Some Florida State Farm policyholders are about to get bad news as the insurance giant begins to send out notices as of February 1, 2010 that their polices will not be renewed. A portion of the estimated 810,000 residential policyholders is expected to be affected by this corporate decision.
According to State Farm spokesperson Chris Neal, policies with an August 1st renewal date are the first to be affected. The decision could affect approximately 125,000 policy holders. This decision stems from an agreement reached between State Farm and the state Office of Insurance Regulation.
State Farm has notified the state Office of Insurance Regulation in writing that it plans to discontinue doing business in Florida and that it intends to be insolvent by the end of 2011. The bad news for policyholders, besides the fact that their policy may be canceled, is that State Farm has the authority to issue rate increases by as much as 14.8% for homeowners and condominium unit polices.
However, there is some good news. The insurance company is permitting agents to place affected policies with other insurance companies not affiliated with State Farm.
If you or someone you know currently has a residential insurance policy with State Farm, you should contact your insurance agent to determine if your policy is going to be affected.
Our law firm can help you if you are facing a Florida homeowner's insurance dispute. Contact our office today for more information.
Hurricane Dennis made landfall on the Florida panhandle on July 9, 2005. After the storm dissipated, a real estate developer's 31 story, 570 unit condominium project was significantly damaged. After the developer filed an insurance claim under its builder risk policy, the insurer, Axis Surplus Insurance Company, not only denied the claim in its entirety but also refused to renew the developer's policy.
If your insurance company is not cooperating to fullfill its obligations to you as a policyholder, please contact insurance claims attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo at 305-461-1095 or 1-866-71-CLAIM.
Zurich American Insurance Company decided to settle a business interruption claim brought by ABM Industries after the World Trade Center disaster on 9/11. The $80 million dollar agreement reached by both companies negates the continued need for a lengthy court trial.
If your business interruption insurance claim has been denied or underpaid, please feel free to arrange a confidential consultation with insurance claims lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo to discuss your legal options. Please dial 305-461-1095 or 1-866-71-CLAIM to schedule an appointment.
A recent decision by State Farm to discontinue serving residential insurance policies in Florida has left state lawmakers with an insurance mess. Floridians are finding themselves at the mercy of other insurance companies who may be taking advantage of new customers.
Randi Schuknecht, a Tallahassee elementary school teacher found that his new policy issued by another company would cost him approximately $400 more annually than his previous policy with the insurance giant.
Florida lawmakers are schedule to convene on March 2, 2010, and plan to tackle the insurance mess left behind by State Farm. The goal is to figure out a way to make sure that insurance companies remain profitable while offering customers affordable insurance, especially in light of the upcoming hurricane season.
The fear for lawmakers is that if insurance companies are unable to payout then the state could be on the hook for billions of dollars. A few solutions have been brought forth by lawmakers.
"We have a long way to go," said Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach. "How we get there, I don't know."
Some of the proposals that have been brought forth leave premium rates up to the discretion of the insurance companies. This could mean significant rate hikes for policyholders.
"It's time, we're going to have to come to grips with the reality we're going to pay rates equal to the risk," said Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine.
Louisiana Citizens chose to settle two class action lawsuits for $35 million dollars after evidence presented showed that the insurer failed to provide written offers to settle policyholder claims within 30 days after being notified. The claims relate to damages policyholders incurred after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Each of the 70,000 policyholders that participated in the class action lawsuits will receive approximately $1,000.
If your insurance company has denied or underpaid your valid insurance claims, please feel free to contact attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo at 305-461-1095 or 1-866-71-CLAIM for a free consultation.
Florida lawmakers are looking to do away with an attempt to adopt a national code provision that would require residential fire sprinklers to be installed in newly constructed homes, including town homes. However, many feel this is a mistake.
The Florida Building Commission is looking to adopt a national code provision contained in the 2009 International Residential Code that will require automatic fire sprinklers to be installed in many newly constructed residential properties. However, the Florida House is looking to eliminate the proposed requirements.
"Fire sprinklers are a proven, cost-effective way to protect life and property," Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO, said. "Eliminating the building code requirement to install fire sprinklers in new homes is a serious and potentially very harmful decision that could place the lives of many Florida families and firefighters in grave danger."
Though the safety benefits to having residential fire sprinklers installed are not generally in dispute, there are other concerns that may have prompted the Florida House's decision to try and abolish the requirement. There are concerns over the costs associated with fire sprinkler installation, as well as potential maintenance issues and possible losses caused by improper activation of sprinkler systems.
It is unclear when the Florida House will make its final decision as to whether it will prohibit the requirement of the installation of residential fire sprinklers. Until then, the debate continues.
A Deltona house fire occurred at approximately 6:15 PM on Monday evening, March 8, 2010. The Deltona Fire Department's Fire Loss Management Division and the State Fire Marshall's Office are now investigating the cause.
Firefighters from the City of Deltona arrived at 2121 Arrowhead Drive in Deltona to find the house engulfed in flames. These flames could be seen coming through the roof and were also visible inside the house.
