Setting the Scene

On November 9, 2020, Tropical Storm Eta hit South Florida. Richard and Annette Cortes owned a home in Pinecrest that sustained both interior and exterior damage. They were covered under a homeowners insurance policy issued by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. After the storm, they promptly reported the damage. Citizens assigned a claim number and sent a field adjuster to inspect the property.

Where Things Broke Down

The Corteses stated that Citizens did not fully investigate the loss. While a field adjuster inspected the home, no expert was assigned to assess the scope or cause of the damage. Citizens later declined coverage. The plaintiffs argued this denial violated the terms of their insurance policy.

The Fallout

As a result of the denial, the Corteses faced significant financial strain. They claimed the lack of insurance proceeds prevented them from repairing their home. The situation forced them to hire legal representation, adding further emotional and financial stress.

What They’re Seeking

The plaintiffs aske