Residential Florida Sinkhole Claim
Case Result: Homeowner Receives 150% of Policy Limit in Sinkhole Claim Victory
Our client contacted us because State Farm Insurance Company denied his sinkhole damage claim. Before our involvement in the case, State Farm had paid two experts to render opinions that our client’s house had not been affected by sinkhole activity, even though several other homes in the neighborhood – including his immediate neighbor’s home – had been confirmed as sinkhole-damaged properties. State Farm had also obtained a “neutral evaluator” who gave the requested opinion that the property had not been affected by sinkhole activity.
Background of the Claim
The homeowner discovered signs of a sinkhole under their property after noticing cracks in the foundation, walls, and driveway. Following a professional assessment, it was confirmed that the sinkhole caused structural damage, putting the integrity of the home at risk. The homeowner filed a claim with State Farm insurance company, expecting full coverage for the extensive damage under their sinkhole provision.
Challenges in the Case:
State Farm insurance company acknowledged the sinkhole but argued that the damage was less severe than initially reported. They attempted to settle the claim for only the policy limit, insufficiently covering the full repair costs. Additionally, they contested certain aspects of the repair estimates provided by the homeowner’s experts.
As a result, the homeowner faced a substantial financial shortfall and could not cover the full cost of repairs. Frustrated and overwhelmed by the insurer’s refusal to offer adequate compensation, the homeowner turned to Williams Law, P.A. for help.
Outcome and Settlement:
Through skilled negotiation and legal advocacy, Williams Law, P.A. secured a settlement that exceeded the policy limit by 50%, resulting in the homeowner receiving 150% of their policy’s stated limit. This additional compensation enabled the homeowner to:
- Fully repair the structural damage caused by the sinkhole
- Cover-related expenses, such as temporary housing and engineering assessments
- Avoid financial strain from out-of-pocket repair costs
This outcome represented a significant victory, ensuring the homeowner could restore their property’s safety and value without suffering further financial hardship.