We understand the stress, frustration, and financial pressure that results when insurance carriers wrongfully deny or low-ball recovery in water damage claims. Few things are as traumatic as finding water within your residence or place of business. Water damage claims are particularly tricky, and must be promptly reported, thoroughly documented, and remedial action promptly undertaken by professionals to prevent even further damage.
What Events Give Rise to Water Damage?
Typically, water damage claims involve:
- Burst or broken pipes
- Sudden sewage or plumbing failures
- Water heater ruptures
- Dishwasher or washing machine malfunctions
- HVAC system leaks
- Roof leaks caused by storm damage
- Wind-driven rain entering through storm-created openings
- Personal property claims
Do Insurance Policies Typically Cover Water Damage?
Sudden internal water discharge is generally covered under an insurance policy unless a specific exclusion applies. Insurance companies broadly interpret these exclusions to deny claims whenever they can argue water intrusion existed before the discovery date, resulted from “continuous or repeated seepage or leakage,” “deterioration,” “wear and tear,” or damage that occurs “over a period of time”. However, the law generally recognizes that homeowners may be unaware of hidden damage until a sudden event reveals it, and policies may cover damage from covered perils even with pre-existing conditions.
Vishio Watkins Forry Can Help
When and how you present a water damage claim matters, and many policyholders have been denied full and fair coverage by handling the claim on their own, by trusting the insurance carrier to do the right thing, or by using a law firm inexperienced in handling the many nuances of water damage claims.
Our attorneys understand the many technical aspects of water intrusion, damage assessment, causation analysis and insurance policy interpretation issues that can determine the outcomes of water damage claims. We also work with highly qualified forensic experts who provide compelling evidence supporting our clients’ claims.
When it involves water damage claims, our experience matters. Contact our office today and schedule your free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you are owed.
