.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Florida for Property Damage?

In Boca Raton and throughout Florida, you have a limited amount of time to file a property damage claim and seek compensation:

• If the property damage claim includes personal injury, specifically injuries resulting from the damage or accident, the statute of limitations is generally four years from the date of the incident.
• If the claim arises from a breach of contract, such as a dispute with an insurance company regarding coverage, the statute is typically five years from the date of the breach.
• For claims that do not involve personal injury or breach of contract, the statute is four years from the date the damage occurred or the date it was discovered (or should have been discovered) with reasonable diligence.

Please note that these are general guidelines and sometimes, there are exceptions. Contact our property damage lawyer to understand exactly how long you have to file a property insurance claim based on your specific circumstances.

Can You Sue for Property Damage in Boca Raton, Florida?

If you have suffered significant damage to your property due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against them. Whether it’s damage caused by a car accident, a neighbor’s actions, a contractor’s negligence, or any other situation where someone else directly or indirectly caused your property or possessions to get damaged in any way, you have the right to seek compensation.

To initiate a lawsuit, you may first need to file a legal complaint in the appropriate court. This is where a seasoned Boca Raton property damage lawyer can come in handy, especially if they specialize in property damage cases in this area. At The Law Offices of Scott J Senft, we can guide you through the legal process, assess the strength of your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance policy companies or the responsible party, and even represent your interests in court if necessary.

What to Do When the Insurance Company Denies Your Property Damage Claim

If the insurance company refuses to pay for the property damage to your home, office, or belongings, you have options to fight back and try to change their decision. Here are a few steps you can take to challenge the denial:

• Review the denial letter: Carefully read the denial letter from the insurance company to understand the specific reasons for the rejection. It may provide information on the policy provisions or exclusions they relied upon to reach their decision.
• Consult with an attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced Boca Raton property damage lawyer so they can assess the denial letter, review your policy, and provide guidance on the best course of action.
• Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documentation related to your claim, including photographs of the damage, repair estimates, invoices, policy documents, and any correspondence with the insurance company. This evidence will be crucial in supporting your case.
• Communicate with the insurance company: Contact them and request a detailed explanation for the denial. Maintain a record of all communications, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with.
• Request a review: If you believe the denial is incorrect or unjustified, you can formally request a review or reconsideration of your claim. Submit any additional evidence or information that supports your position.
• File an appeal: If the company maintains their denial even after the review, you may need to file an appeal. Your lawyer can help you in preparing a strong appeal, including any necessary legal arguments and documentation.
• Explore alternative dispute resolution: In some cases, mediation or arbitration may be options to resolve the dispute outside of court. Again, your lawyer will be crucial throughout this process.
• File a lawsuit: If all attempts to resolve the claim fail, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the homeowner’s insurance company. A property damage attorney with a proven track record in litigation will be extremely helpful in representing your interests in court.

We highly recommend reaching out to our skilled property damage attorney as soon as you receive the claim denial letter because time is of the essence. If the statute of limitations runs out while you are busy making sense of the complicated maze that is Florida’s legal system, you may lose your chance to obtain any compensation at all.

How Our Boca Raton Property Damage Attorneys Can Help

Handling any kind of natural disaster damage claim on your own without the guidance of a knowledgeable property damage insurance lawyer may not be a prudent choice. You might find yourself at a disadvantage due to your limited experience and resources, making it easier for many property insurance policies companies to take advantage of the situation. Contacting The Law Offices of Scott J Senft as soon as possible after the incident that caused the damage is important for many reasons:

Your property has suffered significant damage

When you are facing substantial property damage, our lawyers will review your claim and provide a thorough assessment of the compensation you should reasonably expect based on your homeowners’ insurance policy. We can carefully examine the terms of your policy, including any additional coverage you might have for specific damages such as floods, and evaluate any policy limits or exceptions that could impact your claim.

The insurance company is delaying payment for your claim

Insurance companies have a specific timeframe within which they are obligated to provide compensation for valid claims. If your insurer is dragging its feet and causing unnecessary delays in the payment process or response to your inquiries, we will review the terms of your contract and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve within a reasonable timeframe.

Your claim has been denied

In the case of a denied claim, we will thoroughly analyze your insurance policy, examine the reasons behind the denial, and advise you on whether you have grounds for an appeal. We will advocate on your behalf to secure the rightful compensation for your losses.

The settlement offer falls short of covering your property damage

It is not uncommon for insurance providers in Boca Raton to make initial settlement offers that don’t fully account for the extent of the damage. If you receive an offer that seems inadequate, we will help you evaluate the true value of your damages, so you get a sum that covers the necessary repairs and restoration of your property.

Don’t Settle for Less – Hire Scott the Lawyer to Maximize Your Property Damage Claim

If you are confused or uncertain about certain aspects of the claim process, the coverage provided by your policy, or the decisions made by the insurance company, you can count on attorney Scott J. Senft to provide you with valuable insights and clarity. Our team at The Law Offices of Scott J. Senf in Boca Raton, FL is here to address your questions, help you understand your rights, and make sense of the legal complexities involved in pursuing your claim effectively.

The best part? We don’t charge a penny unless and until we obtain the financial compensation on your behalf. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Schedule your free case evaluation online or call us at 954-927-3326 to get started.