Unexpected Sources of Property Damage in Fort Lauderdale

When most people think about property damage, they picture hurricanes and floods. While these are genuine threats in Fort Lauderdale, property owners should also be wary of more subtle, lesser-known sources of damage. It might be particularly important to determine whether these more obscure incidents can lead to valid property insurance claims. This is something you may be able to discuss with a insurance claims lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Damage Caused by Objects From Space

In 2024, a fragment of the International Space Station struck a man’s home in Florida. The object tore a hole through the roof and multiple floors, causing considerable damage. The fragment only weighed about 2 pounds, but it struck the home with tremendous force after falling from space. According to reports, the man’s son narrowly avoided being struck by the object.

Fortunately, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy should cover the cost of space debris if it ever impacts your home. This includes not only pieces of space stations, but also satellites, rockets, asteroids, and even airplanes. If you face a denied insurance claim after this type of damage, consider speaking with a property insurance lawyer.

Vandalism 

Although it might be more common than many people realize, vandalism is often quite unexpected for homeowners. Unlike many other types of property damage, vandalism is also a criminal issue. Examples of vandalism include graffiti, broken windows, and even small fires. Homeowners should know that standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover vandalism. If you are having any issues with a claim involving vandalism, consider speaking with an attorney.

Sinkholes 

Sinkholes form all the time in Fort Lauderdale, sometimes with fatal consequences. The formation of a sinkhole on your property might be completely unexpected, and it may cause severe damage. In some cases, sinkholes can render homes completely uninhabitable. A sinkhole might even swallow up your entire residence.

The insurance implications of sinkholes are complex. Insurance companies must offer you optional sinkhole coverage, but this is not part of a standard homeowners’ insurance policy. Less severe sinkholes might be covered under Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse (CGCC), but you will need to explore each unique situation with a lawyer and your insurer.

If the sinkhole damage is caused by some kind of human activity, such as a construction company digging nearby, you may be able to hold them liable. That said, most sinkholes today are natural and completely unavoidable.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Lawyers Today

At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Sources: 

forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/06/24/who-is-responsible-for-space-debris-falling-on-your-home-florida-family-sues-nasa-to-find-out/

nbcmiami.com/news/local/lauderdale-by-the-sea-passes-ordinance-after-7-year-olds-death-in-sand-hole-collapse/3342593/