Personal Injury Blog



iStock 000002899489 SmallSinkholes problems in Florida are not uncommon, especially in Central Florida. They can be very dangerous and can cause major damage to your home or business. If you suspect sinkhole damage to your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Florida requires insurance companies to provide compensation for sinkhole damages; however, insurers will often deny that a sinkhole caused the damage or will opt for the cheapest solution possible. That’s why you need a sinkhole lawyer on your side.

What Causes a Sinkhole?

This naturally occurring phenomenon is the result of rainwater eroding porous limestone below the topsoil and creating a dangerous cavity in the ground. Eventually or sometimes suddenly, the ground can collapse to create a gaping hole. More often the ground above the cavity slowly sinks into the cavity. This is a called a sinkhole. In addition to natural causes, there are a lot of manmade structures and activities that have contributed to the increase in sinkholes over the last three decades such as building construction, heavy traffic, removing natural groundwater and  constructing lakes and retention ponds.

Signs of Sinkhole Damage

It’s important to recognize the signs of sinkhole damage. Common signs include but are not limited to:

  • Cracks in your driveway, your foundation, flooring, walls or steps
  • Cracks in your swimming pool
  • Cracks in the ground  
  • Cracks around door or window frames
  • Doors and windows that will no longer close properly
  • Uneven floors
  • Walls separating from floors or ceiling
  • Depressions in your property
  • Newly exposed tree roots
  • Sagging fence posts or trees
  • Unusual pools of rainwater pools
  • Soil separating from floor slabs

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Companies

If you suspect sinkhole damage, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible to try and prevent further damage. The insurance company has a legal obligation to investigate your claim. The first step in the investigation process is to prove that a sinkhole exists and is responsible for the damage to your home or business. Florida law requires that specific tests be conducted by certified individuals to determine whether or not the sinkhole exists. However, since the insurance company gets to choose the company that does this test, this could result in a denial of your claim. Even if the insurance company agrees that a sinkhole exists, they may try to solve the problem by “grouting,” a process where the sinkhole is filled with concrete. There are some concerns, however, about whether this is a good fix for this problem. 

Contact an Experienced Sinkhole Lawyer

At Lowman Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through each stage of the claims process to help you get the compensation you deserve for the damage to your home or business. We are here to help no matter where you are in the process. Whether you’ve very recently identified the signs of sinkhole and need help filing a claim or you’ve already filed a claim with your insurance company, we want nothing more than to help you. Even if your insurer has already rejected your claim, we are here for you. We are experienced sinkhole lawyers and advocates who are familiar with Florida sinkhole laws, and who will fight to protect your rights.

To speak with an experienced sinkhole lawyer about your sink hole claim, call Lowman Law Firm today. We are passionate about our clients and will do everything we can to help you recover your loss. Call: 1-800-9-LOWMAN (toll free) or 352-796-0016.

20 Questions CTA Banner

Photo credit: 
Sink hole (Peter Dean) / CC BY-SA 2.0

Leave A Comment