Florida Senate Bill 408 Becomes Law

On May 17, Senate Bill 408 - a controversial overhaul of Florida's property insurance system - became law with Governor Rick Scott's signature.

2011-05-27

May 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) On May 17, Senate Bill 408 - a controversial overhaul of Florida's property insurance system - became law with Governor Rick Scott's signature. Although Governor Scott promises the bill will result in a more stable, more competitive private insurance market in Florida, critics of the law argue that it may lead to big problems for Florida homeowners.

Sinkhole Coverage a Particular Concern

One of the more controversial elements of the initial version of the bill was related to mandatory sinkhole coverage. The insurance industry claimed that fraudulent sinkhole claims have been on the rise in recent years and it sought relief from the requirement that sinkhole coverage be a mandatory part of homeowners' policies. But, as critics of the bill were quick to point out, if sinkhole coverage were not mandatory, insurers would cease to offer it, leaving homeowners with few options if their mortgage companies required them to purchase it.

In the end, the legislature settled on language narrowing the definition of "structural damage," which makes it more difficult to prove a sinkhole loss. In addition, a policyholder must pay half the cost of sinkhole testing - up to $2,500 - if he requests testing after an insurer denies his sinkhole claim. The policyholder must also make sinkhole claims within two years of his loss.

Sinkholes Remain a Problem in Florida

Unfortunately, sinkholes are a serious problem in Florida. Recent statistics from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) indicate that the total costs of sinkhole claims in 2009 were $406 million, up from $209 million just three years earlier.

An Experienced Attorney Can Help

If your home has been damaged by a sinkhole, contact an experienced sinkhole attorney. A lawyer experienced with sinkhole claims can assess your case and help you receive the insurance benefits you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.

Article provided by Williams Law Association, P.A.
Visit us at www.sinkholelawyer.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Texas Texting Ban Passes House, Awaits Senate

2011-05-27

Campaigns against distracted driving have become widespread throughout the U.S. and, due to a lack of national legislation, many states and municipalities have passed laws banning the use of phones and texting while driving. The Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 243 on April 8, 2011, which would ban sending a text, email or IM while driving in Texas. Those in violation of the ban would face fines up to $200. House Bill 243 HB 243 was passed in a 124 to 16 vote and was sent to the Senate on April 11. The bill was sponsored by Representative Tom Craddick, ...

Feds Eye Bus Safety Regulations After New York Crash

2011-05-27

A recent tour bus accident in New York has renewed calls for tougher federal safety regulations over motor coaches, including setting basic driver qualification and training standards and requiring buses to come equipped with seatbelts. This past March, a motor coach transporting gamblers back to New York City from a casino in Connecticut crashed, killing 15 people. The bus driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Witnesses reported seeing the bus swerve off of I-95 several times before it went through a guardrail and smashed into the support pillars of an overpass ...

Police Misconduct Forces Division Between Police Departments and Communities They Serve

2011-05-27

Police misconduct, particularly allegations of police brutality, is a divisive topic. Some, particularly those in law enforcement, believe that legitimate cases of police misconduct are few and far between and that most officers take their oaths to serve and protect seriously. They argue that their jobs are dangerous ones and that they have to be able to protect themselves and the public, which may require the use of force. Others, however, particularly those living in communities that have been subjected to questionable if not illegal police practices, believe that ...

Risk of Birth Injuries During Prolonged Labor

2011-05-27

A birth injury is any type of injury sustained by a newborn during or as a result of the birth process. Many birth injuries are temporary, relatively minor concerns that have no long-term impact on the child's life. But other birth injuries can cause significant impairment that leads to lifelong disability, such as cerebral palsy. Long Labor Birth Injury Birth injuries most often occur when the mother's pregnancy is too short or too long--typically when pregnancy or labor complications occur. One major risk factor for birth injuries is a prolonged labor. According ...

Texas Legislature Set to Act Soon on Bill to Ban Texting While Driving

2011-05-27

In a culture built on speed and, increasingly, electronic interconnectivity, texting while driving and unsafe cell phone use pose daily dangers on the road. That's why 30 states have outright bans or substantial restrictions on the use of electronic devices behind the wheel. The goal is to get people to pay attention to the road, and prevent motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. Texas is not one of those 30 states, but the legislature is seriously considering making it one. House Bill 243, a bill to ban texting while driving, is now before a key committee ...

Minimizing Hospital Risks: Patient Safety Organizations in Rhode Island

2011-05-27

According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, nearly 100,000 patients die and another 1 million are injured each year due to medical errors. While the United States arguably provides the highest standard of medical care available, the study revealed that there is still substantial room for improvement. In 2005, Congress established Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) to review hospital mistakes that resulted in harm to patients. Medical mistakes can happen a variety of ways, including: - An object being left behind after a procedure - An infection resulting from ...

Wake Up Call for Sleep-Deprived Surgeons and Their Patients

2011-05-27

When headed for surgery, many people research the procedure and any alternatives, their surgeon, the hospital and the anesthetist. They know the probable recovery time and the chances for adverse effects. What they almost certainly do not know is how much their surgeon has slept before the operation. A recent New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) article has people close to the issue debating whether this information should be made available to patients. The perspective piece cites a previous study that showed a significant increase in the risk of surgical errors in daytime ...

National Bike Safety Month Follows Fatal MN Accidents

2011-05-27

May is National Bike Safety Month and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA have partnered to launch Roll Model: a campaign to prevent bicycle accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. Of all traffic fatalities, two percent are bicyclists, 17 percent of whom are age 14 or younger. The campaign asks parents and guardians to set a good example for their children by exhibiting safe behavior on the road. Bicycles cause more injuries to children than any product besides motor vehicles. Bicycle Safety Tips Child bicycle fatalities increase ...

Kuoni and World Market Travel Celebrate Their New Relationship

2011-05-27

Kuoni, the luxury travel brand, has announced it is now represented by World Market Travel, a leading Independent travel agency in Bath. The new relationship was officially announced at the launch event held in April at the elegant Roman Baths, where guests were treated to a tour of the museum followed by drinks, canapes, and a string quartet. Just under 200 guests attended the event including Joanna Edmunds, Kuoni UK Managing Director, Derek Jones, Kuoni UK Distribution Director, and Tim and Peter Giles, joint owners of the World Market Travel store. A guest ...

MannaZo Announces Online Courses Empowering Individuals and Families

2011-05-27

Established a year ago to fill a perceived niche in the education market, MannaZo is a network marketing company that offers empowerment through education with a wide range of online courses that can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. Nearly 30% of higher education students take at least one online course. Courses offered by MannaZo include computer skills courses at all levels, from beginner to expert, and business and personal development courses. Computer skills courses cover an introduction to personal computing, all Microsoft Office programs, ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Insilico Medicine and Taigen achieves license agreement to develop and commercialize AI-driven PHD inhibitor for anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)