We are Thomas J. Cherichello, a boutique law firm in Sarasota that focuses on insurance claim and personal injury cases. Our practice is led by an attorney with over 30 years of insurance claim adjusting experience, and we handle claims including insurance claim disputes, diminished value, car and motorcycle accidents, property and hurricane damage, and dog bite injuries. For an overview of our services, see our Services hub at Services hub. To learn about the specific types of insurance disputes we handle, start with our Insurance Claim Disputes page at Insurance Claim Disputes, and to see where we serve, visit our Sarasota location page at Sarasota, Florida.
Our experience and what we focus on
Our focus is insurance claim disputes and personal injury matters. That focus shapes how we evaluate a case, what documentation we gather, and the partners we call on for expert analysis. Because our lead attorney has more than 30 years of experience as an insurance claim adjuster, we approach claims from both sides of the table. That background helps us identify gaps in an insurer's handling of a claim and to develop a clear plan for recovery.
We regularly handle:
- Insurance claim disputes, including denied or underpaid claims
- Diminished value claims after collisions
- Car accident and motorcycle accident claims
- Personal injury and property damage claims
- Hurricane damage claims and related property losses
- Dog bite injuries
How we handle cases
We follow a consistent, documented process so you know what to expect and we avoid missed steps.
- Initial case review. We read your policy and the insurer correspondence, and identify the central issues that affect coverage or value.
- Evidence gathering. We collect photos, property estimates, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. When needed, we use experts for damage evaluation and accident reconstruction.
- Policy interpretation and evaluation. We analyze policy language, exclusions, and endorsements to determine what the insurer owes. When an appraisal or arbitration clause is involved, we explain options and likely outcomes.
- Demand and negotiation. We prepare a valuation and present it to the insurer with supporting documentation and expert reports when required.
- Appeals and escalation. If the insurer denies or undervalues a claim, we pursue administrative appeals, appraisal, or litigation depending on the issue and the policy terms.
Team, credentials and approach to evidence
We are a small, focused team that emphasizes clear communication and thorough documentation. Our approach to evidence follows accepted practices for personal injury and property claims: proven medical records management, timely preservation of physical evidence, organized photo and video logs, accurate repair and replacement estimates, and, when helpful, expert reports from appraisers, accident reconstruction specialists, or medical professionals.
We do not handle every type of legal matter. Our niche is insurance related disputes and personal injury claims where insurance coverage, valuation, or insurer conduct is central to the outcome.
Community roots and the areas we serve
We are based in Sarasota and handle matters for people across local neighborhoods and nearby communities. Our work often involves properties and incidents on or near coastlines, residential neighborhoods, and local roadways. For specific locations we serve, see our Sarasota location page at Sarasota, Florida, and our services hub for the full list of services at Services hub. If your situation involves a particular topic such as policy interpretation or appeals, our topics pages explain common steps like appraisal or arbitration at Arbitration And Appraisal.
We bring practical experience from decades on the insurance side to help you understand how insurers evaluate claims and what documentation changes the outcome.
What to expect when you work with us
We aim to be practical and transparent. That means we explain the policy language that matters, outline realistic timelines, and identify the documents that have the biggest effect on value. We keep our file organized so we can respond to insurer questions quickly and preserve crucial evidence for appraisal or trial if needed.
Key takeaway
If your case hinges on how an insurer interpreted a policy or valued a loss, our background in insurance claim adjusting gives us a clear advantage in spotting missed coverage or undervaluation and in preparing the documentation that persuades a reviewer or an independent appraiser.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of insurance disputes do you handle?
We handle a range of disputes that arise after a loss: denied or underpaid property claims, disagreements over diminished value after a collision, hurricane damage disputes, and coverage issues where policy language is unclear. For details on our core practice areas, see our Services hub at Services hub.
How does your prior adjusting experience affect my case?
Having adjusted claims gives us insight into how insurers evaluate damage, value claims, and document decisions. That knowledge helps us gather the right evidence, address insurer arguments early, and present a valuation that follows industry practice.
Do you handle accident cases as well as property claims?
Yes. We handle car and motorcycle accident claims, personal injury matters, and related property damage. See our Car Accident Claims page at Car Accident Claims for typical case steps and documentation needs.
What if an insurer offers appraisal or arbitration?
An appraisal or arbitration clause in a policy changes the available paths for resolving a dispute. We explain the appraisal process, the role of appointed appraisers and an umpire, and how to prepare evidence so the appraisal panel can assess loss and value accurately. See our topics on arbitration and appraisal at Arbitration And Appraisal.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We are located in Sarasota and serve clients across the city and nearby neighborhoods. Our Sarasota location page lists the areas we serve and local pages for specific neighborhoods.
Learn more and read local reviews
To see what clients say and get directions, check our Google Business Profile. For more on the kinds of claims we handle and related topics, explore our Services hub and Topics pages.