Florida Roof Damage Lawyers

Roof damage has the potential to cause extensive damage to your home. Getting your roof repaired as soon as possible can prove crucial to preventing water from getting inside the home. If your insurance company gives you the runaround and does not provide the money you need to make the repairs, you may need help. Call on the Florida roof damage lawyers at Dolman Law Group.

Our attorneys can fight for your right to recover compensation from the insurance company. After all, you paid the insurer for help in the event of this exact scenario. We can take care of the legal matters so you can focus on taking care of your home and preventing more damage. Our team can support you through the claims or legal process, so you don't have to go through it alone.

Dolman Law Group Can Stand Up to the Insurer in Your Roof Damage Claim

Call on our team if the insurance company denies your claim or does not want to offer enough compensation to cover the damages. Our main goal is to ensure you get the compensation you need and also to ensure you feel supported. Dealing with claims or other legal matters can prove difficult to go through alone. Going through the process with a strong legal advocate can give you the confidence you need to know you can get through it.

Our team understands that facing property damage—especially roof damage—can prove one of the most stressful times in your experience as a homeowner. When you choose our firm, you can expect us to take care of everything necessary to help resolve your claim. We want our clients to feel happy they chose Dolman Law Group to represent them during a difficult time.

We Can Take Care of the Legal Matters

After a storm or other disaster damages your home, you likely do not want to deal with talking to the insurance company often. Once you start working with our firm, you will no longer have to worry about fighting the insurer alone. Our team can take care of everything regarding the claim—and if we need to file a lawsuit because of an insurer's bad faith practices, we can do so for you.

When filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, our team can take many tasks off your hands. While we perform these tasks, we can always ensure they are in your best interest and that you approve.

We can:

• Talk to the insurance company: First, we can communicate with the insurer. Our attorneys speak to insurance companies often and understand the tricks they use to try to pay less money than they should. We can help you avoid saying anything that could hurt your chances of them paying out your claim.
• Review your policy: Our team can review your policy to determine what it covers. If we believe insurance should cover the damage, we can refer to the policy and look for loopholes to help you get the money you need.
• Gather evidence: Before negotiating with the insurance company, we can gather evidence of the damage.
• Negotiate for a fair deal: We can negotiate with the insurance company to provide a fair offer. During negotiations, we can present the evidence we gathered indicating the amount of damage your home sustained. We can provide estimates to prove how much it would cost to repair the home.
• Represent you in court, if necessary: If the negotiations with the insurance company won't bring us to a settlement, we can take your case to court. Our team has fierce litigators who aren't afraid to stand up to the insurance company. We can make your case in civil court and let a jury decide how much compensation you should receive from the insurance company.

Once you hire us, we don't want you to deal with any burdens regarding your case. We can act as a liaison between you and the insurance company to ensure you don't say anything that could hurt your case. With Dolman Law Group by your side, you can rest assured we can have your back throughout your case.

The Benefits of Choosing Dolman Law Group

Choosing an attorney from our firm as your Florida roof damage lawyer comes with many benefits. First, we stand by and support our clients throughout their whole case so they know they aren't alone. Everyone from our law firm wants to see you succeed and get your home repaired without having to go into debt.

Many of our past clients have commented on how quickly we resolved their issues. They also noted how much of a pleasure it was to work with our staff. Our attorneys have deep knowledge in this area of law and can find ways to get the insurance company to provide compensation.

Some of the perks of working with our firm include:

• We aren't afraid to litigate. Many law firms take on cases to try to make quick settlements. We aren't afraid to take a case to court at Dolman Law Group. If the insurance company isn't offering as much money as we think you deserve, we can fight for you in a courtroom.

• We focus on quality work over quantity. We only take on as many cases as we can handle effectively. Our attorneys won't take on a case until they have the time to dedicate to it fully. You know we can go to the mat for you when you work with our team.
• We have the financial resources to take on the insurance companies. One tactic includes making the insurance company choose between high litigation costs and a fair settlement. We have the financial resources to continue fighting longer than the insurance company usually wants to.
• We offer free consultations. When you need answers about how to get the insurance company to pay up, you can speak to an attorney from our firm about it at no cost. You can get the answers you need without paying for the consultation and find out how an attorney can help without worrying about the cost.
• You don't have to pay unless you win. Our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means we only take a small percentage of the compensation you recover. We want our clients to hold the insurance company accountable without worrying about financial risk.

