Table of Contents
Protecting Your Claim After Property Damage
When disaster strikes your home or business, the first steps you take can make or break your insurance claim. Documenting the damage, making temporary repairs, and notifying your insurer are important, but even then, insurers often delay, underpay, or deny valid claims. An experienced property damage lawyer can step in early to handle communications with the insurance company, make sure your claim is fully documented, and fight to maximize your recovery.
Whether you’re a business owner, homeowner, or both, property damage can be one of the biggest nightmares you can face, whether it’s due to severe weather, fire, or even criminal acts like theft. We know just how chaotic and emotionally taxing the situation can feel, particularly when your insurance company decides to give you a difficult time after filing a claim.
If you’re facing pushback or a lack of communication from insurance, Levin Litigation can help. Our Hollywood property damage lawyers can not only walk you through the process of filing a strong property damage claim but also help you fight back when insurance isn’t playing fair.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Property Damage Claim?
Unfortunately, while some property damage claims can be handled quickly and accurately, many more will require professional legal help. This is especially true for high–value claims where insurance may be hesitant or unwilling to pay their fair share.
In some cases, your insurance company may try to downplay the damage or dispute the cause to limit their payout. For example, if you have water damage, they might argue that it was caused by a lack of maintenance, even if the problem was a one-time accident.
In other cases, insurance companies may try to avoid communication altogether. This tactic, known as “stonewalling,” involves delaying your claim and making the process frustrating, in hopes that you’ll accept a lowball offer out of impatience or urgency rather than pursuing full compensation.
If at any point during the claims process you feel that you are being taken advantage of, it’s best to contact our Hollywood property damage attorneys to step in to make things right.
If at any point during the claims process you feel that you are being taken advantage of, it’s best to get in touch with an attorney.
What To Expect When Filing: An Overview of the Property Insurance Claim Process
When property damage affects your home or business, the immediate chaos can make filing a claim feel overwhelming. Our Hollywood property damage lawyers are available at every step to make the process as easy and streamlined as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Document the damage
You’ll want to spearhead the process by compiling physical evidence of the damage. This can be done by capturing pictures or videos. Additionally, keep any receipts that may be involved with the clean-up or repair of the damage, as well as hotel costs if the damage prevents you from inhabiting your home. Our attorneys can help guide you through this process and, if necessary, work with an independent expert to assess the damage, creating documentation that can be compared if the insurance company disputes your claim.
Notify your insurance
Many policies require policyholders to notify their insurance within 24 hours of the damage taking place. Your insurer will ask you a series of questions about the damage before eventually sending an adjuster to assess it themselves. In both instances, you have a right to have a lawyer step in. Our property damage lawyers in Hollywood can communicate with your insurance company to make sure the details of the damage are accurately represented in their report.
Wait for a settlement offer
Once your insurance has had time to review their findings, they will have 90 days to approve or deny your claim. If they approve your claim, they will provide a settlement offer they believe matches the extent of the damage. However, it’s important to remember that the first offer is often much lower than expected. Even though they may say that you won’t get another offer, this is almost never the case. Our attorneys can review the offer and negotiate the amount offered by providing additional evidence and advocating on your behalf.
Appeal or litigate if needed
If you’re unhappy with the offer made by your insurance company and they’re unwilling to revise it, you will have the option to appeal the decision. Again, we can help you through this process and build a case to present to the insurer. If a fair resolution still can’t be reached, we are prepared to pursue the matter in court when necessary.
Hollywood Property Damage Lawyer: FAQs
Do You Have Any Property Damage Lawyers Near Me?
Levin Litigation is located at 6100 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 520, Hollywood, FL 33024. Our office can easily be reached via public bus. Simply take BCT routes 7, 18, or 441. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Based Out of Hollywood?
Because property insurance is governed by state and local laws, it’s not always easy for policyholders to know what protections apply to their situation. Levin Litigation can interpret how these laws affect your claim, ensure that your insurer follows its legal obligations, and step in if they don’t.
How Long Do I Have to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim?
In Florida, you generally have up to one year from the date of loss to file a property damage claim with your insurer. If you need to file a lawsuit because the insurer won’t pay, the statute of limitations is typically four years from the date of the damage. It’s best to report claims promptly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Can I File a Claim After a Hurricane or Other Natural Disaster?
Yes, but you’ll want to review your policy beforehand to ensure you’re covered.
How Long Does a Property Damage Case Take?
It depends on the case. Some cases settle within a few weeks, but many can take months and, in some situations, even years. Our goal is to move swiftly and keep pressure on the insurer to resolve your claim as quickly and fairly as possible.
Get in Touch With Our Hollywood Property Insurance Claims Attorneys Today
You’ve been diligent about paying your insurance premiums, and now that you have reason to file a claim, it’s only fair that insurance responds to your claim and lives up to its end of the deal. If you feel that you’re not being treated fairly by your insurance provider, contact Levin Litigation for a free consultation. We’ve handled thousands of property damage claims, and because many of our attorneys once represented insurers, we can use this to ensure you’ve been given a fair chance at the settlement you deserve.
