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SIX WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:
1)
REPAIRS THAT HAVE FAILED:
We almost never recommend repairs of any kind, and especially not
those that just call for grouting. We have seen so many failures with
new damages that occur afterwards that we are amazed some companies
still try to force their insureds to attempt repairs. One of our
clients had their house totaled after hearing loud cracking and
snapping sounds due to a neighbor who grouted earlier that day. We
have heard of grout coming up in neighbors’ yards and in nearby
bodies of water. It is not unusual for grouting jobs to cause
damages that are even unrelated to the sinkhole. We recently
obtained over a million dollars for one client because of additional
damages that the grouting caused, and that without an attorney.
IF YOUR COMPANY
MADE YOU GROUT, CALL US FOR A FREE INSPECTION TO DETERMINE IF THE
REPAIRS WERE SUCCESSFUL. YOU HAVE RIGHTS; RIGHTS THAT SOME
COMPANIES INTENTIONALLY AND UNLAWFULLY CONCEAL FROM THEIR INSUREDS.
2)
NEW CLAIMS:
If you suspect possible sinkhole damage and retain us early
on in the process, before the insurance company denies your claim,
our fee is lower than it would be otherwise. Generally, fewer
problems and a faster conclusion results when we are involved early
in the process. We have vast experience with the “ins and outs” of
the insurance industry, and can often prevent the insurance
company’s adjuster (or one of their “experts”) from taking an
inaccurate position because of our input, knowledge, and presence.
Obviously, once anyone takes a contrary position, it requires more
“persuasion,” time, and evidence to change it.
3)
PENDING CLAIMS: If your
insurance company agrees that you have sustained sinkhole damage but
you do not agree with or are uncertain that their offer is in fact
fair, we can review the situation and take over from that point if
we determine you should have more money coming. We would be paid
only for additional money you receive over and above their offer.
Almost without exception, we find additional coverage and damage.
In fact, many properties should never even be repaired, given the
high rate of repair failures that occur.
4)
CLAIM DENIED: If your claim
has been denied and you believe your damage may be the result of
sinkhole activity, we will review your entire file, along with all
the geotechnical reports, and can recommend other methods of testing
(or similar testing by another company) if there is reason to
suspect the insurance company’s reports are flawed. Sometimes the
very report an insurance company uses to deny a claim is flawed on
its very face, thus not even requiring additional testing. What is
done at this point may determine whether you are able to recover all
expenses from the insurance company...assuming their reports are
disproved. If, in fact, your damage is not a result of sinkhole
activity, we will review your policy and look for other coverage it
may contain.
5)
RE-OPEN CLAIM OR SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM:
Florida has very good laws that usually allow you to reopen a claim
if you were not fully compensated. We offer a “free claim audit.”
If you were paid by your insurance company for sinkhole damage (or
any other type of damage) and now realize or suspect that the
payment and/or repair process they recommended is inefficient or
inadequate, you generally have up to five years to reopen the
claim. Our fee will be based only on the new money that is
collected. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection
conducted a geologic and geotechnical assessment of prior sinkhole
claims at the request of the Florida State Legislature. They found
that nearly half of all sinkhole repairs were inadequate. Our
inspections indicate even a higher rate of failures than that. Over
time, it can only be higher yet as it is very difficult for anyone
to permanently stabilize a sinkhole, without being lucky. There
also may be significant damage and loss that was not paid for. Our
“free claim audit” will try to uncover all areas for a maximum and
fair recovery. If your insurance company did not do a proper job,
you may be able to collect all expenses and other damages, providing
you follow the necessary statutory provisions.
6)
APPRAISAL: We are frequently
retained as appraisers under the terms of your policy. This can be
a literal “minefield” and must be engaged in carefully and
cautiously. This is a process that you would not want to generally
initiate. There are no real rules and the awards are extremely
difficult to appeal. We often are successful in persuading the
company to settle without going through this absurd process. If
they refuse, significant amounts of money have been paid to our
clients for bad faith, a few months after the award itself has been
paid. We usually resist this demand as the lack of due process can
jeopardize your rights. Give us a fair and competent adjuster and
almost any claim can be resolved without our clients having to go
through this adversarial process.
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