You can rest assured that you can try to seek compensation without having to pay a lot of legal fees. Our team can do what it takes to help you get the money you need to repair your roof.

Matthew Dolman Works Hard to Support Clients

Attorney Matthew Dolman focuses so heavily on supporting clients because he was in a similar situation as a teenager. His father got into a car accident that left him with injuries. These injuries put his father in the hospital, and he accrued many medical bills.

Their family hired an attorney to help them recover compensation for his injuries. But, unfortunately, the attorney they hired did not work hard for them and at times, seemed unconfident. Even as a teenager, this frustrated Matthew Dolman that the attorney wasn't fighting for them to recover the compensation they needed to pay for the medical bills.

This experience lit a fire and motivated him to go to law school. Once he finished, he knew he wanted to start a law firm that supported its clients and did everything possible to make them feel cared for. As a result, many of our past clients speak highly of our firm. They say they felt supported throughout the entire process of their case.

About Roof Damage Claims in Florida

Roof damage claims are common after any major storm or disaster. A roof constitutes a large area that prevents water and other unwanted materials from getting inside. Because it can prove vulnerable to the elements, it can get damaged more easily than materials inside the home.

Types of Roof Damage

Typically, roof damage occurs because of a storm or other disaster. Although, sometimes, it just happens because of regular wear and tear. Insurance may more likely cover the damage if a storm causes it. But, if the damage results from regular wear and tear, you could have to pay for the repairs.

Knowing the different types of roof damage helps determine how it could have occurred.

Some common forms of roof damage include:

• Missing shingles
• Damaged shingles
• The edges of the shingles curl
• Cracked shingles
• Sagging spots where water pools
• Missing shingle granules caused by hail

A contractor can look at the type of roof damage you have to determine its cause. If you see any of this damage on your roof, you could have leaks, allowing water to get inside your home.

Roof Damage Can Cause Further Damage to the Home

The roof plays an important role in protecting your home. Getting it fixed as soon as possible can prove incredibly important when it gets damaged. If not, water can get into the home and cause more preventable damage. Our attorneys can work tirelessly to get the insurance company to settle quickly so you can get the money you need to repair the roof.

When water enters the home, you can see effects that could cost you much more to fix than just the roof repair.

Further damage that could happen to the home if water gets inside from the roof includes:

• Ruined insulation: If water gets into the insulation, it becomes ineffective. Ineffective insulation could allow cold or hot air from the outside to get into the house. This could cause utility bills to increase drastically.
• Drywall issues: If water gets into the drywall, it could cause it to start sagging or make it soft. When this occurs, you may need to replace the drywall.
• Mold issues: If water sits inside an area of the home for too long, mold could grow. If the mold gets inside the home's walls or the HVAC system, it can cause health concerns. Breathing in moldy air can cause various health issues, especially for people with asthma.
• Fire risk: If water gets into the electrical system, it could cause a fire risk. An electrician must check out any exposed electrical wires close to the water that entered the home to ensure they won't pose a fire risk.
• Cracked foundation: If water gets into the foundation, it could cause it to crack or shift. It could also affect the rafters and ceiling joints in the home's attic area. All of this could affect the structural integrity of the home greatly. If the ceilings have water damage, they could fall through, damaging everything underneath them.

So, you should not take roof damage lightly. The moment you suspect your roof sustained damage, get someone to look at it. It could save you time and money to avoid these further issues altogether.

Florida Storms Can Cause Extensive Roof Damage

While cold temperatures, unmaintained shingles, and high heat can cause extensive roof damage, storms also commonly cause this damage. Florida can get heavy storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

While each type of storm varies in severity, each type can cause damage to a roof. If a storm causes damage, you could file an insurance claim to get the roof repaired. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay, you can count on our team to fight for you to seek the money you need.

Hurricanes

The threat of hurricanes looms over Florida for about six months out of the year. Hurricanes have affected almost every part of the state in its history.

The National Ocean Service describes a hurricane as a tropical cyclone that develops over subtropical waters. Hurricanes consist of a rotating, low-pressure weather system with wind speeds over 73 miles per hour. Each hurricane has an eye of the storm, which tends to bring the worst of the storm's damage. Hurricanes mean extreme winds, torrential rain, and storm surges.

