Sinkhole Claims in the Tampa Bay Area
A growing number of homeowners and business owners in the Tampa-St. Pete area and surrounding counties of Florida have experienced sinkhole damage to their property. Sinkholes are a product of both the natural geology of west-central Florida and recent human activity.
As the Tampa Bay area has grown, groundwater usage and construction and development practices have accelerated sinkhole activity that otherwise might have occurred over decades or centuries. Sinkholes can cause structural damage to your home or business and devalue your property.
Under Florida law, your homeowners insurance should cover remediation and your damages. However, recent changes in the law have made it easier for insurers to delay and ultimately deny valid claims. More than ever, you need quality legal counsel to protect your rights and your property.
Experienced Tampa Sinkhole Attorney
Corless Barfield Trial Group has represented hundreds of property owners in west-central Florida in coverage disputes and negotiations with insurance companies over repairs and compensation for sinkhole damage. Call us at 813-498-1623 or 877-517-5595 to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Our Tampa-based firm has handled sinkhole claims throughout the region, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Plant City, Lakeland, Dade City, Spring Hill and other communities of Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County and adjoining counties.
In simplest terms, sinkholes are depressions that form when carbonate sediment and the underlying bedrock are dissolved by groundwater. The soil layers atop these formations then sink into the cavity, causing surface structures to sink, shift, crack, tilt or collapse.
Sinkholes are a naturally occurring feature in several areas of Florida, and unfortunately, the Tampa region is "ground zero" for some of the most rapidly forming and destructive sinkhole formations. In particular, the Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk County strip is prone to the type of sinkholes that develop abruptly (sometimes overnight).
What to Do if You Suspect Sinkholes
If you have noticed signs of sinkhole damage, such as foundation cracking or soft spots in your yard, you may be able to file for compensation from your insurance company. Before you turn to you insurer, Corless Barfield Trial Group can evaluate your situation, explain your legal remedies and position you for maximum compensation and efficient property repairs.
Without an attorney, insurers may try to refute that sinkhole activity is the cause, pay only for cosmetic repairs or otherwise delay and undercut your rightful claims. Since 1998, founding attorney Ted A. Corless has handled more than 1,300 sinkhole claims on behalf of Florida property owners. He is also a former insurance defense lawyer who uses those insights to verify sinkholes, document damages and demand appropriate relief for his clients. When he takes a case, he is fully prepared to go to trial if necessary to hold insurers to their obligations.
Tampa Is a Hotbed for Sinkhole Claims
With the steady stream of sinkhole claims in west-central Florida, insurance companies are scrutinizing all claims — including yours — for opportunities to cut their losses. You can't fight Mother Nature, but you can stand up to your insurance carrier with the right legal representation.
Schedule a free consultation with Ted. A Corless by contacting us online or calling 813-498-1623 or 877-517-5595. We answer phone calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available by request.
We handle sinkhole damage claim cases on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you owe nothing until we obtain compensation for you.
