Property Damage Attorneys Specializing in Water Damage
Water damage can strike suddenly — from burst pipes and leaky roofs to appliance overflows and storm flooding. Left unchecked, it can damage drywall, warp floors, promote mold growth, and compromise your home’s structural integrity. For homeowners, the emotional and financial stress of water damage is often made worse when insurance companies delay or deny rightful claims. The water damage attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga are here to fight to ensure you get the compensation your family deserves.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that there are several types of water damage typically excluded from standard homeowners’ insurance policies. These exemptions can leave property owners with costly repairs and unsure of where to turn. Our legal team is here to help. Let us take over the hassle of dealing with insurance companies, appealing denials, and fighting delays and underpayments.
At Kanner & Pintaluga, we focus on helping homeowners recover from the full scope of water-related property damage. Whether you’re dealing with a slow leak or a major flood, our attorneys understand the complexities of insurance policies and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re owed. We take on the burden of dealing with insurers, so you don’t have to. If your property has been damaged by water, trust a team that is ready to advocate for you from day one.
Types of Water Damage that Aren’t Covered by Your Normal Homeowners Policy
Not all water damage is covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy. Understanding what’s excluded can help you avoid costly surprises. From flooding to gradual leaks, here are the common scenarios where your insurer may deny coverage — and how to protect yourself before disaster strikes.
- Flooding from Natural Disasters. Damage from hurricanes, overflowing rivers, or heavy rain typically requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Gradual Leaks or Seepage. If water damage occurs gradually over time (such as from a leaky faucet, pipe, or roof), it may be considered a maintenance issue and therefore denied.
- Sewer or Drain Backups. Unless you have specific endorsements, damage caused by sewage or drain system backups often isn’t covered.
- Poor Maintenance or Neglect. Insurance companies may deny your claim if the damage was preventable or caused by failing to maintain your property.
- Groundwater Intrusion. Insurance companies often exclude water that enters through the foundation or basement walls unless explicitly covered by an added rider.
- Mold Damage Not Linked to a Covered Event. Mold growth that isn’t directly caused by a sudden, covered water loss may be excluded.
What to Do If Water Damage Is Excluded from Your Policy
If an insurance company denies your water damage claim, stating that it falls outside your policy’s coverage, contact the team at Kanner & Pintaluga immediately. Insurance companies often use vague language or technicalities to avoid paying homeowners what they’re entitled to.
At Kanner & Pintaluga, we’ll thoroughly review your insurance policy, investigate the cause of damage, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Even if your insurer says you’re not covered, you may still have legal options. We’re here to help you explore them.
Request a FREE Consultation
We’re available 24/7 and will respond promptly to any inquiry.
The Dangers of Water Damage
Repairing water damage is never as simple as letting your property dry and getting on with life. Water damage of all types can cause several problematic issues, including:
- Mold growth all over your home, including behind drywall, attic insulation, and underneath carpet or flooring.
- Ruins electrical systems in the home, often requiring complete replacement.
- Necessitate the replacement of all furniture, possessions, and drywall that have been soaked.
- Lace your home with bacteria, pathogens, and other hazardous chemicals and biological issues due to the contaminated nature of floodwaters.
- Potentially compromise the stability of your home by weakening and rotting key structural supports.
Water damage is one of the most pervasive and dramatic types of damage a home can experience. The cost of these claims, which are always high, is the main reason the vast majority of homeowners’ insurance providers began excluding flood damage, forcing home and business owners to seek coverage from the government.
What to Do Immediately After Discovering Water Damage
Discovering water damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The damage may be immediately apparent, such as in severe storms and hurricanes. Or, damage may take longer to become visible to the naked eye, slowly seeping through roofs, ceilings, and walls. One thing is sure — it’s imperative to immediately take action when you notice the moisture in your home.
Taking quick action after finding water damage poses several benefits:
- There is less likelihood of permanent or pervasive damage.
- Faster repairs.
- Ensuring your property remains livable.
- Better response from insurance companies.
If you find water damage on your property, take these steps immediately:
- Stop the Water Source. Stopping the source of water may involve using shut-off valves, covering roof leaks, and other measures.
- Document Everything. Start taking photos and videos of the damage right away. Be sure to include the source of the damage, all areas and items affected by the water, and detailed pictures of both the exterior and interior of your home. Include flooring, walls, furniture, and any visible mold or structural damage.
- Protect Your Valuables. Move furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings away from the water source to prevent further damage.
- Don’t Make Any Repairs Yourself. Avoid cleaning or repairing any damage until an insurance adjuster has evaluated the scene. This could
- Contact a Water Mitigation Company. Contact a licensed and insured mitigation company immediately to take prompt steps to prevent further damage.
- Notify Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company. Most policies stipulate the timeframe for notifying them in the event of damage. The sooner you make them aware, the better your chance of receiving a positive outcome.
- Keep Detailed Records. Keep copies of all inspection reports and repair receipts, and document all correspondence with the insurance company.
Contact a water damage attorney quickly to ensure a legal team is working on your behalf. Large insurance companies have extensive teams working to pay out as little as possible to frantic homeowners. Don’t accept low offers — Kanner & Pintaluga is here to fight for you.
How Kanner & Pintaluga Fights Back Against Denied or Delayed Claims
When insurance companies delay payment or wrongfully deny your water damage claim, it’s more than frustrating. It can be financially devastating. Kanner & Pintaluga is here to work as your advocate, challenging insurers who fail to act in good faith.
Our team of water damage attorneys will take the following steps to fight back and help you get the compensation you deserve:
- Review your insurance policy details to confirm coverage.
- Gather evidence to support your claim.
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- File formal appeals in the event of coverage denial.
- Pursue litigation when necessary.
We are aware of the tactics insurers employ to avoid paying out, and we counter them with our experience and legal expertise. Whether your claim is undervalued, denied, or stuck in limbo, we act quickly to get results. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation.
Make Repairs and Keep Receipts
After your home or business has suffered wind damage it’s important to make temporary repairs as best you can once it is safe to do so. The insurance company won’t cover damage that could have been preventable if you had taken these steps, so it’s important to do what you can to prevent any additional damage after the initial hurricane or tropical storm.
You can also be compensated for your preventative self-repair costs in many cases if you keep your receipts.
Make Repairs and Keep Receipts
After your home or business has suffered wind damage it’s important to make temporary repairs as best you can once it is safe to do so. The insurance company won’t cover damage that could have been preventable if you had taken these steps, so it’s important to do what you can to prevent any additional damage after the initial hurricane or tropical storm.
You can also be compensated for your preventative self-repair costs in many cases if you keep your receipts.