According to off-duty Deltona Fire Department Paramedic/Engineer Bryan Maples, who arrived on the scene first, there were two people inside the house at the time of the fire. Fortunately, they were able to escape the inferno. However, Maples was required to treat one of the victims at the scene. The victim was transported to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, but was later released.
Sixteen firefighters, three engines and a rescue truck were used to battle the flames. It took approximately 40 minutes to bring the house fire under control.
The house was estimated to be approximately 1,800 square feet and the fire was blamed for about $150,000 in damage to personal items.
The cause of the Deltona house fire is unknown and remains under investigation.
House fires can be serious and lead to major issues for victims involved. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured.
Three people escaped injury after a Lake Worth house fire ignited. Officials from the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross have credited their safety to a Golden Retriever named Bubba.
The fire started in the house just before midnight on Monday, February 8, 2010, along the 200 North block of J Street in Lake Worth. The Red Cross reported that the 7-year-old dog started barking repeatedly and woke up his owner in the house. Even though the occupants in the home were not able to put the fire out, they were able to escape to safety, along with the Golden Retriever.
The house was severely damaged in the Lake Worth fire. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. One of the residents in the home said that there is a chance that another pet, a cat, may have knocked over a candle.
The Red Cross gave the residents clothing, food, cleaning materials, comfort kits and three days of housing.
House fires are extremely destructive and can lead to major loss. Every year, insurance companies pay hundreds of millions of dollars to cover fire insurance claims. However, insurance companies wrongfully handle many of these claims.
If you are having difficulty collecting on your Florida fire insurance claim, we can help. Contact a Miami fire insurance lawyer at our office today at (305) 461-1095 or toll free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM for more information.
The Punta Gorda police have arrested and charged two men in the theft of boat motor parts. The Florida incident took place on Friday, February 19, 2010, at Flagship Marine.
According to detectives, the two men were arrested and charged the following Monday in connection with the robbery of the high-performance boat motor parts estimated to be worth at least $230,000. The suspects have been identified as Paul Deleon Jr., 25, and Stephen R. Collins, 31, both of Port Charlotte.
An arrest report indicates that the suspects left a series of tracks at the crime scene that eventually led police to a storage facility near Flagship Marine. That is where police discovered the stolen boat motor parts. The report also reveals that Collins was the lessee of the storage facility.
Detectives have also indicated that the video surveillance system at a local recycling center show the two suspects bringing in bins containing some of the stolen motor parts to be sold as scrap aluminum.
Police have arrested the two men and charged them with grand theft, burglary and dealing in stolen property. Deleon was recently released form a Florida Department of Corrections facility for a previous crime. He was released in January.
Have you ever considered what happens to a car after it becomes stolen in Florida? Numerous communities across the nation are battling all types of crime issues such as drugs, gangs and violent attacks. However, a major concern for Floridians is auto theft.
Many people across Florida become victims of auto theft whether it's a sedan, sport utility vehicle, pickup truck or motorcycle that has been stolen. So, where do these stolen cars go?
According to many experts, a good portion of these cars end up in Mexico or Latin America, where they are resold or dismantled for parts. There appears to be a huge resale market and criminals are profiting from American car owners.
A recent search discovered that over 3,000 cars stolen from certain U.S. cities, including Miami, were found in Guatemala. As a result, many Latin American police attended the fourth annual Transborder Conference to discuss ways to deal with this epidemic. The conference explored ways to use technology to battle auto theft.
General Motors sent an OnStar delegate to provide police with a demonstration of the "Stolen Vehicle Slow Down" service. Through the use of this service, police have the means to stop a stolen car that may be as much as 2000 miles away.
The Law Firm of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A. helps insurance policyholders recover what they are due on their insurance claims, zealously advocates on behalf of victims of catastrophic personal injuries or wrongful death and fights for the rights of consumers and small businesses in Miami and throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida. If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
About The Firm
J.P. has been certified as a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards, and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. J.P. has also been awarded the top rating of 10.0/10.0 or "Superb" by Avvo. Avvo's Rating system helps people navigate the complex and confusing legal industry, including choosing the right lawyer - an incredibly important decision. The Avvo Rating system takes into consideration a lawyer's background, including years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.
In addition, the firm maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The firm is highly respected by other lawyers and members of our community and maintains offices in the historic Douglas Entrance complex in Coral Gables, Florida. Please click here for further information regarding office location and directions.
Prior to attending law school, J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo worked as a claims adjuster for a busy independent adjusting firm in Miami where he handled hundreds of claims. Before founding the law offices of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A., Mr. Gonzalez-Sirgo worked for a prominent insurance defense firm in Miami. He now uses the insight that he gained working for the insurance industry for the benefit of his clients.
Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo has built his entire career on protecting the rights of insurance policyholders, personal injury and wrongful death victims and fighting for the rights of Florida consumers and small businesses. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of denied or underpaid insurance claims, victims of catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death and on behalf of those that have been taken advantage of by Big Business and Big Insurance.
