What To Do After A Sinkhole Occurs On Your Property
When you have a sinkhole in your home or property, the after-effects can be shocking, even sad, if this has destroyed a piece of your home. Here are some next steps to make sure you do everything you need to and get your life back on track:- Call your insurance: After a sinkhole on your property, you should first call your insurance company to report the damage. It would be best if you did this as soon as possible because most insurance policies have a time limit for when you can file a claim. This may also be an excellent time to get in touch with an attorney you can trust.
- Take photos: Ensure you take photos of all damage immediately after the event. You will want to keep these photos as proof for insurance purposes. Also, if the insurance denies your claim, you will want these photos brought to an attorney.
- Schedule an inspection: Once you have reported the damage, an insurance adjuster will come out to inspect the damage. They will then give you an estimate of the repairs that need to be made. If you disagree with the insurance adjuster's estimate, you can hire your contractor to give you a second opinion.
- Submit a claim: Once you have an estimate of the damages, you will need to submit a claim to your insurance company. Your insurance company will review your claim and decide if they will cover the damages. If your insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal the decision.
Why Would A Claim Be Denied
There are a couple of reasons why a claim for sinkhole damage may be denied. When an insurance company provides coverage for sinkhole damage, it is known as Catastrophic ground cover collapse" (CGCC). For a claim to meet the threshold for insurance coverage, the sinkhole has to meet the following criteria:- An abrupt collapse of ground cover
- The depression in the ground cover is clear
- The depression has caused structural damage to the building and foundation
- The structure is condemned and must be vacated according to the government
Contact Attorneys You Can Trust
Sinkholes are one of nature's most destructive forces. They can cause extensive property damage, and often, insurance companies are reluctant to provide coverage. If this has been your experience, contact the attorneys from Lacey Lyons Rezanka, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have a team of experienced insurance coverage attorneys that will investigate your claim and help you get the most from your insurance company. If you think you have a sinkhole damage claim, don't wait to contact us, we're here to help.Contact an Attorney Today