Water damage to a home is not uncommon, from plumbing issues, rising waters from a hurricane’s storm surge, and water that enters the home through windows or doors due to heavy winds. While water damage is often immediate, the response to insurance claims is typically not.
The Florida disaster recovery attorneys at GED Lawyers help Florida homeowners recover maximum compensation from insurance companies for property damage due to flooding and water. Our reputation speaks for itself; we have collected millions of dollars in unpaid insurance claims for Florida homeowners, and we can help you, too. A Florida water damage lawyer from our firm is ready to handle your case.
Top-Rated Law Firm Helps Florida Homeowners Recover Damages from Flood and Water
At GED Lawyers, we know that the cost of home and property repairs after water damage can be costly. Insurance companies may offer a fraction of what you need, or they may flat out deny your claim. We will work hard to help you recover the compensation you deserve by:
- Investigating the cause of the water damage
- Reviewing your insurance policy contracts
- Determining whether the source of water damage should be covered based on your policy contract
- Confirming the total cost of your damages
- Filing insurance claims and appealing denials
- Negotiating a just settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if needed
Our Florida property damage lawyers are prepared to stand up against large insurance companies that would wrongfully deny your claim. We’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve at no upfront cost.
We Will Protect You from Bad Faith Insurance Practices in Florida
Some insurance companies employ bad faith insurance practices to get out of paying claims. Yet, you have protections under the Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. If an insurance company violates those rights, it’s not acting in good faith.
For example:
- The insurer must respond to your claim within 14 days. Failing to acknowledge your claim is not acceptable under the law.
- The insurer has 30 days from the date of your claim’s submission to approve or deny it. It cannot delay the claims process, hoping that you’ll drop the matter.
- You do not have to give a recorded statement. The law doesn’t require you to give one, and the insurance company shouldn’t pressure you into sharing more information than necessary.
When you partner with our legal team, we will stand between you and any tactics that threaten to derail your case.
Common Causes of Flooding and Water Damage in Florida
In Florida, we experience plenty of rain throughout the year, including severe thunderstorms and hurricanes during the summer and fall. Plus, many Florida homes are close to the water, either by the coastlines or near lakes or rivers. While these bodies of water provide amazing views and fun outdoor activities, they also make homeowners, business owners, and renters more likely to experience flooding on their properties.
Water can cause property damage in a number of ways, including – but not limited to – the following:
- Storm surge due to a hurricane or another storm
- Sewer or drainage system backup
- Water backup
- Flooding
- Sudden or accidental discharge
- Broken or leaking pipes
- Roof leaks
- Broken appliances
These incidents can damage your belongings, lead to rot that jeopardizes your home’s structural integrity, and produce mold that makes the property unsafe. Mold and water damage remediation can be expensive, so you may need the maximum insurance payment your policy entitles you to.
What Types of Water Damage Are Covered Under Insurance?
Every insurance policy is different, with variations in deductible amounts, what is covered, and other conditions. For the most part, determining what is covered under your insurance policy depends upon the source of the water damage, the type of policy you have, and the extent of the water damage.
In general, your insurance should cover water damage due to a sudden and accidental incident that happens inside your home, like a burst pipe or an appliance malfunction.
Before Filing Your Flood/Water Damage Claim
Although you likely want to submit your flood/water damage claim immediately, don’t be hasty in filling out the paperwork. What is submitted in your insurance claim is very important, and it is worth taking the time necessary to ensure that your claim application is as complete as possible.
For starters, review your insurance policy to make sure you understand all the coverages you are entitled to, as well as deductibles, exclusions, and any responsibilities that you have as a homeowner. Collect any records of home repair and regular maintenance and organize these documents.
If Your Flood/Water Damage Claim Is Denied, It’s Not Over
It is not uncommon for a flood/water damage claim to be denied by the insurance company. But that decision is not written in stone. Insurance policies are essentially legal contracts and are open to interpretation by the courts. So, if your insurance company has denied your flood/water damage claim, a court may reverse that decision.
Ask the insurance company for a written explanation as to why the claim was denied. Verify the details of your insurance policy, reviewing the wording carefully for anything you may have missed. Then, consider contacting our Florida flood damage lawyer to help you appeal the denial and secure compensation.
You Must File Your Insurance Lawsuit Within the Statute of Limitations
We urge you to consider partnering with our flood damage lawyers as soon as possible. You don’t have a long time to act under Florida’s statute of limitations. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(2)(e), you may only have five years to sue your insurance company for breaching your contract.
A flood and water damage claim lawyer from GED Lawyers can review your water damage case and determine whether a lawsuit could meet your needs. We can also represent you in court to help you recover much-needed compensation.
We Fight Insurance Companies When They Say “No” and Recover the Flood and Water Damage Compensation You Need To Rebuild
When you are filing an insurance claim for flood and water damages, it is important to do it right. Our experienced disaster recovery attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the insurance claims process and can help recover the compensation homeowners deserve for damage to their property.
Contact GED Lawyers today to schedule an appointment to discuss your flood and water property damage claim with a Florida flood damage lawyer.
