Property Insurance Claims

When a disaster strikes – be it a burst pipe in an upstairs home bathroom or extensive damage from a severe storm to a business or residence – the stress is palpable, making it hard to focus on the steps necessary to return things to normal.

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The financial burden and stress caused by water, fire, or other storm- or accident-related damage is just that: burdensome and stressful. After an incident, where do you start? Who do you call first? What do you do if your insurance carrier is slow to respond, does not provide a remedy to your satisfaction or – even worse – denies your claim?

Ward Ruddock has years of experience helping good people in their time of need by providing zealous advocacy, legal expertise, and compassionate representation. We strive every day to be the unwavering voice you deserve in trying times.

Our team of property insurance experts have a strong track record of standing up against insurance companies to protect the rights of individuals and business policyholders. Our attorneys are passionate about their craft and passionate about the people they represent. Their goal is to get the compensation you deserve from your insurance provider. We’re your voice making sure you are heard as a person and not just a policy number.

Case Results

  • Millions of Dollars Recovered from Insurance Companies
  • Direct Attorney Access & Flexible Hours
  • Spanish Language Option Available for Clients
  • Experienced Personal Injury and Property Insurance Attorneys on Staff
  • Over 25 Years of Combined Legal Experience on Your Side

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after minor or major damage to my property?

Realize that insurance companies have the upperhand when it comes to dealing with individual policyholders. Insurance companies know the laws, construction estimating, and the terminology related to property insurance claims – and they use that insider knowledge to their advantage. But you have rights, and laws are in place to protect you; and that’s where Ward Ruddock can be your most valuable asset besides the property for which you are trying to receive a settlement.

How long does it take for property insurance claims to be settled?

Don’t be alarmed, but it can take as long as 18 to 24 months for insurance claims to be settled, especially if the damage is more severe and requires repair and/or replacement of structure(s) and possessions. Solid representation can reduce that timeframe.

How do I know if I am getting a fair claim settlement?

Without legal representation, you may not know if you are receiving a fair settlement of your claim. You should never accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer and should seek outside counsel and second or third opinions, much like you would do in the case of a serious medical diagnosis. Ward Ruddock has the resources and experience to fight for what you are owed. We have connections with reputable and trusted construction experts, third-party adjusters, government agencies, and more.

What are the most common issues that arise when filing a property insurance claim?
  • Being underinsured. A review of your policy to make sure coverage amounts and types of coverage, such as earthquake or flood insurance, are up to date should be done regularly.
  • Slow response. Insurance companies are notorious for moving slow when policyholders are in a time of need. Ward Ruddock can help push momentum and speed up response time.
  • Knowing your policy. There should be no confusion over what is covered and what is not. Know your policy or hire someone who can break it down for you.
  • Unfair settlement offers. Insurance companies will aim low with their first settlement offer; so don’t feel like you should have to accept it. Good representation can review offers to make sure you are getting a fair shake.
  • Unpleasant or misleading adjuster. Adjusters are typically the first line of defense for insurance companies, and the first person you will interact with. Do not accept rude interactions, and don’t be deceived by false pleasantries.
  • Insurance companies claim depreciation. Adjusters can low ball settlement offers by claiming household structures or personal property have depreciated. This can be, and often is, misleading. You deserve fair compensation.
  • Insurance companies offer a set pricing structure for repair/replacement costs. No pricing structure is one-size-fits-all. Licensed contractors – several bids are recommended – will tell you what it will cost to repair damage or replace structures and property.

Service Areas

HURRICANES

Florida residents are all too familiar with the destructive power of a hurricane.

 

WIND

Wind events are common in the state of Florida and have proven to be formidable to both homeowner’s tile and shingle roofs alike.

TORNADO

If your home was unfortunately in the path of a tornado, you need someone experienced to handle your claim with care during this trying time.

MOLD

If you are having trouble with your insurance provider denying coverage, you need the help of a lawyer immediately. 

STORM

Unnamed storms, tropical storms or other weather phenomenon are typically covered under standard homeowner’s insurance.

HAIL

Hail in Florida is more common than you think and leaves it’s mark on roofing systems and other structures of your home.

