Water Damage Claims Attorneys

Water damage claims are one of the most frequently submitted claims to home and business insurance companies. Unfortunately, many insurance providers look for any possible reason to deny your claim and avoid paying for legitimate home or business damages. If this happens to you, contact the water damage attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

Mold & Decay Caused By Water Damage

Water damage frequently causes mold and mildew to grow which can negatively affect the health of guests and occupants. Allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, and other respiratory-related health issues are common with long-term exposure to mold and mildew.

Water exposure can also cause wood to rot or decay in part(s) or all of a wooden structure. As the organic material decays, it invites any number of pests such as carpenter ants and termites which can then infest undamaged wood. Any level of decay will affect the structural integrity and stability of the water damaged structure.

An insurance policy may cover mold damages depending upon the water source that caused the mold and/or decay. It’s important to document and report mold or decay to your insurance company upon discovery. Insurance companies that deem mold or decay occurred due to water damage neglect may deny your claim.

What Type Of Water Damage Is Covered By My Insurance Company?

The water source responsible for the damage is key information. Insurance companies use the water source to determine if the category of damage is flood or water. Water damage is usually covered by most homeowners and commercial business insurance policies.   

The source of water damage may include:

  • Heavy rainfall from a weather event;
  • A weather event, such as high winds that damage the home or business which allows water to enter the structure;
  • A burst pipe in a ceiling or wall; and
  • Overflowing dishwasher, toilet, or washing machine.

Flood damage is caused by a partial or complete overflow of two or more properties (one of which is yours) or acres of usually dry land. The source of flood damage may include:

  • Inland or tidal waters;
  • A rapid accumulation and/or runoff of surface waters;
  • Mudflow; and/or
  • The collapse of a shoreline caused by erosion.

Yet, flood damage isn’t covered by the majority of homeowners and commercial business insurance policies. Your insurance company may deem flood damages a natural catastrophe — which is why understanding the source of water damage is significant. Insurance companies may also deny a water damage claim if the filing deadline is missed or if the water damage is determined to have been pre-existing. Therefore, if your insurance company has denied your water damage claim for any reason, contact the water damage lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

How To Report A Water Damage Claim

Nearly any structure is susceptible to water damage. The damage may occur long before you discover it since certain damage takes time to become noticeable. For example, water stains on an interior wall may have been recently discovered, but damage began months ago when a loose shingle allowed water to penetrate your home. Therefore, as soon as your find water damage, begin taking these steps to report your claim:

  • Secure your valuables to prevent further damage;
  • Capture photos of the damage to provide to your insurance carrier as evidence;
  • Create a detailed inventory list of all of your items or property that has been damaged;
  • Review your policy;
  • Contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process;
  • Ask your insurance company what other steps are required to report the damage; and
  • Consider having a professional water damage inspection completed to provide thorough evidence for your claim.

A water damage claims attorney can assist in gathering all necessary information for filing a damage claim along with submitting the claim by the set deadline.

What Clients Can Expect From Our Water Damage Attorneys

Our Orlando water damage attorneys will advocate on your behalf and fight for a honest repair amount for any damages. Our attorneys review your policy with you to develop the appropriate course of action to handle your insurance dispute. We will see that any deductible received is accurate and that your legal rights, such as your right to repair, are upheld. Schedule a consultation today.