Property Damage Lawyers Specializing in Damages Caused by Plumbing Leaks
Unlike water damage caused by natural sources, which isn’t always covered by your normal home insurance policy, any water damage caused by a plumbing leak should be covered. However, there may be exceptions or policy exclusions that complicate your claim process.
For instance, the insurance company differentiates between sudden plumbing leaks and slow drip leaks. If the insurance company believes water damage from a slow drip plumbing leak could have been avoided with prompt action on your part, they may make your claim process more difficult.
According to most home insurance contracts, homeowners have a duty to minimize damage and the potential for claims. This means not only performing maintenance and upkeep as needed but also taking initial reparative steps if a covered peril occurs, like a leak.
This distinction between slow drips and sudden leaks isn’t always fair to homeowners. What about a scenario with a slow drip under a bathroom sink attached to a rarely used spare bedroom? Even a small amount of water can lead to mold or wood rot, leading to expensive claims.
Most people would consider it unreasonable for homeowners to constantly check all their exposed pipes for leaks, but the insurance company may be looking for ways to potentially deny or undervalue your claim.
Types of Property Damage from Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks may start small, but the damage they cause can escalate quickly. This is particularly true if the damage goes unnoticed at first and homeowners fail to act for days or weeks. Beyond the immediate mess, these leaks can lead to structural issues, costly repairs, and serious long-term health risks.
Common types of property damage linked to plumbing leaks include:
- Warped or rotting wood: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken subfloors, framing, and cabinetry.
- Mold and mildew growth: Moist, enclosed spaces create the perfect environment for toxic mold, which can threaten your family’s health.
- Drywall and insulation damage: Saturated walls may need to be replaced entirely to avoid hidden mold and decay.
- Ceiling stains and collapse: Leaks from upper floors or attics can cause ceiling materials to sag, stain, or fall.
- Foundation issues: Excess moisture may seep into your foundation, leading to cracks or shifting over time.
- Electrical hazards: Water intrusion near outlets or wiring can pose serious fire and safety risks.
Left unaddressed, even minor plumbing leaks can spiral into major property damage, making it critical to act quickly and seek professional help when navigating repairs and insurance claims.
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Do I Need Special Coverage for Sewer Backups and Overflows?
Yes. Your normal home insurance policy likely does not cover sewer backups or overflows. You can likely get a supplemental policy to specifically cover potential sewer backups or overflow property damage.
Technically, the pipe that connects your home to the city’s sewer system is a public utility that’s owned by the city. Since your home insurer isn’t technically liable for its repair in the event that it’s damaged, they also aren’t liable for the effects of that damage, like sewer backups in your home or on your property.
This is particularly unfortunate considering how disgusting, messy, and expensive sewer backups can be. If you’re concerned about sewer backups, you should check with your local city government. Many offer service line warranties. Some home insurance companies also offer optional policy endorsements to cover damage to your home or yard in the event of a sewer backup or overflow.
Is My Claim’s Fate in the Hands of a Single Policy Adjuster?
That depends on you and the situation. For some homeowners, a single poorly trained policy adjuster can spell ruin for their claim. However, you have options if your initial claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued.
Policyholders can appeal the decision of an initial claims adjuster and their manager. You can also contact your own public adjuster to investigate the damage and your policy on your behalf. This public adjuster may be able to find details that your insurance company’s adjuster missed.
Your Rights as a Homeowner with Property Damage from Plumbing Leaks
If there’s a plumbing leak in your home, you have legal rights that protect you under your property insurance policy. Knowing these rights is essential to protect yourself, your home, and your assets. Insurance companies must treat you fairly, investigate your claim promptly, and honor valid coverage. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen without pressure.
Here are the key rights homeowners should be aware of:
- The right to full coverage for sudden and accidental damage: Most policies cover unexpected plumbing leaks, not from gradual wear.
- The right to a timely claim investigation: Insurers must respond within reasonable deadlines and provide clear updates.
- The right to dispute unfair denials or low settlement offers: You’re not required to accept an initial payout.
- The right to work with legal representation: An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and protect you from bad-faith tactics.
- The right to repairs that restore your property to pre-loss condition: Insurers must not cut corners or undervalue damage.
Knowing your rights empowers you to take action and stand up to unfair insurance practices. Having an experienced plumbing leak damage attorney fighting on your behalf maximizes your chances of getting proper treatment from insurance companies quickly.
How a Property Damage Attorney Can Help
When your insurance company delays, denies, or underpays your plumbing leak claim, a property damage attorney can step in to protect your interests and fight for what you’re owed. Legal support can make the difference between a frustrating process and a full recovery.
Here’s how the property damage attorneys at Kanner &Pintaluga can help:
- We’ll review your policy to determine full coverage.
- Handle all communications with the insurance company.
- Dispute unfair denials or low settlement offers.
- Gather evidence and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
- Pursue maximum compensation for all covered damages.
- We work on a contingency basis. There are no legal fees unless you win.
With an experienced legal team on your side, you’re no longer navigating the claims process alone.
Get Legal Help with Your Plumbing Leak Damage Claim
Contact a property damage lawyer for help with your claim denial. Our team at Kanner & Pintaluga understands how expensive plumbing leak claims can get. A claim denial or anything less than full recovery could cause your family significant financial hardship.
We’re committed to preventing that from happening. Our team will thoroughly investigate your situation and work with independent experts to advocate on your behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with our plumbing leak team by calling 800-586-5555.