PIPE LEAK

Insurance companies will accept claims for pipes that burst suddenly and without forewarning, however, they will do everything in their power to deny the claim. 

FIRE

Our fire damage claim attorneys will review your policy and conduct a full inspection and evaluation of your property damages at no cost. 

Types Of Disputes

Denied Claims

When you purchase an insurance policy, you expect your insurer to have your back during times of crisis. Unfortunately, some insurers will outrightly deny your claim without a justifiable reason, even though it’s listed under your policy guidelines. Insurance agents or brokers may attempt to persuade you into thinking the denied claim is a special circumstance by using jargon that’s intentionally confusing. But you shouldn’t fall for this. Call Ward Ruddock for skilled Insurance Attorneys that work for the people.

Underpaid Claims

A common tactic used by insurance companies is to provide low-ball settlement offers to desperate policyholders. Although it can be tempting when you’re in crisis, it’s important you don’t accept any suspicious settlement offers without legal representation. Insurers intentionally offer low settlements so they can refuse to provide any coverage later. Often insurance companies are well aware of what an appropriate settlement offer should be, and if they offer less it’s intentional. At Ward Ruddock we take pride in recovering every cent that's owed to you under your policy.

Delayed Claims

Insurers have an obligation to policyholders that they will provide services in a timely manner. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Insurance companies may go through exhaustive measures to delay a claim for an extended period of time. They may dodge phone calls, ignore emails, have elongated processing times and fail to give clear instructions on what they require to file the claim. Insurance companies who intentionally delay claims aren’t following the rules outlined. Let us help you with your case.

Bad Faith

Insurance companies are required to settle claims in good faith or acting under all circumstances in a fair and honest manner. If an insurance company intentionally uses deception and other dishonest means to settle or deny a claim, then it’s considered to be an act in bad faith. Insurers can act in bad faith in various ways and it can vary based on the situation. Some examples include making payments without a statement setting forth coverage, refusing to insure for discriminatory reasons.

Denied Claims

When you purchase an insurance policy, you expect your insurer to have your back during times of crisis. Unfortunately, some insurers will outrightly deny your claim without a justifiable reason, even though it’s listed under your policy guidelines. Insurance agents or brokers may attempt to persuade you into thinking the denied claim is a special circumstance by using jargon that’s intentionally confusing. But you shouldn’t fall for this. Call Ward Ruddock for skilled Insurance Attorneys that work for the people.

Underpaid Claims

A common tactic used by insurance companies is to provide low-ball settlement offers to desperate policyholders. Although it can be tempting when you’re in crisis, it’s important you don’t accept any suspicious settlement offers without legal representation. Insurers intentionally offer low settlements so they can refuse to provide any coverage later. Often insurance companies are well aware of what an appropriate settlement offer should be, and if they offer less it’s intentional. At Ward Ruddock we take pride in recovering every cent that's owed to you under your policy.

Delayed Claims

Insurers have an obligation to policyholders that they will provide services in a timely manner. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Insurance companies may go through exhaustive measures to delay a claim for an extended period of time. They may dodge phone calls, ignore emails, have elongated processing times and fail to give clear instructions on what they require to file the claim. Insurance companies who intentionally delay claims aren’t following the rules outlined. Let us help you with your case.

Bad Faith

Insurance companies are required to settle claims in good faith or acting under all circumstances in a fair and honest manner. If an insurance company intentionally uses deception and other dishonest means to settle or deny a claim, then it’s considered to be an act in bad faith. Insurers can act in bad faith in various ways and it can vary based on the situation. Some examples include making payments without a statement setting forth coverage, refusing to insure for discriminatory reasons.

How It Works

Get A Free Claim Analysis

Our Property Insurance claim attorneys will review your policy and conduct a full inspection and evaluation of your property damages at no cost. Our Insurance claims attorneys will go over your options and tell you how much your claim is worth.

We Fight For You

Our team of lawyers deal directly with your insurance company. We prepare your claims package and we negotiate on your behalf. Our insurance attorneys are well versed in dealing with big insurers’ tactics to delay and/or deny your claim.

Receive A Check

Receive the highest compensation for your claim as quickly as possible. Our Florida Insurance Claims Attorneys want to get you the money you deserve.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation