Fort Lauderdale Property Damage Lawyer

Have you suffered property damage in Florida? Florida’s location makes it susceptible to tropical storms, which can cause devastating damage to property.  There are also other forms of property damage, such as damage to your own property. If you want to recover compensation for any sort of property damage, you should get in touch with our Fort Lauderdale property damage attorney at Englander Peebles. Our Fort Lauderdale location allows us to serve clients across Florida with a focus on South Florida and Broward County.

Damages Covered by Insurance Companies

If your home was damaged, it could be covered by your property owner insurance policy. Structures in your home, such as garages or decks, can also be covered under the policy but you have to check the policy to determine what is covered. In some cases, damage to property caused by flooding or other incidents might not be covered under the homeowner's insurance policy. Insurance policies have limits, so they might not cover the full extent of the damages. You might have to file insurance claims with different insurance providers to seek more coverage. For example, if your vehicle was also damaged, you might be able to get insurance coverage through your auto insurance policy. If you have property covered under personal property protection, then you can use that to cover the cost of repair or replacement of damaged personal property. Some homeowners' insurance policies also offer coverage for personal property owners. Some insurance policies also offer liability coverage. This means that if someone who doesn’t live with you got injured while they were on your property, this coverage can help pay for their damages such as medical costs, legal fees, etc.

Can You Sue For Property Damage In Florida?

Yes, if someone else was responsible for damage to your property, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a lawsuit. The type of lawsuit you can file depends on several factors, including whether the property was damaged intentionally and the severity of the further damage. To help establish negligence you will have to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care toward your property, and they breached this duty of care, resulting in damage to your property. In some cases, you can sue for property damage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the basis of contractual claims. For example, if you hired a contractor who caused damage to your property, you can sue them for breach of contract.

What Is The Property Damage Law In Florida?

According to Florida law, there are two types of property: personal and real. Real property refers to the land and unmovable structures on it, such as a house, building, in-ground swimming pools, trees, etc. Personal property refers to movable property such as a smartphone, laptop, car, or painting. Both, personal and real property, can be damaged. Real property is likely to be damaged in a storm, act of vandalism, or natural disaster. Personal property can be damaged anywhere, including auto accidents. The most commonly damaged one's property is a motor vehicle. You may be able to recover damages for auto accidents through your insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault party. According to property damage laws in Florida, the value of the damaged property is the lesser of the cost of replacement, repair, or restoration of the property, or the diminution in market value. For example, if there was property damage to a house, the loss in value of the house is its diminution in market value. There is an exception to the property valuation for a property that holds sentimental value. For example, if a person got a watch or jewelry as an inheritance, the value of such property would be much higher for them compared to its market value.

Property Damage Claims Process in Florida

The insurance claims process will depend on the procedure outlined by the insurance provider. Also, the claims process can be different based on the type of insurance coverage you are filing a claim for. For example, the insurance claims procedure for homeowner's insurance is different from an auto insurance policy. Generally, most insurance claims processes start with notifying the insurance provider. You will have to submit proof of the damage, so it is advisable that you take photos. If the property damage was caused by criminal activity, such as a burglary, you need to file a police report, which can also be evidence in your property damage claim. The insurance provider is likely to assign an adjuster to your case who will physically examine the damage to determine the severity of the damage. Most insurance companies will accept your offer and make a payment, or they could deny the property damage insurance claim. The insurance company can be tough to deal with and claims can get complex, so it is best to get legal counsel from an experienced property damage attorney to determine the best course of action.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Property Damage in Fort Lauderdale?

The most common types of real property damage claims include hurricane damage, flooding, wildfires, wind damage, hail damage, theft, water damage, natural disasters, and vandalism. For private property damage, the most common examples include vehicle damage, art, collectibles, furniture, appliances, and any other item that is of considerable value.

What If The Property Damage Was Done Maliciously?

Florida law defines malicious property damage as criminal mischief, also referred to as vandalism. Depending on the severity of the damage and other factors, criminal mischief would result in misdemeanor or felony penalties. If the defendant destroyed property and tried to cause harm to you or your family, they could be charged with multiple offenses. The most common examples of criminal mischief include breaking a window, intentionally damaging a car, or breaking another person’s cell phone.

Property Damage Statute of Limitations In Florida

The statute of limitations is the deadline before which the plaintiff needs to take legal action, otherwise, they might lose their right to file a property damage claim or lawsuit. The deadline depends on the subject matter of the insurance claim or lawsuit. For property damage in Florida, the statute of limitations is two years from when the property was damaged or destroyed. The statute of limitations applies to all types of property including real property and own property. There are a few situations where the statute of limitations can be extended. For example, if the defendant is out of state, or if the defendant is a minor, the statute of limitations can be extended. You can reach out to the Fort Lauderdale Property Claim Lawyer.

Consult a Property Damage Attorney In Florida

To schedule a consultation with one of our Fort Lauderdale property damage lawyers at Englander Peebles, call us at (954) 226-9134. Our skilled and dedicated lawyers will explore all legal options to help you recover a fair compensation or settlement for your property damage. Our Florida property damage lawyer is experienced in various property damage claims and can handle communication and negotiation with your property damage insurance company.