Property Damage Attorney in Hialeah

Florida is home to some of the nicest weather and the second-longest coastline in the United States, making it an ideal location for retirement. In 2019, 39% of people who moved to Florida did so for retirement, making it the number two destination for older Americans.

When families and couples relocate to Florida, they typically purchase a property. Ten of the cheapest cities for retirees to buy homes are located in Florida.

Of course, with homeownership comes expenses associated with maintenance and repairs, and with its share of strong storms and hurricanes, a large number of homes in Florida require constant upkeep and repair. 

When a home is destroyed or harmed, a property damage attorney can help. Schlacter Law is adept at dealing with insurance companies and understands how important adequate compensation is to protect your investment. Call us today for an evaluation so we can ensure that you are compensated properly when your home has been damaged or destroyed.

Due to its Southern location, Florida is subject to far more storms than the rest of the nation. This includes tropical storms as well as hurricanes. Hurricanes in particular cause extensive devastation. The last hurricane to hit Florida was Irma in 2017, which is the fifth-costliest hurricane ever to hit the United States. Costs exceeded $50 billion and caused severe power outages throughout the state.

Hurricanes, tropical storms, severe rain, and other extreme weather can create all manner of problems for homeowners. Some types of harm include:

• Flooding
• Hail damage
• Shattered windows
• Foundational erosion
• Mold and mildew
• Destroyed flooring
• Lost siding
• Destroyed drywall and insulation
• Structural damage
• Roof damage

Flooding is a serious concern for low-lying homes in the state. Tidal water can inundate a property, and when sewer lines are unable to cope with copious amounts of water runoff, entire neighborhoods can be submerged beneath the water. 

Flooding brings with it numerous issues concerning property damage. When water travels through a home it can take away vital foundational support, such as soil and rock that helps to support it. Flood water can also enter a property, creating structural issues that make a home unstable or unsafe to occupy. Additionally, floodwater can destroy flooring, drywall, and insulation, all of which must be replaced to stop the spread of dangerous mold and mildew.

In addition to flooding, strong winds and rain can cause extensive destruction to a property. Winds can have enough force to rip off sections of roofing and leave part of the property’s structure exposed. Wind can also carry with it debris that can shatter windows or tear into siding, leaving the property exposed to the elements and further destruction.

Property damage can be costly to repair, and a property damage attorney in Hialeah is here to help. A property damage attorney can help work with contractors to get estimates and can help negotiate with the homeowner’s insurance company to make sure you get the money you need to fix things right the first time. Further, unlike a Public Adjuster, an attorney can fight for maximum compensation in court.

Most homeowners have some sort of insurance policy to help protect them from the financial cost of any damage done on their property. Following a severe storm, it is important to contact the insurance company to file a claim for the damage. When filing a claim, be sure to let the company know the following:

• The date the damage to the property occurred
• What specifically was destroyed
• The current condition of the property

If possible, photographing the damage may help ensure that there is an accurate record of the extent of the destruction. If a camera is unavailable, using a cell phone will suffice. Be sure to record any personal property in addition to any structural harm, and keep this information for your records.

An insurance company will follow up with an inspection of your property in order to assess the harm and come up with an amount for an undisputed payment. Never sign any documents or releases without having it reviewed by a lawyer. Generally, the undisputed amount is the amount the insurance company believes is the value of the harm. This is usually inaccurate and they almost always undervalue your claim. Oftentimes, an insurance adjuster will come up with a figure that is inconsistent with the cost of someone who would actually be paid to do the repair. 

Schlacter Law also may immediately send out an expert Public Adjuster or engineer to estimate the damage properly. It is free to hire Schlacter Law to help you through the claims process as Schlacter Law does not get paid fees or costs unless you get paid. 

• Roof Claims
• Cast Iron Claims
• Pipe Claims
• Water Damage
• Tornado Damage
• Hurricane Damage
• Flooding 
• Floor and Tile Claims
• Vandalism
• Business Interruption
• Loss of Use
• Theft
• Fire
• Mold
• Kitchen Claims
• Plumbing Leaks
• Leaks

Our homes keep us safe and give us a sense of security. When a severe storm hits, or your property is damaged, this sense of security is often shattered, and it feels almost impossible for things to ever be the same again. The attorneys at Schlacter Law are here to help you feel safe and secure again. When your property is harmed, we will work hard to get you the compensation you need to rebuild and move on from a tragedy. Call us today for a consultation, we serve all of Florida.

How We Handle Cases

1. Investigation
   • Your attorney will aggressively investigate your case. Schlacter Law will compile all necessary evidence needed to maximize the value of your case. Which includes but is not limited to photographs, police reports, security camera footage, witness statements, medical bills and medical records.
   • You will remain in constant contact with Schlacter Law about the progression of your case.
2. Negotiation
   • Your attorney will present your case to the insurance company and will attempt to resolve your case before the case goes to court for maximum compensation.
   • Your attorney will make every effort possible to resolve the case as quickly as possible for the most amount of money you may be entitled to. You will be actively involved in the negotiation process with your attorney. Schlacter Law understands that this is your one opportunity to get justice for your loss.
3. Litigation
   • If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, Schlacter Law will be fully prepared to bring your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.
   • At no cost to you, Schlacter Law will hire any experts and professionals needed to maximize your recovery and present your case in the strongest form possible.