- What are the Most Common Causes of Water Damage Claims
- Why Was My Water Damage Claim Denied?
- How to Prevent Your Claim From Being Denied
- Contact Our Water Damage Claims Attorney
Water damage can cause structural damage, weaken walls, and break equipment on your property. In addition, water damage can lead to the growth of toxic mold, which can pose a risk to children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.
Your insurance company is responsible for ensuring you know your insurance policy coverage details. If your insurance carrier neglects to inform you or purposely misleads you, they can be held accountable.
Having a water damage lawyer from Nessler & Associates on your side will ensure the insurance company stays legally compliant and offers compensation for the damage covered under your policy.
What are the Most Common Causes of Water Damage Claims
Reviewing your insurance policy with your lawyer is essential to understand the specific types of coverage available for your situation. Common types of water damage that a homeowner’s insurance policy covers include:
- Sudden or accidental discharge such as bursts from frozen pipes
- Accidental leaks, including plumbing leaks and faulty appliances like a broken washing machine
- Fire-related water damage caused by sprinklers or fire department hoses used to extinguish the flames
- Storm damage caused by roof leaks from a sudden heavy rainstorm
Water damage from ice dams may be compensable if the ice dams build up suddenly and cause water damage to the property or pose immediate peril. However, coverage for sewage backup and water backup may not be available unless you have bought special coverage in your policy.
Your water damage insurance claim should cover sudden or accidental water damage within your property. If your insurance company refuses to cover water damage in your home or business, you can contact a lawyer to help you dispute your claim.
What if Your Property Suffered Flood Damage?
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not provide coverage for natural disasters like floods and hurricanes. Commercial businesses, renters, and homes vulnerable to flood damage in these areas must buy separate flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Why Was My Water Damage Claim Denied?
The insurance company may not extend coverage for gradual water damage from broken equipment and structural weaknesses. They may also reject your claim by arguing that the gradual damage resulted from poor maintenance and neglect.
For instance, if you have a leaky roof, damage resulting from the slow leak in your roof is unlikely to be covered since the insurer may argue you should have addressed the leak sooner.
As a property owner, it may be difficult to detect hidden leaks from faucets, plumbing, or broken pipes, causing gradual water damage to floors, ceilings, or walls of your building. When you receive a denial of your claim, you can ask the insurance adjuster for the full reason and the explanation of your exclusions in your policy.
If you believe your water damage coverage should have applied in your case, you can ask a lawyer with experience in water damage claims to help you speak with the insurer. You can enlist their assistance in preparing your insurance claim and negotiating a settlement with your insurer.
How to Prevent Your Claim From Being Denied
When you file a claim for water damage, ensure you include as much detail as possible in the claim. Documents include photos of the damage, invoices for damaged items, and maintenance records of your property.
Take the following steps to protect your legal rights before you go through the claims process:
Photograph Any Property Damage and the Surrounding Area
Visual evidence of extensive damage in its original state is vital for your insurance company. This information is crucial in proving the extent of water damage to support your claim.
List All Damaged Items
If possible, make sure you organize the receipts of your damaged items. You should also include the condition of each item before the incident occurred and pictures, if possible.
Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
Consult a water damage specialist, such as a public adjuster, for an independent appraisal. They can investigate the leak’s source and determine how and when it began, so you have a legitimate claim for damages.
Get Urgent Repairs
If the water damage is not repaired immediately, the damage can lead to weakened walls, doors, windows, appliances, and other structural issues. If you don’t address the initial water damage promptly, you may incur further water damage not covered by your insurance.
Call an Experienced Lawyer
A water damage claims lawyer can help you evaluate your homeowner’s insurance policy and pinpoint the type of coverage applicable in your case. Their understanding of insurance laws can help you navigate the claims process with the insurance company. They will ensure your insurance company abides by the coverages outlined in your policy terms and doesn’t try to mislead you into accepting the initial denial.
If needed, they can take your claim to court for fair compensation.
Contact Our Water Damage Claims Attorney
If your home or business suffers water damage and the insurance company denies your claim, Nessler & Associates can help. With our legal representation, you can obtain your rightful compensation for the water damage to your property and make a full financial recovery.
Contact us today at (800) 727-8010 to schedule a free, initial consultation with one of our lawyers.
