Knowledgeable Guidance on Florida Property Damage Disputes
If you have suffered serious damage to your home or business due to a storm, fire, or other event covered by insurance, filing your claim in a proper and timely matter may be only the first step toward financial recovery. The insurance company may confirm your loss and affirm that your coverage applies, but you still must reach agreement on a settlement amount.
Florida has established an appraisal process as a form of alternative dispute resolution for sinkhole claims, hurricane damage claims and other property insurance claims. This is intended as an objective means of fairly settling claims without costly, time-consuming litigation in the court system, and its basic elements include:
- An appraisal panel is formed, consisting of two damage estimators and an umpire.
- If any two members of the panel agree on an appraisal amount, this sets the value of the loss and an award in that amount is issued.
- Although insurance appraisal awards can be appealed, Florida appellate courts have issued multiple rulings in support of this process and the findings of appraisal panels.
Homeowners Insurance Claim Problems? Questions About the Appraisal Process?
Our Tampa law firm's many years of experience advocating for homeowners with disputed hurricane, sinkhole and other damage claims can be a tremendous asset for you. Attorney K.C. Williams will analyze the facts of your case, review your policy including the details of any appraisal clause, and help you fully understand likely outcomes as well as your rights and options. We have worked with many public adjusters and have ready access to an array of qualified damage estimators and other experts.
If you have a valid homeowners claim that you believe is not being properly valued by your insurance company, it can be critical to contact a lawyer at your first opportunity. We have the insurance knowledge to determine if bad faith is a factor in your case and help you make important decisions about the best path to resolution for you. Our work together can begin with a free case evaluation.
