Water can be one of the most destructive forces on earth. From heavy rains, hurricanes and even something as simple as a leaking pipe, the damage caused by water can be immense. When your property has sustained damage, it is important to correct it before further complications occur. Oftentimes, this might involve filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance policy.
However, there are times when a claim is not a simple process of receiving a check. Damage needs to be estimated and the full extent of the repairs needs to be assessed.
If your property sustained some kind of flooding or water damage, a lawyer in Hialeah can help. With an understanding of how complicated insurance claims can become, a flood and water damage attorney knows how to help. Call Schlacter Law today for a consultation.
There are numerous ways in which a property can sustain damage. Some examples include:
Hurricanes Severe storms Storm surges Heavy rains Leaky or broken pipes Leaky or broken appliances Improperly functioning sump pumps Sewer drainage backups Cast iron pipesFlorida experiences some of the harshest weather conditions in the United States. Unfortunately, the frequency of these storms is increasing. Hurricanes, in particular, cause extensive flooding and the resulting property damage is on the rise. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 18 named storms in 2019, with six hurricanes, three of which were Category 3 or higher with sustained winds of over 110 miles per hour.
Hurricanes and severe storms bring with them storm surges which can inundate land quickly and cause severe flooding to a property close to the shore. Additionally, these kinds of storms are typically accompanied by heavy rain, and rain can often overwhelm the systems designed to handle water runoff, resulting in additional flooding.
Further, immense winds and rain can cause damage to your home’s roof, which can cause catastrophic damage.
Certain types of pipes deteriorate over time and they can develop leaks. If these leaks go undetected, they can destroy drywall, cause wood rot, and may even contribute to foundational issues. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can also fail and cause additional problems from water leaks.
Sump pumps attempt to remove any water collecting at the lowest point on a property and pump that water out. When they fail the destruction can be extensive. Even with a backup, sump pumps are subject to electricity failures that are all too common when a storm hits.
Sewer pipe backups are costly and require additional remediation caused by raw sewage. Disinfecting the result of a sewer pipe backup typically requires the additional cost of a professional clean-up company, as well as the cost of a plumber to clear out the sewer line.
There are numerous sources of water damage in homes in Hialeah. When the destruction is extensive, the costs can be exorbitant. If your home was damaged, speak with a lawyer immediately following any property destruction. A Hialeah water damage lawyer may be able to assist with filing an insurance claim and will understand the long-term requirements that a settlement should reflect.
When water finds its way onto a property, it can cause widespread destruction. Some of the effects include:
Mold Mildew Destroyed drywall Discoloration to walls, baseboards, and ceilings Foundation damage Destroyed electronics and appliances Destroyed furnitureMold and mildew are some of the most common results of water damage. Oftentimes mold is difficult to detect, especially when it forms from a small leak. Mold can develop in between walls and rot insulation and drywall. Mold and mildew can be very costly to remediate and requires special gear to prevent the inhalation of mold spores. If mold is left untreated it can cause serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory illnesses.
When flooding or storm surges flow through a property, they can weaken the structure’s foundation. Water flowing into a basement or down the side of a building can carry away important soil used to keep the structure standing. Additionally, concrete foundations can crack or buckle, making a structure unstable. Costs to repair this type of damage can cost thousands, and a failure to make remediations could cause a building to collapse.
When water enters a property it can cause damage to personal property, furniture, electronics, and appliances. While the individual costs of these items may not be very high, taken as a whole, they can add up quickly. When refrigerators and washing machines are damaged by water, they must be replaced for the home to be habitable. Clothes and personal items are sometimes impossible to replace and hard to put a value on.
Water damage oftentimes creates issues that aren’t always immediately apparent. If these issues aren’t taken care of, they can worsen. A Hialeah water damage lawyer can assist in getting the best settlement possible.
Water damage can be costly. Hopefully, your homeowner’s insurance policy can help assist in making repairs by providing an adequate settlement claim. But there are times when an insurance settlement fails to adequately cover the costs of the damage. When these issues arise, a water damage lawyer can help. When independent estimates are necessary, an attorney can oftentimes pay these costs upfront to ensure that you get an accurate estimate from the onset, and these costs will be deducted after the insurance company pays on the claim.
Additionally, an attorney in Hialeah has experience understanding the long-term costs and hidden repairs required after a property was damaged by water. Knowing these hidden issues can help ensure that when negotiating with an insurance company, a settlement will include these costs in a final settlement.
Water damage is one of the most common issues facing homeowners today. Failing to remediate a water issue can create even bigger issues down the road. If your property has sustained water damage, call a Schlacter Law water damage lawyer today for a consultation.
Reviews