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Sinkhole Claims

10/28/2008
Bob Grode, Attorney
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Sinkhole in Lake Wales Reminds Us of Law Change

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown has handled many sinkhole claims over the years. After the devastation of multiple hurricanes in 2004 to central Florida sinkholes became a major problem all over the area. With ground and water systems unable to stabilize homes and property were sinking into oblivion. Now a number of families in Lake Wales are without homes as the duplexes they were living in slowly sink into the ground. When the first family noticed the problem they were waking up in the morning. Because the duplex had already sustained damage they were unable to open the door and had to escape from a side window with only the clothes on their back. Lilly, O'Toole & Brown would become involved when homeowner's insurance companies refused to pay on sinkhole claims when insureds made a claim. Homeowners were at the end of their rope while the companies that had received their premiums for years turned their back. Happily most of those situations turned out well for the homeowners, but not without significant work and litigation. Because homeowners were so successful insurance companies pushed for, and received, significant changes in the law. Before talking with an insurance company about a potential sinkhole claim, make sure to talk to an attorney who understands this type of claim and can help.

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