Orlando Property Damage Lawyers

Has your home, business, or other property in Orlando, Florida, sustained damage in an unexpected accident? If so, you may worry about how much it could cost to repair and how the damage could affect your day-to-day life. And although your property insurance can pay for certain repairs and personal losses, claiming compensation from your provider may not prove as straightforward as it should.

Many property owners experience frustration and despair when their insurance providers take forever to handle claims, impose seemingly arbitrary exclusions, and deny valid claims unfairly. If your insurance provider refuses to play fair, an experienced property damage attorney can protect your rights as a property owner and demand the compensation you deserve.

At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., our team of skilled legal professionals can help you navigate the insurance claims process and present your property damage claim in the best possible light. We provide compassionate and knowledgeable legal support for people throughout Orlando and are ready to help you, too.

Don’t take on the insurance company alone. Contact Orlando property damage lawyer today to learn more about your options in a free initial case review.

Why Choose Michael T. Gibson, P.A.?

Filing an insurance claim after a property damage incident is often difficult, but there’s no reason to face this challenge alone. Finding the right property damage attorney is the best way to protect your investment, safeguard your legal rights, and get your property back in good shape.

At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., our team of skilled legal professionals has the knowledge and resources to match even the largest corporate firms, along with the personal touch and hospitality of a local office.

We can help you recover after an unexpected accident by:

• Evaluating your case, identifying the limits of your insurance policy, and explaining your rights and options as a policyholder
• Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf, including communicating with property inspectors, adjusters, and investigators
• Investigating the accident to determine the possible causes and effects of the property damage and estimate a reasonable value for your claim
• Helping you secure any temporary funds necessary to prevent additional property damage
• Helping you handle emergencies and immediate expenses, such as getting money for structural repairs or temporary accommodations
• Preparing a comprehensive and well-supported insurance claim on your behalf
• Representing you during settlement negotiations, out-of-court disputes, and appraisal hearings if the insurance company minimizes or rejects your claim
• Filing a bad faith insurance claim and representing you in court if your insurance company does not handle your claim in good faith

We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for Orlando accident victims and property owners, and we’re ready to stand up for you. Visit us in person at our Baldwin Park office location or contact us online to schedule your complimentary case review.

Compensation for Property Damage Events

After a covered property damage event, you may be eligible to receive various types of compensation depending on the nature of the damage and the specific coverage provided by your insurance policy.

This compensation could include money for:

• Repair or replacement expenses. Compensation that covers the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as building structures, foundations, roofs, and other permanent fixtures.
• Personal property losses. Most property insurance policies extend coverage to damaged personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and other household items.
• Demolition and debris removal. This coverage pays for the costs of demolishing damaged structures that are beyond repair, removing the debris, and disposing of the remnants properly.
• Business interruption losses. This compensation pays for any losses you incur if you must temporarily close a property from which you lawfully conduct business, such as lost revenue or expenses for temporary operations.
• Additional living expenses. If your property sustains extensive damage that forces you to leave and find temporary living arrangements, this coverage can pay for your additional living costs.
• Loss of use or rental income. If you rent out your property and your tenants cannot stay in the property due to the damage, this type of compensation provides reimbursement for your lost rental income.

Remember that compensation amounts and coverage limits vary depending on the policy. An experienced property damage attorney at the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., can help you understand your rights and seek full compensation for your losses.

Orlando Property Damage Facts and Statistics

Orlando is one of Florida’s most highly developed cities, with miles of highways, resorts, visitor centers, and thousands of residential and commercial properties. Orlando also sees plenty of extreme weather events, which means there are plenty of opportunities for extensive property damage to occur.

Here are some concerning statistics about property damage here in the Sunshine State:

• According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average cost of homeowners insurance among Floridians is $1,988 per year, significantly higher than the national average.
• A recent report from NBC News suggests that hundreds of thousands of Florida residents are at risk for flooding despite not living in designated flood-risk zones.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that Florida has experienced more than 75 federal natural disasters since 1980, which collectively caused $200 to $370 billion in property damage.
• More than 5.3 million Floridians, or 28 percent of the state’s residents, live in areas that have an elevated risk of wildfire damage.

Common Types of Property Damage in Orlando

Many different types of property damage can give rise to insurance claims, including:

Fire Damage

Fire damage can occur because of natural disasters, such as lightning strikes, or human intervention, like accidental cooking fires or arson. Fires can burn and destroy property structures and lead to secondary damage from smoke, soot, and the water used to extinguish the fire.

Water Damage

Water can seep into properties after floods, plumbing leaks, burst pipes, or appliance malfunctions. Unaddressed water damage can cause structural damage, mold, and other problems over time.

Storm Damage

Severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and high winds often cause storm damage. Storms can destroy roofs, windows, and other exterior structures, as well as cause flooding and power outages.