Active Legal Memberships
The Florida Bar
Community & Charitable Involvement
The Law Firm of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A believes that representation of our clients does not stop in the courtroom. We believe in giving back to our community by participating in local charitable events. The firm participates or donates to various local charitable and research organizations. Of special importance to the firm are those organizations that support many of the illnesses, syndromes, diseases, disabilities and aliments that afflict so many of our past and current clients. In addition, J.P. is proud to be a volunteer for Lawyers for Children America (LFCA). As a pro-bono LFCA volunteer lawyer, an opportunity exists to protect the rights of children who are victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect by providing free legal representation and collaborating for systematic change to improve the lives of children.
Free Case Evaluation & Consultation
If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
There is never a charge to speak with an attorney at our firm. Unlike other law firms, we are available to come to you at your hospital bed side, home, office or other location throughout the entire State of Florida.
You Pay Zero Attorneys' Fees If No Recovery
We understand that many of our clients do not have the resources or means to pay lawyer fees out of pocket. This is why we offer a free consultation and case evaluation. In the great majority of cases, if we decide to go forward with your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that if there is no recovery on your claim, you do not pay fees for our services.
If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
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For our Spanish speaking clients, please click here for Espanol.
A Message To Insurance Policyholders In Florida
There are numerous challenges facing policyholders attempting to have their life insurance and disability insurance claims timely honored by insurance companies: The delays in investigation of claims, the endless request for documents, requests for sworn statements or examinations under oath, requests for recorded statements, fraud accusations, application issues, material misrepresentation issues, requests for medical evaluations, bad faith insurance issues, and litigation.
In the great majority of cases we will be able to help you with these challenges. Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo helps disability and life insurance policyholders recover what they are due on their insurance claims. If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
A Message To The Victims of Catastrophic Personal Injuries or Wrongful Death
There are numerous challenges facing victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death in their pursuit to obtain a full measure of justice from those doing wrong.
The good news is that in the great majority of cases we will be able to help you with these challenges. Miami Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo zealously advocates on behalf of victims of catastrophic personal injuries or wrongful death. If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
A Message To Our Referring Public Adjusters
We understand and appreciate the value a Pubic Adjuster brings to a property insurance claim. For years, we have worked side-by-side with Public Insurance Adjusters and their respective clients in helping to resolve any claim issues through our legal representation.
Public Adjusters recognize that sometimes a client's difficult insurance claim requires the need for aggressive legal representation. Experienced public adjusters recognize all of the obstacles presented by an insurer during a challenging claim. The Law Firm of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A. routinely works with clients that have retained the services of a Public Adjuster. We prefer to work together as a team consistent with the best interests of the client's claim. During the claim's process, we seek to keep all members of the team in the loop and engage your advice and services whenever necessary. All efforts put forth by our law firm and your adjusting firm will always be in the best interest of our mutual client.
We also work with corporate counsel and corporate risk managers to resolve any insurance claim disputes.
If you would like a Free Consultation and Case Evaluation, please fill out the Quick Contact Form to the right or click here and a member of our firm will contact you promptly. You may also contact us directly at (305) 461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
A Message To Our Referral Attorneys
For years, the Law Firm of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A. has been welcoming attorney referrals from our colleagues. Many of our clients come to us as a result of referrals from other attorneys, including from out of state lawyers and lawyers from other countries, who know of our success in handling insurance claims litigation. We encourage and welcome these co-counsel opportunities and routinely pay referral fees in accordance with the rules regulating the Florida Bar and Florida law. Over the years, we have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in referral fees to our referring attorneys. We recognize the trust placed in us by our referring attorneys and so we make sure that our referring attorneys are kept in the loop throughout our representation, from the initial intake through the conclusion of the case.
To discuss a case with us, please call (305)-461-1095 or Toll Free 1-(866)-71-CLAIM. Alternatively, you may click here and fill out our "Contact Us" form and an attorney at the firm will contact you promptly.
Serving Miami-Dade County, Florida & Our Local Communities
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A. provides experienced legal representation for individuals and businesses throughout Florida and Miami Dade County, including Aventura, Bal Harbour, Carol City, Coral Gables, Doral, Florida City, Golden Beach, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Homestead, Kendall, Key Biscayne, Medley, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Miami Gardens, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, North Bay, North Miami, Opa Locka, Pinecrest, South Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Sweetwater, Virginia Gardens, West Miami, Westchester, all of the Florida Keys communities, and Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Covering all of South Florida. Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo is admitted to practice in all of the Federal and State courts in Florida, from the Florida Keys to Florida's Panhandle.
Disclaimer
The use of this Website or use of our "Contact Us" form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice. Time-sensitive or personal confidential information should not be sent through the "Contact Us" form. You are not forming an official attorney-client relationship with the Law Firm of J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A. or its attorneys unless and until you have signed a written retainer agreement with this law firm. Submission of the "Contact Us" form does not create a written retainer agreement. If you would like to enter into a written retainer agreement with the Law Firm J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A., please call (305)-461-1095 or Toll Free at 1-(866)-71-CLAIM.
The accounts of recent trials, verdicts, and settlements contained in this website are intended to illustrate the results of my work ethic and experience. Of course, each case is unique and the results in one case do not necessarily indicate the quality or value of any other case.
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A.
Douglas Entrance
804 Douglas Road
Suite 373
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 461-1095
Fax: (305) 461-1096
Toll Free: (866) 71-CLAIM
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