The Florida Climate Center uses a scale to determine a hurricane's category.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their intensity as measured by the following indicators:

• Category 1: A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74-95 miles per hour. These are dangerous winds that could produce some damage.
• Category 2: A Category 2 hurricane has wind speeds of 96-110 miles per hour. These are extremely dangerous winds that can cause extensive damage.
• Category 3: A Category 3 hurricane has wind speeds of 111-129 miles per hour. This type of hurricane can cause devastating damage.
• Category 4: A Category 4 hurricane has wind speeds of 130-156 miles per hour. This hurricane can cause catastrophic damage to the land that endures it.
• Category 5: A Category 5 hurricane has winds over 156 miles per hour. If this hurricane hits, it can cause catastrophic damage that could take years to repair.

Even the lowest level hurricane could cause roof damage. The high-speed winds of a hurricane could blow shingles off the roof or completely take them from the house. If a hurricane damages your home's roof, other property owners around you are likely making insurance claims. It can prove helpful to have a Florida roof damage lawyer to expedite the process so the insurance company gets your information quickly.

Tornadoes

A tornado consists of a violent cyclone that usually develops during a severe thunderstorm. Certain weather conditions can make a tornado more or less likely. The winds a tornado can produce are higher than those of the most intense hurricane. In some cases, tornado winds can go over 200 miles per hour. These storms cause extensive damage in their path.

Common damage from a tornado includes:

• Snapped trees, which can cause them to fall on houses or other property
• Downed power lines, causing the electricity in the area to go down
• Smashed roofs from falling debris
• Blowing the roof off of a home or causing extensive roof damage

Tornadoes can do much more damage beyond the effects listed above. Their effects vary based on wind speed, the length of time they remain on the ground in an area, and other factors.

Tornadoes have formed throughout all seasons in our state. However, spring and summer more typically bring tornadoes. If your roof sustained damage from a tornado, you should file a claim with your insurance company. If the insurance company denies your claim or doesn't offer enough money to make the repairs, our Florida roof damage lawyers can help.

Thunderstorms

The National Weather Service describes a thunderstorm as a storm system that entails rain and often lightning. Therefore, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce lightning.

Thunderstorms can cause damage to roofs if the winds are high enough or if lightning strikes the roof.

Some facts about thunder and lightning storms include:

• You can see the most serious storm effects when a storm lingers in one area for a long time.
• Thunderstorms typically bring strong rains for a short period. Warm and humid conditions often encourage storm formation.

Lightning can prove unpredictable and can cause extensive damage if it hits a certain spot. For example, if lightning hits the roof, it could cause one spot on the roof to sustain damage or could ignite a fire. If a fire erupts, that could cause more extensive damage to the entire roof and the house.

Frequently Asked Questions in Florida Roof Damage Cases

Our attorneys know that a property damage claim can feel confusing and frustrating. We want to help you get the answers you need.

What Are the Signs of Roof Damage?

If you notice water getting into the home, this can point to roof damage. Water entering the home can wreak havoc on all home parts, even down to the foundation. While looking at your roof can give clues of damage, looking out for signs of water offers the best way to determine if the water is getting inside.

Some of the signs you have water leaking through the roof could include:

• Dark or wet spots on the ceiling: If you see any spot on the ceiling that seems wet, changing color, or appearing to sag, you could have water up there. When water soaks through damage in a roof, it can get through the insulation and drop down to the ceiling. If enough water gets into the ceiling, it can cause the ceiling to collapse and water to go through the floor below it.
• You notice cracks in the flooring: When water pools on wood or other types of flooring, it can cause it to crack or warp. If you notice any damage to the flooring without a noticeable cause, it's important to detect if water from the roof is somehow getting to that location.
• The foundation gets damaged: If enough water gets into the roof, it can travel down into the foundation. The foundation can begin to crack if the water damage proves severe. Cracking in the foundation can affect the entire structural integrity of the home.

You should look for the signs of water damage to ensure further damage doesn't occur to the home. Call the insurance company immediately to file a claim if you notice these signs. Getting the money you need fast can help you avoid future repair problems.

Why Do Roof Damage Claims Get Denied?

After paying for home insurance for so many years, you would expect the insurance company to pay when you have damage to your home. Unfortunately, they sometimes deny claims for various reasons.

