Florida Residential Property Damage Lawyers

Has your home sustained property damage, but the insurance company won't offer fair compensation? If so, you could benefit from an attorney who understands how to seek financial recovery for various repairs and replacements.

Dolman Law Group can fight for the compensation you need from the insurance company. If you paid your premiums, the insurance company must pay for your covered losses. A Florida residential property damage lawyer from our firm can seek what you need now. Contact us today to begin your no-obligation case evaluation.

Residential Property Damage Lawyers Advocate for People in Florida

Our firm can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need. Our Florida property damage attorneys are fierce negotiators who fight claim denials every day.

When you partner with us:

• We can talk to the insurance company, so you don't have to. After your home sustains damage, you should mainly focus on getting repairs and mitigating further damage. You shouldn't have to deal with rude claims adjusters or other insurance representatives. We manage all case-related phone calls, emails, and text messages, so you can focus on rebuilding.

• We can assess your property's damage. The insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the extent of your property's damage. Oftentimes, these adjusters make low offers, hoping to save their employer's bottom line. We can have an unbiased contractor go to your home and accurately assess all damage. Our attorneys can use their insights when negotiating with the insurance company.
• We can negotiate a settlement. The insurance company may assess your damage and offer compensation. If it's not enough to meet your needs, we can negotiate for a higher figure. We can do this by citing the liable policy and using supporting information.
• We can file a lawsuit, if necessary. Many residential property damage claims end with insurance settlements. Still, if the insurer refuses to negotiate a settlement or cooperate with our team, we can file a lawsuit. Here, we would allege that because the insurer breached your contract, you deserve compensation.

On top of all of these tasks, our team can provide compassion and support throughout the entire claims process. We understand this is an extremely stressful time in your life, and we want to take anything we can off of your hands.

Why Hire Our Residential Property Damage Lawyers?

There are many benefits to choosing Dolman Law Group for your property damage claim. First, we have the financial resources to level the playing field when fighting big-name insurance companies. Because we can dedicate so many resources to one case, many insurers find that it's just easier to settle a claim than contest it.

Here are some other things to know about partnering with our law firm:

• We don't take on just any case. Our firm focuses on quality over quantity. We don't want to take on cases just to settle quickly. Our attorneys want our clients to receive a quality and successful outcome to their cases so they can make all the repairs to their homes and not pay anything out-of-pocket.

• You get your attorney's personal cellphone number. We understand the importance of getting ahold of your attorney during this time. With their cell phone number, you can reach out whenever you have questions or concerns about your case. You can receive status updates quickly with our responsive legal team.
• We offer free consultations to all potential clients. Our team understands that you need as much cash in your pocket as possible. That way, you can afford temporary living arrangements, temporary repairs, and other services. We don't charge our clients anything to connect with our legal team. During your free consultation, we can discuss your case's details and answer your questions.
• We work on a contingency-fee basis. In this arrangement, you don't have to pay for our services unless we successfully recover your losses. If you don't get paid, neither do we. That makes us personally invested in your case's outcome. You also don't pay any upfront fees or retainers. We limit your financial obligations during our partnership.

You don't have to tackle a complicated residential insurance claim alone. Instead, you can entrust your case to our legal team. We can manage your case's many obligations from start to finish.

Who Is the Team at Dolman Law Group?

Our founding attorney and lead partner, Attorney Matthew Dolman, founded Dolman Law Group with one goal: to serve people in need. His dedication comes from a negative experience he had with an attorney at a young age. Now, his team of attorneys, investigators, and paralegals advocate for claimants from all walks of life.

We're professional problem-solvers. Whether your home sustained damage in a flood, thunderstorm, or another covered event, you have options. Our team wants to get started on your claim now. That way, we can secure the compensation you need as soon as possible.

We Combat Denied Residential Property Damage Claims in Florida

You may want legal help if the insurance company has denied your claim. It's not the end of the road for your case——and you have options when appealing the denial. Your lawyer can review the reason for your claim's denial and then implement a plan of action accordingly.

Some reasons we see for denied claims include:

• Our client didn't follow certain deadlines. All insurance companies have their own deadlines for processing claims. The insurer could argue that because you didn't submit your claim on time, you're not eligible for compensation.

• You missed a premium. If you didn't pay a premium on time or missed it completely, the insurance company could deny your claim. We can assert that you paid your premiums on time and reference your payment history.
• There isn't enough evidence to support the claim. The insurance company could claim you didn't provide enough evidence to receive compensation. Our investigators can find and use various information to assert your right to damages.
• You don't have coverage. Every insurance policy has exclusions. For instance, your homeowners insurance might cover water damage but not flooding. We can evaluate your options and see what coverage options you have. We can also determine whether the insurer's giving you incorrect information.

