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What
is a Sinkhole?
A sinkhole is defined as a "natural depression
or hole in the surface landscape caused by the removal
of soil or bedrock, often both, by water." Sinkholes
can vary in size from less than a meter to several hundred
meters in diameter and depth and can be formed suddenly
or gradually. Often sinkholes are formed when underground
limestone is dissolved by rain or when the surface materials
collapse into underlying cavities in the rock. Currently
the state of Florida is known for having one of the
highest frequencies of sinkholes, especially in the
central part of the state.
How do I know
if I have a sinkhole?
Sinkholes do not always appear in the form of large
craters so that means there are several indicators of
sinkhole activity that are important to keep an eye
out for:
- "Stair
Step" Cracking in your walls, floor, pavement
or pool deck
- Slanting,
slumping or sagging trees, fence posts or other
objects
- Formation
of small puddles "ponds" where water has
not collected before after it rains
- Physical
depressions or holes in your yard, a neighbor's
yard or the street
- Inability
to close doors and windows properly
- Patches
of small circular wilting vegetation
There are several other
indicators of a possible sinkhole on your property suck
as plumbing problems and high water bills. If you notice
any of these warning signs it is important to get help
immediately before the problem gets worse. Contact
us today for your free consultation to find out
exactly how we can help.
What
can I do if I am the victim of a sinkhole?
Your insurance company is obligated to thoroughly investigate
any damage claimed to be the result of sinkhole activity.
Once notified of a sinkhole loss claim, your insurance
company must make an inspection of your property to
make an initial determination as to whether the sinkhole
is the cause damage on your property. If they discover
that the damage is result of the sinkhole they must
obtain a qualified expert to investigate the damage
and issue a written certification as to whether they
believe the damage was result of the sinkhole.
How
can an attorney help me?
A number of problems can arise when a homeowner
presents a claim for sinkhole damages as most insurance
companies have countless methods by which they may attempt
to deny your claim. Often insurance companies will even
attempt to offer undervalued settlements or incomplete
repair in an attempt to resolve the matter. We understand
that most homeowners have never had the experience of
asserting a claim with their insurance company in regards
to the preservation of their home. An insurance claim lawyer at Yesner & Boss, P.L. will work diligently
to ensure that your claim is fully evaluated by experienced
professionals and that your claim will result in the
best possible settlement for you and your family.
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