Tampa Sinkhole Lawyer | Robert Sparks Attorneys

Property Damage & Other Losses Caused by Sinkholes

Sinkhole formation has been accelerated over the last three decades as developers and homesteaders throughout Florida have removed natural groundwater, constructed man-made ponds and lakes, and diverted water on the surface. The acid inherent within all rainwater then slowly dissolves the limestone layer – sometimes further compromised by these human activities – until nothing but a hole exists beneath the topsoil.

As you can imagine, the end result is a collapse of the ground and a lot of headaches for property owners as foundations crack, houses shift, and other damaging destruction is wrought.

Many property owners in the Tampa area have experienced damage to their properties and suffered property losses due to this sinkhole phenomenon, with possibly thousands of dollars in damages to their homes and in other related property damages. If you have experienced such a loss, a Tampa sinkhole damage attorney from Robert Sparks Attorneys can assist you in pursuing a claim through your insurance company.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney for Your Sinkhole Claim

If you have been negatively impacted by a sinkhole, you need the trusted guidance of a law firm that has a deep understanding of the laws and procedures related to these events. Backed by 100+ years of collective experience and millions of dollars in successful recoveries, our team at Robert Sparks Attorneys is committed to providing outstanding counsel and the extensive resources necessary to pursue an effective sinkhole claim.

State law requires insurers to properly investigate any claims presented to them for damages caused by sinkholes. Oftentimes, they will fail to properly inspect the premises and then attempt to deny your sinkhole claim. If you have spotted signs of sinkhole movement on your property, it is important that you contact one of our experienced and knowledgeable sinkhole lawyers for an evaluation of your legal options.

Whether your sinkhole claim was already denied or you are currently facing costly repairs as a result of sinkhole damage, we encourage you to consult with our firm as soon as possible. We have extensive experience dealing with these claims and are prepared to go the distance in our efforts to help you obtain the monetary compensation you deserve. Call (813) 606-5050.

How Robert Sparks Attorneys Can Help

We can help clients to evaluate their claim and prevent property damage before it gets out of hand. We know the warning signs and can help you to look out for some of the most common signs of damage, such as:

If you choose to work with our Tampa sinkhole lawyers at Robert Sparks Attorneys, you can rest easier knowing that you have an advocate on your side that is deeply committed to providing you with the high-quality representation you deserve. We know what is on the line, and we will fight for you.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Sinkhole Damage in Florida

While Florida law requires all insurance companies that provide policies within the state to issue coverage that includes sinkhole damage, these laws can be complex and quite complicated to navigate. After all, insurers will rarely act in your best interest if it costs them money. The most common argument made by insurance companies in response to sinkhole claims is that the damage was not caused by sinkhole activity.

After you make an initial claim with your insurer, an in-depth analysis will be completed using methods like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity (ER). Should your claim be denied, your legal team, in conjunction with knowledgeable experts in the fields of engineering and geology, can fight to prove the validity of your claim. It is best to act swiftly at the first signs of damage so as to avoid unnecessary delays.

Frivolous Insurance Claims: Debunking the Myth

In many cases, people will be hesitant to pursue a sinkhole claim because they believe it will be deemed “frivolous.” In a lot of these cases, the insurance company will use this term in an attempt to intimidate people into dropping their claims, essentially releasing them from the pressure of having to pay. Is it true that a frivolous claim will saddle you with half the cost of the investigation? Yes. Are frivolous claims common? Not at all.

If you believe strongly that your home has been damaged due to a sinkhole, then you are not filing a frivolous claim. You are acting in good faith and attempting to right the wrong you have suffered.

Let Us Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve

With almost two decades of legal expertise, our firm provides our clients with extensive skills in the preparation and investigation of complex claims. Sinkhole claims can require experts to evaluate geological movement, as well as engineers and property inspectors to determine the exact damage caused by the earth’s movement. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we have the resources needed to fully investigate this type of case on your behalf.

The losses suffered from sinkhole damage can impact your life for some time to come. Not only do you risk the ability to enjoy residing in your home, but the extensive and costly repairs can become a nightmare. Many homeowners have the majority of their assets tied up in the value of their homes. Obtaining the compensation you need to recover from all of your losses requires the expertise of an experienced sinkhole lawyer.

Contact our sinkhole attorneys in Tampa, FL today at (813) 606-5050.