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Sinkhole Claims
Claims Involving Children
Sinkhole Claims
Sink Hole Attorneys Serving Orlando & Tampa, FL Sinkholes are a naturally occurring geological condition and one of the most prevalent land forms in Florida. Many of the lakes in Central Florida are actually relic sinkholes. Sinkholes can be classified as geological hazards sometimes causing extensive damage to a home or business resulting in costly repairs. 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.
Many people do not realize that Florida law requires that their insurance company provide coverage for damage due to a sinkhole activity. In addition, Florida law requires that once an insurer receives information regarding any damage to an insured's property as a result of a settlement, they must hire a geotechnical engineering firm to perform an investigation sufficient to rule out sinkhole activity at no cost to the insured. This means that it is not necessary for property owners to prove that their structure is being damaged due to sinkhole activity. To the contrary, it is the burden of the insurer to prove that a structure is not being damaged as a result of sinkhole activity.
We know that often times your life savings is invested in your home and that you work hard to keep your home looking good to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your family. The Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown LLP has over ten (10) years experience working on sinkhole cases and our goal is to protect your investment by obtaining recovery from your insurance company for your damages.
Many times clients will come to us prior to contacting their insurance company. However, The Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown LLP can assist you even if you have already filed a claim, whether or not the insurance company agrees you have a sinkhole.
We also represent individuals in situations where their insurer agrees that their home is damaged due to sinkhole activity, but only offers to pay a portion of what it will cost to repair or replace the property. We can help people in this situation, often obtaining substantially more than the insurance company initially offered.
Fees and Expenses
Because we recognize what it costs to take on an insurance company, The Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown LLP, 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.
Signs and symptoms of sinkhole activity may include:
- Cracking of block foundations
- Cracking around the door and window frames
- Windows or doors that do not close properly
- Large 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
See Verdicts/Settlements section of this website for details.
Library for Sinkhole Claims:
- Actions To Take If You Have A Sinkhole
Description: Sinkholes are common in Florida and can cause significant damage to properties. Homeowners need to be informed on their rights and the steps that should be taken if sinkhole activity is suspected. Contact Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have sustained property damage caused by sinkhole activity. - Sinkhole Information
Description: Legal Assistance & Insurance help & Information for Sinkhole related issues and claims.
Case Results for Sinkhole Claims:
- Shopping Center Damaged by Sinkhole
Awarded: Confidential
Web Resources for Sinkhole Claims:
- St. Petersburg Times - Sinkholes Thwart Home Sellers
- Geotimes
- Florida Environment.com
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- American National Standards Institute
- USGS Water Science for Schools
- Sinkhole.Org - Facts About Sinkholes
- Sinkhole Claim Information
Description: Legal assistance and information for Sinkhole claims
Blog for Sinkhole Claims
Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111
Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.
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Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
800 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 683-1111
