WHEN SHOULD I CALL AN ATTORNEY ABOUT MY CLAIM?
The Florida insurance claim attorneys at Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. can assist you with the insurance claims process. From preparing forms to documenting damage to finalizing the claim settlement, our legal team is here to provide support, guidance and legal advice at a time when you need it most.
By denying, undervaluing, underpaying and delaying claims, insurance providers increase the level of stress experienced by property owners when their homes or businesses sustain storm damage.
Should you need our help, the Florida insurance claim attorneys at Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. can help you with the claim process from the first contact with the insurance company through the final payment. We can help you review your policy to locate coverage, coordinate inspections by experts and assist in the submission of the claim. If litigation is necessary following the completion of the claim process, we promptly initiate a lawsuit or appraisal to enforce your contract rights in the courts. If your case ultimately needs to be tried before a jury or appealed, the lawyers at Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. have both trial and appellate experience and can assist you through these processes.
YOU MAY WANT TO SET UP A CALL WITH ONE OF OUR LAWYERS IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAS HAPPENED:
- Your insurance company denied your claim,
- Your insurance company delayed your claim,
- Your insurance company made a misrepresentation to you,
- Your insurance company refused to tender undisputed monies,
- Your insurance company made a “low-ball” offer, estimate or payment,
- Your insurance company did not properly explain the payment they made,
- Your insurance company told you not to hire your own representation,
- Your insurance company requested a release as a condition of settlement or for the payment of undisputed funds,
- Your insurance company labeled a check as “full” or “final” payment when there are additional monies due and owing.
If you believe that your insurance company is denying, underpaying or delaying your claim or otherwise acting in an inappropriate manner, contact our Florida insurance lawyers so we can discuss your legal rights.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF FILING A CLAIM AFTER A LOSS?
The most important thing you can do after a loss is to fine and review your insurance policy. If you cannot find, or do not have a copy, request one from your insurance agent. At the very least, ask your agent for the company name, phone number and policy number.
Report the damage or loss of property to your insurance agent and the responsible insurance companies as soon after you know about the loss as possible. Tell the insurance company what happened and describe the damage in detail. Take pictures and if able, shoot video of the damages to document your claim.
For hail and windstorms, video can be crucial for example, to document the size of hailstones and where they fell.
As you await your insurance company’s determination, make sure that you take the necessary steps to prevent further damage. Keep detailed records of anything you do or money you spend on protecting the property such as emergency services, tarping, or temporary repairs.
WHAT IS A PROOF OF LOSS?
Insurance companies will oftentimes request something called a proof of loss that is described in the policy. A Proof of Loss is the formal submission to the insurance company of the policy holder’s claimed amount, which validates the claim. Many insurance policies require submission of the Proof of Loss form within 60 days of loss. Other insurance policies only require a Proof of Loss when requested to do so. You may need to send documents in with this Proof of Loss to support the claim. You must read your policy to see the language that applies to your particular claim.
The Florida insurance lawyers of Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. provide free initial consultations in English and Spanish and can help you answer questions about proofs of loss or other documents requested by your insurance company. If needed, we can travel to you. Call our firm at (813) 906-1841 to request additional information or to schedule an appointment.