Some of the common reasons insurance companies deny claims include:

• They claim the roof sustained damage because of wear and tear. Roofs get built to last for a long time. While they typically have strong materials, wear and tear are inevitable if enough time passes. If you don't perform regular maintenance, a roof can start leaking from wear and tear.
• The damage occurred from a previous storm. When a roof sustains damage, you have a certain amount of time to file the claim. The insurance company could state the roof sustained damage long ago and not from a recent storm. They could deny the claim since the damage was there longer than the time you had to file the claim.
• The roof sustained damage because of a manufacturer's defect. If the insurance company claims your roof's damage stemmed from a manufacturer's defect, they could state they do not bear the responsibility to fix it.
• The insurance adjustor misrepresents the level of damage. If the insurance adjuster says the damage isn't as extensive as it is, the insurance company might offer you less money than you need to make the repairs.

If you run into any of these problems, a Florida roof damage lawyer from Dolman Law Group can provide evidence indicating the insurance company's error. We can work to prove your home sustained roof damage in a way that your insurance policy covers.

How Can I Document Roof Damage After a Fire or Storm?

Provide solid evidence of the damage and losses you faced to get the maximum amount of compensation after your roof sustains damage. So, after the storm or fire passes, assess all the damage. Look at all areas of the roof, such as damage to shingles, protruding roof parts, or damaged gutters.

To document these issues, take pictures or videos of anything you see. Even if the damage seems minor, the insurance company must know about it. Also, contact someone who repairs roofs so they can provide a quote for how much the damage will cost to repair. They can also document all of the damage they see on the roof. This can lend additional credibility to your documentation and support the valuation of your losses.

How Do I Make a Successful Roof Damage Claim?

Filing a successful roof damage claim could make the difference in how much money the insurance company will offer you. However, filing a claim often entails a complicated process that involves many steps.

To improve your chance of the insurance company approving your claim:

• Get the damage assessed immediately after the storm or fire. The faster you or a professional assess the damage, the less likely the insurance company can state that it happened from a previous storm. Assess the damage yourself but also have a professional look at it.
• Properly document everything related to the damage. Document the day and time the storm or fire occurred. Also, document the location of the damage on the roof and the estimated amount to repair it as quoted by a contractor.
• File the claim with the insurance company. Once you have proper documentation and know all of the damage that affected the roof, make the insurance claim. If you struggle to fill out the claim forms independently, our attorneys can help you through the process.
• Meet with the insurance adjuster when they come. Record everything about the visit for your records. This includes the day and time they came, the amount of time they stayed, and all of the damage they recorded.

Having an attorney by your side who has your best interests in mind offers a good way to ensure you have a successful insurance claim. Our Florida roof damage attorneys can support you through the entire process from start to finish.

What Steps Do I Take After My Roof Sustains Damage?

You can give yourself a greater chance of the insurance company providing the money you need if you:

• Assess the damage. Determine everywhere your roof sustained damage. Gather evidence of the damage by taking photos and video.
• Call a roofing contractor. They can come out and assess the level of the damage as well. A roofing contractor can provide detailed information about your home's losses and how to prevent further damage. They can also provide a quote on how much it will cost to repair the roof.
• Contact your insurance company. They can provide details on how to file an insurance claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster out to view the damage. Stay with the adjuster and ensure you point out any damage you notice so they don't miss anything.
• Contact a roof damage attorney. Contact an attorney if the insurance company denies your claim or isn't offering enough money to repair it. At our firm, we can help you after a claim denial or even from the beginning as you file your claim. Our attorneys can ensure you have the necessary supporting evidence and negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.

Having a roof damage attorney by your side throughout this process can prove helpful. You can rest assured you won't miss any deadlines or important steps with our team by your side.

Contact Our Florida Roof Damage Attorneys Today

Call on a strong legal advocate if you suspect your roof sustained damage from a storm or fire. Our team can stand by your side and ensure the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We believe the insurance companies owe you compensation based on the terms of your existing policy. You should hold them accountable if they refuse to pay what they owe you.

Contact our team today for a free consultation: (727) 451-6900. During this call, we can discuss the circumstances of your case and explain how we can help. Our team can help you gather the evidence you need to file a successful claim or appeal. Don't let the insurance company give you less than you deserve. Let our team aggressively advocate for you to quickly make the repairs you need.