Hurricanes and tropical storms can certainly cause water intrusion damage in your home or on your property, but other events can also leave you with water damage. Leaky windows, burst pipes, or normal rain can destroy property quickly, leaving behind a financial burden, especially for untreated water damage. If you have water intrusion damage and are considering a property claim in Fort Myers, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1 (800) 747-3733 for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand your legal rights.
Water Damage Law in Fort Myers
Tropical storms and hurricanes are a common occurrence in Florida, which means water damage is an unfortunate possibility for Fort Myers property owners. However, water damage can also happen from an unexpected burst pipe or a rainstorm. Florida water damage laws exist to protect homeowners and small property owners in these devastating circumstances.
Statute of Limitations Laws
A statute of limitations law refers to the amount of time you have to file a claim in court after an accident occurs. If you file a claim with your insurance company for water damage within these deadlines and they do not reimburse you for the damages according to your contract, you have a right to compensation.
Time is of the essence in these cases, and if you miss a deadline, the Florida courts may automatically dismiss your lawsuit. A water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Fort Myers on the team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine understands these statutes of limitations deadlines and can help you understand your rights, as well as the specific deadlines you need to meet regarding filing paperwork for your claim.
Water Intrusion Damage Action Plan
It is important to prepare and follow an action plan for dealing with water intrusion damage in a way that protects your ability to file a property damage claim later. A water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Fort Myers can help walk you through the necessary steps and offer advice and guidance every step of the way. Some steps we recommend including in your action plan are:
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Your first step after a damaging event that causes water intrusion on your home or property is to call your insurance agent. Filing a report as soon as possible begins the insurance claim process and ensures a claim filed in a timely manner. Additionally, it is important to request an actual certified copy of your insurance contract as proof that your policy actually covers water damage. This certified copy of your policy will assist you if you have to file a lawsuit against your insurance company for non-payment of your water intrusion damage claim.
Inspect your insurance policy carefully, as some policies do not cover water intrusion damage, flood damage, or mold damage. If you are unsure about what your policy may cover, our team can help you understand your insurance policy and the rights you have concerning the recovery of your losses.
Document the Water Damage and Restoration Process
- Personal Documentation
Take photographs and videos of the water damage as soon as it occurs. Visual evidence of the original damage is significant to any future claim you pursue. Additionally, as you begin to restore your property and clean up the water damage, make sure to document the entire process. You can never have too much photographic or physical documentation to prove your claim. Keep all receipts and estimates received from professional cleaning companies, as well as any other documentation that may prove useful to reinforce the claim that the water intrusion damage was significant to your property.
- Insurance Company Documentation
Insurance companies have a vested interest in attempting to mitigate the compensation and damages that they pay. As your insurance adjuster examines your property, it is imperative that you request that they use moisture mapping technology, which can be either thermal or infrared imaging. This specialized imaging accurately documents and diagnoses your water intrusion damage in a more enhanced way than simple photographs or pictures could.
- Mold Damage
Insurance companies reluctantly process claims for mold damage from homeowners and property owners. However, the removal of mold is vital to the health of your family. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that mold spores present in indoor air absolutely cause physical issues.
Your best course of action is to clean your property yourself, and then have a professional cleaning company remove any remaining mold that exists. Quickly locate all the sources of water intrusion and dry them within the first 24-48 hours as best as possible. Hiring a water remediation company will reduce any risk of continued mold growing on your property and causing even more damage.
If you or a loved one’s property was damaged by water intrusion, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1 (800) 747-3733 so you and water intrusion damage property claim lawyer can work together on ensuring your just compensation from your insurance company.
Obtain Professional Water Damage Estimates
Extreme cases of water intrusion damage require professional services. Obtain at least three independent estimates from professional contractors experienced in water intrusion damage removal. Request specific details regarding the scope of their services and determine if the estimates provided include replacing and repairing all damaged property. Itemization of the qualified general contractor’s services assists in any future claim you present to your insurance company.
Remember that insurance companies have professionals working for their side, and you should have unbiased estimates that represent your best interests. Obtaining estimates from professionals that are neutral third parties ensures and reinforces your position, and solidifies a claim to either your insurance company or at a later date in a court of law.
Dealing with the Insurance Company’s Denial of Your Claim
Insurance companies will oftentimes deny water intrusion damage claims and also mold removal claims. If you have filed your water intrusion damage claim with your insurance company promptly and within their required deadlines, and your claim is not settled and finalized within 45 days of filing, you have the right to request a formal, written explanation regarding the lack of a decision.
Contact a Water Intrusion Damage Property Claim Lawyer for Help
The damages sustained by a hurricane, tropical storm, rising sea waters, or pipe break can be devastating. Insurance companies have professional claims adjusters working hard for their side. Hiring a property claim lawyer can assist you with insurance company discussions, filing of claims, and building your case.
A water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Fort Myers with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you ensure that you receive appropriate estimates, assist you in filing water damage claims, and represent you if your insurance company denies your water damage claims. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1 (800) 747-3733 for a free case evaluation to get started.
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