In your denial notice, the insurance company must have given the reason for your claim's denial. That way, you can counter the denial and take action. Still, the insurer may deny your claim for no valid reason, hoping to discourage you from seeking compensation. If this happens, we can hold the insurance company accountable for its bad faith practices. We can also file a lawsuit in civil court if it refuses to cooperate.

What to Do If Your Homeowners Insurance Claim Gets Denied

If your homeowners insurance claim gets denied, we suggest that you:

• Keep all correspondence between you and the insurer. One day, the claims adjuster could say one thing, then the next, allege something completely different. Keeping track of all written communications between you and the insurer prevents he said/she said disputes.
• Refrain from giving a recorded statement. The insurance company hopes that you'll give information that jeopardizes your case. It may ask for a recorded statement, picking through your words and even editing your statements. You don't have to give a recorded statement. Your lawyer can give the insurer the information it needs.
• Mitigate further damage to your home. While dealing with the insurer, you should prevent further harm from befalling your property. For instance, you should board up broken windows or refrain from using faulty appliances. The insurance company may not cover damages stemming from your own negligence.
• Document everything. You should take pictures of your home's damage, destroyed possessions, and other related details. The more pictures you take, the better. You want to paint a colorful picture of your damages to the liable insurance provider.
• Contact our legal team. When you partner with Dolman Law Group, our attorneys can take all the necessary steps on your behalf. We aim to ease your stress by taking care of negotiations and communications with the insurance company.

During your no-obligation consultation, we can learn more about your next steps. We aim to secure the best possible outcome for your property damage claim.

You Have Protections Under the Florida Homeowners' Bill of Rights

The Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights outlines protections that homeowners have when filing a claim. For instance, it explains the timeline insurers have when processing claims. They cannot unnecessarily drag out a claim, hoping that you'll drop the matter.

Here's what you need to know:

• The insurance company must acknowledge your claim's submission within 14 days of receiving it.
• Within 30 days of sending your Proof of Loss statement, the insurer must share whether it's covering your claim in full, partially, or not at all.
• Within 90 days of submitting your claim, you should get full payment, partial payment, or a denial notice.

If your homeowners insurance provider doesn't act within the 90-day timeframe, it could owe interest on any unpaid damages. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurers that drag their feet. If we sense that the insurer is delaying matters, we can file a lawsuit or head to mediation.

We Protect Property Damage Claimants From Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Every insurance company has a legal obligation to process claims in good faith. They're required to investigate claims, regularly communicate with claimants, and accurately calculate damages. Yet, not every insurance company acts in good faith. Instead, they put their bottom lines over claimants' needs.

Some examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• The insurer refuses to acknowledge your claim. As noted, the Florida Homeowners Claims Bill of Rights notes that the insurer must acknowledge your claim within two weeks of getting it.
• The insurance representative doesn't answer your messages. This is a common tactic that insurance companies use to discourage claimants from seeking damages. The insurance company must answer all phone calls, text messages, and emails regarding your claim.
• Your claim gets denied without a valid reason. The insurance company must give a valid reason for your claim's denial. This way, you can take the appropriate steps to combat the denial and take action.
• The claims adjuster bullies you. The insurance representative may threaten, intimidate, or bully you into accepting less than you need. They cannot do this. You deserve to be treated with respect.
• The claims adjuster drags out the claims process. The insurance company must process your claim within 90 days of its submission. If it takes any longer than that to process your claim, this means it's acting in bad faith.

We don't tolerate bad faith insurance practices. If we recognize that the insurer isn't treating you fairly, we step in and take action.

How Much Money Can a Residential Property Damage Lawyer Help Me Recover?

The amount of money you could recover from a property damage claim depends on several factors, including the damage your home sustained. Other factors in your case's value include the details of your insurance policy, how long you've been a policyholder, and how much you've paid each month to maintain the policy.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) keeps track of the average payout for certain events. For instance, in a recent year, fire and lightning claims averaged around $77,340. On the other end of the spectrum, payouts for theft averaged just under $4,500.

These figures may not reflect the outcome of your own residential property damage claim. Still, they provide some insight into how much you could seek.

An Insurance Settlement Could Account for These Expenses

After a storm, fire, or covered peril, there are many types of repairs that your home might need.

