An experienced water damage attorney of Perez Mayoral, P.A. has successfully helped many South Florida clients recover insurance settlements for severe water damage to their homes and properties. If you have been hit with the enormous costs and terrible stress of water damage devastation, contact us to find the peace of mind skilled and efficient legal representation provides. We will work tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve.
Once your insurance adjusters become aware that they are negotiating with knowledgeable water damage attorneys, they will play fewer games to protect their bottom line. Realizing that they will be wasting valuable time haggling, they are likely to take steps to settle your claim for a reasonable amount. Our lead attorneys, Erik A. Perez and Michael P. Mayoral, have the know-how needed to:
- Investigate your home and property thoroughly, taking detailed notes and photos of all water damage that has occurred, including all necessary repairs and replacements
- Have all of your damaged possessions carefully appraised
- Arrive at the proper amount of your total claim
- Handle all negotiations with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys
- Engage in litigation if necessary to obtain a realistic settlement for you and your family
Our law practice is well-known for resolving water damage claims in South Florida. Our reputation as strong fighters against attempted underpayments and claim denials gives us clout both in and out of the courtroom. Though we are aware of the benefits of settling your water damage claim out of court, we are always well-prepared for strategic litigation.
Types of Water Damage Claims
During our initial consultation, we will discuss the source of the water damage since insurance policies distinguish between causes of water damage when settling claims. Typically, homeowners or commercial property insurance policies cover most types of water damage unrelated to floods, but separate flood insurance policies must be in force to cover flood damage.
Water Damage Unrelated to Floods
Water damage covered by homeowners or commercial property insurance commonly includes damage caused by:
- Roof leaks
- Water from leaking pipes
- Water seeping into a home or commercial property through cracks in the foundation
- Rainwater coming in through a window broken by storm activity
- Water from a damaged washing machine/dishwasher/refrigerator
Once you get in touch with our water damage attorneys, we will pore over your insurance
policy to see precisely which water damage you are covered for. It is important to remember that insurance companies stay in business by paying out as little money as possible, so they will look for ways to lower the settlement or deny your claim. Don’t worry — as your attorneys, we are well-prepared for such shenanigans.
They may try to prove, for example, that you neglected to repair a known plumbing or appliance leak until it became catastrophic. Such tactical maneuvers by insurance adjusters are one of the primary reasons you need the skilled services our legal team provides. It takes an informed professional to level the playing field when it comes to disputing a water damage claim.
Flood Damage in South Florida
As you probably know, Florida has been directly impacted by more hurricanes than any other state in the nation, giving it the unofficial title of “hurricane capital” of the U.S. Because inundating rains are part of the catastrophic hurricane package, a great many residents of South Florida have flood insurance, either by choice or because it’s legally required (especially along the coastline).
Flood damage, as opposed to “water damage,” is defined as damage caused by water that has previously been on the ground. It’s worth noting that insurance companies are finicky about such distinctions. Even if you have flood insurance, it is entirely possible that your provider may try to deny a flood damage claim by saying that property was destroyed by water that entered your home through a window left open in the rain, rather than by floodwaters. This is why you need a savvy attorney at your side when making any kind of water damage claim.
Even though your particular area of South Florida may not be a flood zone, it may be wise to carry flood insurance, especially in view of the fact that the weather seems to be worsening throughout the country. Flood insurance gives you coverage for such events as:
- Basement flooding after heavy rain
- Overflow from storm surge into your home or business
- Weakened or collapsed walls after heavy rains
- Rising waters that flood a screened porch or ground level rooms
You should be aware that most private insurers do not offer flood insurance in the parts of Florida in which it is most necessary, so you will have to purchase it from separate companies under the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Awful Aftermath of Water Damage
Water damage to structures in South Florida can have a long-term negative impact, not only on houses, condominiums, and commercial buildings but on the health and well-being of those who occupy them. In addition to leaving your home in danger of structural collapse, water damage may also leave your home vulnerable to fire (e.g. from damaged appliances or wiring), theft, and vandalism. Fortunately, such events are usually covered by your homeowners or commercial property policy.
In addition to eroding foundations and making walls more liable to collapse, water damage, if not completely and properly rectified, can lead to toxic mold. Toxic mold presents a serious danger of infections, lung disease, and cognitive impairment, particularly to children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health problems. Our legal team is committed to getting you the full insurance settlement you deserve for water damage in order to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
Contact An Experienced Water Damage Attorney Now
Our sharp water damage attorneys know all too well the widespread risks of water damage and will do everything in our power to protect you and your loved ones from insurance companies that may try to shortchange you. Contact us today and we will work hard to see to it that you receive all resources you need to put your life back together.
