Hurricanes are a part of life in Florida, and the devastation that they leave behind can cost homeowners both financially and emotionally. Water intrusion destroys property almost immediately and often leaves permanent damage if left untreated. However, water damage can occur from incidents other than hurricanes, including leaky windows, pipe bursts, or even damage from an ordinary thunderstorm. If you have sustained water intrusion damage in Panama City, 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 Florida
Water damage insurance claims are common in Florida and are also the source of the largest financial payouts for Florida insurance companies. However, when the panic of a hurricane or tropical storm subsides, often what remains is confusion, stress, and anxiety regarding how to restore your property and life back to its original condition.
Florida Statute of Limitations
The deadline to file a claim under Florida law is the statute of limitations. This means you have only a limited amount of time to act. If you miss this deadline, Florida courts may dismiss your water intrusion damage case on that basis alone.
The legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you understand these statutes of limitations deadlines that apply to your case and file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
Water Damage Action Plan
If you have sustained water damage due to a hurricane, tropical storm, or simply a broken pipe bursting, these are the steps we recommend that you take for your safety, health, and legal rights.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Some homeowners and property insurance policies do not cover water, flood, or mold damage. Determining if your insurance policy covers water damage is a first step in obtaining compensation for your property damage. In fact, failure to contact your insurance company immediately can result in a denial of your water intrusion damage property claim.
Reporting your water damage promptly to your insurance company is imperative to ensure that your claim is filed correctly and timely. Requesting a certified copy of the contract that includes your water damage policy from your insurance agent or adjuster assists in any future litigation regarding the water damage. Contacting the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1 (800) 747-3733 during the initial stages of filing a water damage claim with your insurance company can help you understand your legal rights.
Document Damage and Clean Up
- Personal Documentation
Document the entire process as you begin water mitigation and clean-up of your property. Taking photos or videos of the mitigation establishes concrete evidence for your claim.
- Insurance Company Documentation
Additionally, it is vital that you have your insurance adjuster use moisture mapping technology. This technology can be either infrared or thermal imaging. These specialized images diagnose and document the water damage in greater detail than pictures or video are able to capture alone.
- Mold
As you begin the cleaning process, act quickly to locate all sources of water to attempt to halt any further water intrusion if possible. Mold can begin developing within 24-48 hours after exposure to water and moisture. Dry all areas that are accessible and consider hiring a water remediation company to dry the areas that are not accessible by you. Additionally, a water remediation company will apply a solution to prevent or inhibit future mold growth.
The climate in Florida is the perfect atmosphere for mold growth. As indicated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold spores that reproduce and waft through the indoor air of a property can cause physical issues for anyone living in those conditions. Also, mold spores may begin growing when they happen to land in a place indoors that is damp. Having a professional clean your property helps reduce the risk of continued mold growth.
Some insurance companies fight the removal of mold under the homeowner’s policy, as it is an expensive endeavor. Contacting water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Panama City can protect your right to pursue compensation from your insurance company regarding your mold removal.
Obtain Estimates
At a minimum, you should obtain three independent estimates from qualified general contractors regarding the water damage sustained in your home or business. Ensure that these estimates include the true cost of replacing or restoring all of your damaged property. Insurance adjusters are working for the insurance companies and may not have your best interest in mind as they create their estimates regarding your water damage. You should obtain estimates from neutral parties that ensure that your damages are accurately assessed to obtain proper compensation owed to you.
Denial of Water Damage Claim
If your water damage claim is not finalized and fully settled to your satisfaction within 45 days of filing, demand an explanation from your insurance company in writing.
Your water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Panama City can help with many of these steps, giving you more time to focus on your family. If you believe that your insurance company wrongfully denied your water damage claim, we want to hear from you. Call us today at 1 (800) 747-3733 for a free consultation.
Contact an Attorney
Water intrusion damage property claims can be complex and hiring an attorney can assist you with important aspects of documenting and building your case. A water intrusion damage property claim lawyer in Panama City with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you review the claims adjuster’s inspection reports, help file water damage claims on your behalf, and assist you if you receive a claim denial by your insurance company. Contact our legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1 (800) 747-3733 for a free case evaluation.
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