Types of repairs your property could need after residential property damage include:

• The cost of repairs. You could recover compensation for making repairs to your home's roof, windows, doors, and siding.
• Temporary relocation costs. A covered peril could have made your home temporarily uninhabitable. Your homeowners insurance could offer coverage for staying in a hotel, boarding pets, and storing personal belongings.
• Replacing damaged items. Depending on your policy, you could have coverage that accounts for the actual cash value or replacement of certain items. These items could include furniture, clothing, electronics, household appliances, and more.
• Various out-of-pocket expenses. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you could recover damages for various expenses, such as commuting fees. Our team can look through your claim-related invoices and receipts to see what you have covered.

Your insurance policy could cover expenses not listed here. Our team can review your insurance coverage option and explain what could constitute a fair settlement offer.

Our Team Manages These Residential Property Damage Claims

Nobody expects to file a homeowners insurance claim. Unfortunately, accidents and natural disasters do happen. Property damage can occur for many reasons. However, there are some causes that occur more often than others, especially in Florida. Some of the most common property damage claims we see include:

Storm Damage Claims

Florida brings some heavy storms that can cause catastrophic damage to residential homes and other property. The National Weather Service notes that these storms can bring hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning. All of these can cause residential property damage to even the most well-built homes.

We help homeowners in the aftermath of thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes, tropical storms, and other similar weather events.

Fire Damage Claims

Fires in homes can occur for various reasons. One of the most common causes is from cooking. Other common causes include heating the home, electrical fires, and smoking. Regardless of how fires in the home started, they can cause extensive damage to a home. Not only can the fire cause damage, but so can the smoke and water used to fight the fire.

If your home sustained damage in a fire, we recommend that you:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The faster you file the claim, the faster you could receive the money you need to repair your home. When you file the claim, send proof of the damage, including photos. Even if you're unsure about filing a homeowners insurance claim, notifying the insurer prevents you from missing any filing deadlines.

• Gather evidence of your losses. Take photos and videos of the damage. Also, create a list of personal belongings that sustained damage in the fire.
• Secure the property. Sometimes, people rob houses that homeowners don't properly secure after a fire. Cover any open passageways to keep others out. If your home gets robbed or vandalized, it could cause further damage and losses.
• Hire a contractor to assess the damage. When the insurance company's adjuster comes, it is helpful to walk through the house with them to explain all of the damage. It is also helpful to hire your own contractor to assess the damage to ensure you receive an unbiased value for certain repairs.

Dolman Group can ensure you take the appropriate steps after a fire. We can document your losses and find other contractors to provide repair estimates. With us by your side, you won't have to worry about the details. We can take care of everything for you.

Water Damage Claims

Flooding, adverse weather events, and burst pipes can cause extensive damage. Yet, sometimes, water damage isn't immediately apparent.

If you notice any of the following signs after a covered peril, consider filing a water damage claim:

• Discoloration on the ceiling: Any dark or wet spots on the ceiling can indicate water damage. The spot on the ceiling could also begin to sag.

• Changes in the drywall: If any of the drywall begins to crack or have bubbles, it could indicate there is water damage within the walls.
• Cracking on the floors: If you notice cracks in the tile or hardwoods, it could indicate there is water damage beneath the floors. Also, any pooling of water on the floors could mean there is water leaking somewhere in the home.
• You can hear water running: If you hear water running in the house but have no running faucets, you could have a hidden leak.
• Mold and mildew growth: When water damage doesn't dry immediately, it can encourage mold and mildew growth. Over time, these substances can “eat away” at a home, while also causing residents to suffer respiratory problems.

Our attorneys can secure the money you need to repair water damage and mitigate further complications.

Sinkhole Claims

Sinkholes are terrifying events. They happen in seconds, often with no warning signs. Many homeowners insurance policies offer sinkhole coverage. If you have coverage, you could get compensated for the cost of repairing certain structures, filling the sinkhole, and other expenses.

Theft and Vandalism Claims

Homeowners insurance doesn't just cover adverse weather events; it covers any peril out of your control. For instance, if someone vandalizes your property or robs your home, you can seek coverage from your insurance company.

These situations can get complicated. Your insurance company may argue that because you didn't secure the premises, you allowed another person to damage your property. It could even allege that you caused the damage and don't deserve compensation. Our team intends to combat any allegations that prevent your claim from moving forward.

What Are Covered Perils in Florida?

A covered peril is any adverse event that your insurance covers. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover things like thunderstorms, tornados, and other events. Some policies have exclusions. For instance, many people have to buy flood insurance in addition to homeowners insurance.

If your insurance provides options for a covered peril, you deserve compensation. Our team can parse through your policy's complicated legal jargon to identify your options. We want to provide all the information you need to make informed decisions on your case's progression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Property Damage Claims

Property damage claims are common occurrences that happen across the United States every day. As a result, many people have similar questions in these situations. We have answered some of the frequently asked questions we receive from clients.

