Classified as geological hazards, sinkholes occur when the limestone bedrock far underneath the ground erodes and collapses, causing the earth above it to sink. Sometimes, the sinkhole is obvious, forming a large depression that can swallow an entire house. Other times, it can be much more subtle. Often, the first sign of sinkhole damage is a stair-step crack in the outside wall of your house.  Unfortunately, this phenomenon is common occurrence in Central Florida and can often the cause of extensive damage to your home or business.

Although almost all insurance companies provide homeowners coverage for damage due to a sinkhole activity, they also have teams of adjusters and lawyers who work to minimize the amounts paid out on these claims.

With more than 10 years experience working on sinkhole cases, at Lilly, O’Toole and Brown, our goal is to protect your investment.  We can help you with all aspects of your sinkhole claim, including situations where:

• You have not yet filed a claim with your insurance company;
• You have filed a claim and the insurance company has denied it for any reason; or
• You have filed a claim but the insurance company will not pay enough money to make proper and/or recommended repair

Fees and Expenses

Because we recognize what it costs to take on an insurance company, Lilly, O’Toole & Brown represent clients in sinkhole cases on a contingency-fee basis. If for any reason you receive no money, then we receive no fee for our work.

Our firm always advances all the costs connected with the preparation and presentation of the case. If there is no recovery, these costs are not repaid by the client. Simply stated, we are paid fees and costs only if you win. All consultations are free of charge.If you have a sinkhole issue, please contact Lilly, O’Toole & Brown at 863.533.5525 to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your rights under Florida law.

Is your home affected by a sinkhole?

Due to the extreme weather conditions experienced in Central Florida over the past few years, sinkhole activity has increased and many areas are now being plagued with this natural disaster. Below is a list of signs that your home may be affected by a sinkhole:

• Cracking of block foundations
• Cracking around the door and window frames
• Windows or doors that do not close properly
• Stair-step cracks in wall
• Depressions in yard or driveway
• Tilting or sinking of a section of a floor
• Separation of walls from ceiling or floors
• Separation of house from foundation
• Pipes breaking
• Tree roots that are exposed that were not before
• Fence posts that start sagging or slanting