Imagine filing a claim after your Miami home has suffered hurricane, water, or roof damage—only to receive a notice that your insurance company has closed the file with a $0 payout. Unfortunately, this is becoming a common and alarming trend across South Florida.

In 2024 alone, more than half of property damage claims in Florida were closed without any payment. For homeowners already facing stress from the damage itself, this outcome feels like an added insult. But it’s not the end of the road. Karla Lopez-Fernandez, a property damage claims attorney in Miami, is helping clients challenge these denials and fight for the compensation they deserve.

💸 Why Are Claims Being Closed with Zero Payouts?

There are several reasons insurers cite for offering no payment on valid claims:

• “Wear and tear” or pre-existing condition exclusions
• Claims deemed “not sudden or accidental”
• Damage below the policy’s deductible threshold
• Lack of adequate documentation
• Denials based on alleged failure to mitigate damage
• “Acts of God” or other broad exclusion clauses

In many cases, these justifications are vague, inconsistent, or unsupported by evidence. Insurance companies may hope homeowners will simply accept the denial and move on—especially if they don’t fully understand their rights under Florida law.

🏚️ How This Trend Impacts Miami Homeowners

The rise in zero-payout claims disproportionately affects homes in coastal areas, older neighborhoods, and flood-prone zones—places like Hialeah, Homestead, and Little Haiti. Residents in these communities may already be dealing with:

• Outdated infrastructure
• High insurance deductibles
• Financial pressure from rising premiums and repair costs

When claims are denied unfairly, it leaves families struggling to make repairs out-of-pocket—or living in unsafe conditions for extended periods.

⚖️ How Karla Lopez-Fernandez Helps You Fight Back

If you’ve received a denial or zero-payout notice, you do not have to accept it. Karla Lopez-Fernandez works directly with public adjusters, contractors, and forensic experts to:

• Re-inspect the property for overlooked or mischaracterized damage
• Analyze the policy language and identify insurer missteps
• Gather new documentation, estimates, and repair timelines
• Challenge the denial through appraisal, mediation, or litigation

Many cases are resolved without going to court—especially when homeowners have legal representation early in the process.

📝 What You Should Do After a Denial

• Request a complete copy of your claim file and denial explanation.
  Florida law allows you to review the documents your insurer used to make their decision.
• Document everything.
  Take photos of the damage, save all correspondence with your insurance company, and keep records of inspections, repairs, or contractor visits.
• Do not start major repairs without legal guidance.
  Making repairs before your claim is resolved could complicate your case.
• Call a property damage attorney.
  An experienced attorney can evaluate the denial and determine if the insurer acted in bad faith or breached your policy terms.

🛠️ Many Denials Are Reversible—But Timing Matters

In Florida, there are strict deadlines for filing disputes, requesting appraisals, or bringing a lawsuit after a claim denial. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover what you’re owed.

Karla Lopez-Fernandez offers free consultations for homeowners dealing with zero-payout claims, helping them understand their legal options and build a strategy to recover fair compensation.

You Paid Your Premiums—Now It’s Time to Get Paid Back

A zero-payout doesn’t mean you don’t have a valid claim. It means it’s time to stand up, push back, and demand accountability. With Karla Lopez-Fernandez on your side, you’re not just another denied claim—you’re a homeowner with rights.

If your property damage claim was denied with a $0 payout, don’t settle. Contact Karla Lopez-Fernandez today for expert legal support in Miami.