Tampa Sinkhole Lawyer

Tampa Sinkholes

Sinkholes are an unfortunate part of Florida's geology and a fact of life for Florida property owners. Having a sinkhole on your property can be a devastating experience, and dealing with the insurance company adds an even greater burden.

Here is a list of signs that your home may be being affected by a sinkhole:

  • Structural failure, cracks in walls, floors or pavement
  • Cracks in the ground. Changes in vegetation (dry and wilting)
  • Exposed tree roots that were not exposed before;
  • Doors and windows fail to close properly;
  • Depressed areas of your property that were not there before;
  • Muddy water or turbidity in well water;
  • Small ponds of rainfall where water has not collected before;
  • Fence posts that start sagging or slanting of trees;
  • Exposure of exterior footer or separation of soils from floor slabs;

Sinkhole claims generally come in two forms and are filed against the homeowner's insurance company. The first type is where the insurance company has denied that a sinkhole exists. Florida law requires that an insurer conduct certain tests by specially qualified individuals in order to deny a claim. Even so, the insurance company gets to pick the company who performs the test and the proper tests are not always performed but the claim may be denied either way.

The second type of sinkhole claim is where the insurance company agrees that a sinkhole exists, but there is disagreement about how to fix the problem. The insurer will often recommend that concrete be poured into the sinkhole. This process is called "grouting" and there are valid questions as to whether this process actually provides a definite fix for the problem. Your insurance company will take the lowest repair estimate and usually offer to pay you that amount of money to settle your claim. BEWARE! Most grouting companies do not give a final estimate for the repairs they will conduct. There is NO WAY to determine how much concrete will be needed to grout a particular area. Normally a grouting company’s service agreement will likely indicate that the homeowner will be responsible for any charges over and above the initial estimate. Depending on how much grout is actually needed, you could end up paying double the amount your insurance company has paid you!

Call us today at (813) 933-1234 or toll free at (877) 935-1234 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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REPRESENTED CASES

Slip and Fall Accident and Wrongful Death
A twenty-six week pregnant mother tripped on a display board left on the floor by the store employee. The trauma associated with the fall caused the subsequent onset of labor wherein the child was born but later died as a result of premature complications. This case was referred to Guzman Law Group wherein a complaint was filed against the store. This case is currently pending.

Car Accident and Wrongful Death
Client was driving southbound on highway when at the same time Defendant, a federal government employee drove northbound in the opposite direction wherein the client was killed in a head on collision. This case was referred to Guzman Law Group wherein it is still currently pending.

Sexual Molestation
Client, minor child, was sexually molested while visiting Defendant’s home with family. The homeowners insurance denied coverage based on the exclusionary clause contained in the policy. The case was referred to Guzman Law Group wherein it obtained the insurance policy limits.

Electrocution
Client was electrocuted while fixing cables on the neighbor’s roof. The homeowners insurance denied coverage based on the exclusionary language contained in the policy. The case was referred to Guzman Law Group wherein it obtained insurance policy limits.

Defective Knee Implant
Client underwent knee replacement surgery wherein the hardware was later deemed defective and thereby nationally recalled. Client had to undergo a second knee replacement surgery. Guzman Law Group entered into an undisclosed resolution with the national manufacturer. This case was referred to Guzman Law Group.  

Negligent Supervision
Client, six-year-old minor child, was dropped off at school and not supervised while walking to classroom. The minor child ran off school campus when the exit door leading to a busy street was left unattended by school officials. The child was struck by a car and suffered severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and was in a coma for over a month.  School board officials denied liability. The case was referred to Guzman Law Group wherein the case was resolved several years later for an undisclosed amount.

Cuban Torture Victim
Client was the victim of repeated sessions of electrocution and insulin torture while a prisoner in Cuba. Client received torture sessions under the supervision and direct orders of Fidel Castro.  This case was referred to Guzman Law Group by another law firm.  

Dog Bite Accident
Client, three-year-old minor child, was bitten in the face while visiting Defendant’s home and thereby suffered severe facial injuries requiring stitches on both sides of the cheek. This case was referred to Guzman Law Group and resolved for an undisclosed amount.   

Workers’ Compensation
Client was hit in the back by a metal sheet while working the assembly line at his company. Client suffered a two level disc protrusion in the lumbar spine impinging upon the spinal cord. Defendant Employer did not want to provide Client certain benefits recognized under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act. The matter was resolved after the petition for benefits was filed. This case was referred to Guzman Law Group.

Misappropriation of Business Funds
Client, Church Board, provided newly arrived Pastor with access to all of the Church’s business accounts.  Pastor misappropriated the funds the Church had allocated for the deposit it needed for its new construction. The case was referred to Guzman Law Group by another law firm. Guzman Law Group obtained all the money that had been taken by the Pastor thereby allowing the Church to build its new building. 

Unlicensed Construction Claim
Client, commercial developer, contacted Guzman Law Group after being referred by another attorney in order to represent them in an administrative hearing wherein it was alleged that they had been inappropriately paid over several million dollars for construction work they had performed by using several unlicensed agents.  Guzman Law Group attended the hearing wherein the administrative board found Client not in violation and not required to surrender its license for two years as requested by the moving party.