Dania Beach Property Damage Lawyer

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Types of Property Damage Claims in Dania Beach, FL

At The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft, we represent several types of property damage and insurance claims cases for the city residents, including, but not limited to:

Water damage

Living near the coast means we are no strangers to heavy rain and tropical storm situations; residents are still reeling from the destruction brought on by Hurricane Irma back in 2017. When water finds its way into your home due to leaks, burst pipes, or roof issues, not only does it damage the structure itself, but it can also lead to the growth of mold, which poses health risks. Not to mention the personal belongings that can be ruined by water damage.

Wind damage

Our coastal location also means we face strong winds during storms. These powerful gusts can cause significant damage to your home, from tearing off shingles to breaking windows and damaging fences. Even flying debris during hurricanes can cause exorbitant damage to your home and vehicles.

Fire damage

Whether it is an electrical issue, a cooking mishap, or someone else’s negligence, fires can quickly engulf homes, and leave behind devastation. Besides the obvious destruction caused by flames, the smoke and water used to extinguish the fire can also cause extensive damage to your home and belongings.

Theft and vandalism

Unfortunately, property crimes can happen anywhere, and Dania Beach is no exception. Burglary, theft, and acts of vandalism can result in broken windows, damaged doors, and stolen or damaged personal items.

Vehicle collisions

Car, truck, or bike accidents can happen anywhere, and when they occur near your property, they may inevitably wreak havoc on what you own. It could be a reckless driver, someone under the influence, or simply a case of negligence – whatever the cause, these accidents can leave your home, fences, or other structures damaged.

Steps to Take for a Property Damage Claim

• Document the damage: Begin by taking clear photographs or videos that showcase the extent of the damage from various angles. Make detailed notes describing the condition of your property before and after the incident. This evidence will be CRUCIAL when you file the claim.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide them with thorough information about the date, time, and cause of the damage. Be extremely honest when discussing these details, and keep a record of all communication.
• Review your policy: Take the time to carefully review your insurance policy to understand the coverage you have. Pay close attention to the terms, limitations, deductibles, and exclusions. This will help you figure out how adequate your coverage is and determine the next steps.
• Consult with an attorney: Property damage claims involve a lot of moving parts, and insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize a claim or deny it altogether. Hiring a well-known attorney, like Scott J. Senft, can add substantial weight to your claim. We can review your policy, evaluate the strength of your claim, and make sure you are not getting shortchanged.
• Gather supporting documentation: Collect all relevant documents and records like repair estimates, invoices, receipts, and any other evidence that substantiates your claim. Organize these documents in one folder where you can easily reach them at any time.
• Obtain expert opinions: In some cases, we find it beneficial to obtain expert opinions when it comes to a professional assessment of the damage or an estimate of the repair costs. Our team can help you find reputable property damage assessors, contractors, restoration specialists, mold inspectors, remediation experts, and even independent insurance adjusters who can provide credible opinions to strengthen your case.
• File the claim: Once you have all the paperwork in place, work with your lawyers to file the property loss or damage claim with your insurer. Make sure to meet the mandatory deadlines and follow the specific procedures outlined by your insurer.
• Negotiate or litigate: After filing the claim, the insurance company will review the details and assess the validity of your claim. They may offer a settlement, but it’s important to carefully evaluate any proposed amount.

Your attorney at The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft will skillfully negotiate on your behalf to seek the maximum possible settlement. If negotiating doesn’t work, we will guide you through the litigation process and take the insurance company to court.

Why Would the Insurance Company Deny Your Claim?

Homeowner’s insurance as well as auto insurance companies can find any number of reasons to deny your claim. Here are some of the most common justifications they may use:

• If you fail to make a payment on time or pay late, the insurance company may claim a contract breach and deny coverage.
• Insurance companies require you to submit your claim within a specific timeframe. If you miss this deadline, they might deny it, as they need timely reporting to cover damages.
• Insurance policies often have exclusions, such as flood damage, sinkholes, and hurricanes. If someone else is responsible for the accident due to intentional actions or negligence, the insurer might argue that the at-fault party should be held liable.
• When making a claim, you must provide evidence of the accident and explain how it caused damage to your property. Leaving out important details may result in the insurer offering less than you deserve.
• Your insurer may dispute the validity of your claim, alleging fraud and denying it outright.

Our Dania Beach Property Damage Lawyers are Ready to Help You

When your home, office, vehicle, or valuable personal belongings are destroyed or vandalized, it can create a chain reaction of issues that disrupt your life. We understand: dealing with property rehabilitation, mountain of paperwork, and insurance adjusters is no walk in the park. But the key is to take action quickly, and file your insurance claim within the specified timeframe to ensure your losses don’t add up.

At The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft in Dania Beach, FL, we have helped thousands of families get through similar situations over the past 25 years. We specialize in digging deep into the details, holding those responsible accountable, and working towards securing an outcome that our clients are extremely happy with. Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis, i.e., you don’t pay us a dime unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Ready to discuss your case? Contact us online or give us a call at 954-927-3326.