Vandalism and Theft

Criminal activities like vandalism and theft can lead to property damage and losses like broken windows, graffiti, theft of personal property, and other forms of destruction.

Mold Damage

Mold damage occurs when mold spores flourish in damp, humid environments. Mold often begins growing due to water damage, leaks, or poor ventilation. It can cause both structural damage and health problems.

Pest Damage

Pest damage occurs when termites, rodents, birds, raccoons, squirrels, and other critters infiltrate properties and eat away at roofs, walls, and other structures.

Sinkhole Damage

Sinkholes can appear because of natural processes, such as water erosion, or human activities, such as groundwater pumping. A sinkhole can damage structures, foundations, and other types of infrastructure, which can lead to structural collapses and other types of damage.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Property Damage Event

Filing an insurance claim for property damage in Orlando presents many challenges. Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance companies have slow and difficult claims processes, and property owners often become confused by the requirements and exclusions that apply to their policies. On top of the convoluted claims process, insurance companies are notorious for finding new and creative ways to minimize the amount of money they pay out for claims.

The simple fact is that insurance providers are commercial entities, meaning their priority is to protect their profit margins, not the best interests of their policyholders.

Even though it’s your insurance provider’s job to pay for your losses after a covered event, you can expect them to do everything they can to avoid giving you full compensation. This could mean making lowball settlement offers, insisting that your claim is not for a covered event, or even refusing to respond to your inquiries in a timely manner.

Because of the challenges you face as a property owner filing an insurance claim, you should consult with an experienced property damage attorney who can help you pursue the appropriate compensation. Your attorney can help you navigate the claims process, communicate with the insurance corporation and its adjusters, investigate the cause of the property damage, and negotiate the best settlement possible.

What to Do if Your Property Sustains Damage

If your property sustains damage in an unforeseen accident or another covered event, taking the following steps can help you protect your property and get a head start on your insurance claim:

• Attend to the damage as best you can. If your property sustained extensive damage, take immediate steps to protect the property and yourself. These steps could include making emergency repairs to prevent further damage or securing the entrances to the property.
• Document the damage. Take photos and videos of the damage before you make any repairs. This evidence can provide valuable support for your claim.
• Contact the insurance company. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage and start the claims process. The insurance company should send an adjuster to your property to assess the damage.
• Review your insurance policy. Find a copy of your insurance policy and review what it covers and excludes so you know what to expect.
• Keep all records and documents. Maintain copies of all records of the damage and related repair efforts, including repair estimates, receipts and invoices, photographs, and correspondence with your insurance company.
• Hire a property damage attorney. Instead of relying on your insurer to do the right thing, get a lawyer who can force them to. A property damage attorney can stand up for your rights, handle the claims process with ease, and pursue the largest possible settlement for your claim.

Property Damage Claim FAQs

Below you’ll find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about property damage insurance claims in Florida.

What Should I Avoid Saying When I Report the Damage to My Provider?

When you contact your insurance company:

• Refrain from saying anything that could imply you feel responsible for the damage, like “I should have…” or “If only I had….”
• Avoid estimating the cost of repairs or the current value of your property.
• Never exaggerate the extent of the damage or the value of your property.
• Do not say anything to suggest you might file a lawsuit against your insurance company.
• Avoid offering irrelevant details, speculating about the cause of the damage beyond the obvious, or making guesses when you don’t know an answer.

How Long Will It Take to Get the Money from My Insurance Claim?

It depends. If your property sustained relatively minor damage and requires only simple repairs, you could resolve your case in a matter of weeks. If your property sustained extensive damage that will require costly, large-scale repairs, your claim could take months. The time frame depends on factors like the severity of the damage, the complexity of your claim, and the responsiveness of your insurance provider.

How Long Do I Have to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, you have only one year from the date of the property damage incident to file an insurance claim seeking compensation. If the insurance company breaks the terms of your contract when it denies your claim or minimizes your compensation, you have five years to file suit for breach of contract. You should always file your claim as soon as possible after the accident and hire a trusted lawyer who can help you avoid losing money to common missteps.

Contact a Property Damage Lawyer in Orlando Today

At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., we understand that an unexpected property damage incident is often overwhelming, and filing an insurance claim can be a difficult and confusing process.

Whether you need help negotiating a settlement or require representation in case of a dispute, our attorneys are here to help. Reach out to us at (407) 490-1271 for your free, no-obligation consultation in which we can discuss your concerns and answer any questions you might have.

Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney

2420 S. Lakemont Avenue
Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32814
Phone: 407-422-4529

Review: 5/5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“My attorney Amit was absolutely amazing. Once the case got to him he called me on a regular basis and kept me posted on every action they were taking. Not that I want to be another accident but if I do I know who’s taking care of me.” -Heather B.