Sinkhole Investigations

In the United States, sinkholes occur most commonly in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Pennsylvania – wherever the surface soil rests on layers of limestone, which naturally cracks and is dissolved by ground water.

Over time, the spaces and caverns created by this erosion can eventually become so big that the land surface collapses. Both droughts and periods of heavy rain can trigger a collapse. Sinkholes can be shallow or deep, small or enormous, and can swallow homes, roads and other large structures. 

Sinkholes can and do occur naturally; however, their increasing numbers are more often attributed to development, construction, heavy traffic or a gradual decline in groundwater levels.

ICS Merrill, the investigative services division of EMSI, is headquartered in Florida, and has extensive experience investigating sinkholes and related damages. Our investigators work with engineers and other experts assigned by an insurance company to determine whether damage is sinkhole-related.

Sinkhole investigations include local physical research. We also look for pre-existing damage – or rule it out – and verify the amount of damages being claimed.