If you need answers for your specific case, contact our team for a free consultation. We can provide more in-depth answers that reflect your unique circumstances.

Can I Sue the Insurance Company if It Doesn't Pay My Claim?

You could file a lawsuit if the insurer denies your claim or refuses to offer fair compensation. Yet, you have options before jumping straight into litigation.

We can:

• Appeal the decision. You could appeal the insurance company's low offer or denial by presenting additional evidence, such as photos and videos of the damage. Each insurance company has its own channel for processing appeals, and we can guide you through the right one.

• Attend mediation. Florida allows you to attend mediation with an insurance representative if the insurer won't settle. Here, a neutral third party oversees proceedings, hoping to guide both parties to a fair resolution.
• Negotiate with the insurance company. Our attorneys can negotiate with the claims adjuster to reach a fair agreement. This can give us the chance to state your case and advocate for why you deserve to recover compensation.

If the insurance company still refuses to cooperate, then we can move forward with a lawsuit. You generally have five years to sue for breach of contract. To uphold your right to damages, we encourage you to consider legal help as soon as possible.

What Does My Insurance Policy Cover?

Each insurance policy has different types of coverage and maximums. Generally speaking, most insurance policies cover damage caused by hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornados, or fires. As noted, some policies require separate flood coverage if they want their home to get repaired during a flood.

To get a clearer picture of what your insurance policy covers, consider reaching out to our Florida residential property damage lawyers today. We can review your policy and explain your coverage options.

How Long Will It Take to Recover Damages?

How long it takes to resolve your claim depends on how quickly you come to an agreement with the insurance company. Our attorneys can do everything in our power to help you get money as soon as possible. This involves filing your paperwork on time, recognizing bad faith insurance practices, and investigating your damages.

What if the Insurance Company Won't Pay for All Repairs?

If the insurance company only pays for part of the repairs, you can call on our team. We advocate for people in your position and intend to seek everything you need. As noted, we can file an appeal, file a lawsuit, or attend mediation to resolve your case.

Do I Have to Pay Anything to Receive Money From the Insurance Company?

The amount of money you have to pay depends on your deductible. A deductible is a certain sum you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Many policyholders have plans with low deductibles, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. We can assess the details of your deductible and explain your options.

When Should I Contact a Residential Property Damage Attorney?

Our attorneys can work on your residential property claim as soon as your home sustains damage. We can file the initial claim, or you can come to us if your claim gets denied. If you contact us before you file your initial claim, we can work to avoid denials. Our team can inventory your losses and ensure you don't miss any filing deadlines.

We understand you need the money to fix your home fast. With our team by your side, we can try to expedite the process, so you don't have to worry about coming up with the funds on your own.

What if I Don't Understand What My Policy Covers?

If you don't understand what your insurance policy covers, call on our team of lawyers to help. We have handled many insurance claims and understand how to interpret what these policies state. Our team can determine the coverage you have and explain if you have any exclusions.

If your initial claim gets denied, we can review the denial and determine the cause. We can remedy the situation by providing extra evidence or contacting the insurance company ourselves. With an attorney by your side, the insurance company could be more likely to settle your case.

Do I Have to File My Claim Within a Certain Amount of Time?

The amount of time someone has to file an insurance claim depends on the liable party. It is crucial you determine your claim's filing deadline if your home sustains damage. We recommend filing an insurance claim as soon as possible, so you don't lose the right to seek damages.

How Do I Report a Residential Property Damage Claim?

Each insurance company has its own specific set of procedures for processing a property damage claim. When you go to file the claim, the insurer should explain your next steps. If you find yourself struggling to fill out the claims information and determine what losses you incurred, an attorney can help.

Once you contact our firm, we can inform you of the proper procedures to file a residential property claim. We can ensure you fill it out correctly and provide enough evidence to avoid a denial. Our attorneys have assisted clients with many insurance claims, and we have the tools you want to move forward.

Contact a Residential Property Damage Lawyer From Dolman Law Group Today

If you're struggling to recover compensation from the insurance company to fix your home, call a Florida residential property damage attorney. We can help you take the initial steps to file a claim and appeal a denial, if necessary. Our team understands how stressful this type of situation is, and we can do everything in our power to alleviate the stress.

Contact our team today for a free case evaluation. Dial (727) 451-6900. Whether you're just filing a claim or facing a denial, we can provide comprehensive legal support.

Client Testimonial

“Extremely knowledgeable team and very professional. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. Thank you so much Dolman and team!"
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tatjana R.
Jan 2020
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