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Water damage in your home can have devastating and lasting effects on you and your family. Even one inch of water in your home could cause up to $25,000 worth of damage. You may also be temporarily displaced while home repairs are made, increasing your water-damage-related expenses. How do you receive compensation for your expenses related to water damage in your home and ensure your homeowner’s insurance will cover your claim? In these situations, it’s important to have a water damage lawyer in Orlando help you receive adequate compensation for your expenses and damages. Learn more here:

Water Damage vs Flood Damage: Does it Matter?

Insurance coverage for water damage in your home varies based on what specifically caused the damage and your individual policy. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage caused by gradually rising waters during flood events and storms. Most often, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flooding-related damages. If your home is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area, your mortgage lender may require you to get flood insurance when you purchase your home. Instead, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover “sudden and accidental” water damage. This type of damage may be caused by a faulty appliance, inadequate installation, or covered perils, like falling objects, lightning, or vandalism. Water damage caused by extinguishing a fire is also typically covered.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Central Florida

Here are the most common causes of water damage in Central Florida homes:

Poor Drainage

Central Florida is expanding rapidly, with thousands of new homes built each year. Sometimes, builders fail to install proper drainage, leading to runoff and flooding in nearby neighborhoods.

Aging Plumbing

Many houses in Central Florida are several decades old, with aging plumbing systems that are more likely to rupture, break, or leak. If plumbing is not properly maintained, it can increase the risk of water damage.

Faulty Appliance Installation or Repair

Several major home appliances are designed to hold and distribute water, like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and water heaters. When these appliances suddenly spill water (even for a short period of time), it can cause major damage. Accidental spills from these appliances often occur just after they were installed, repaired, or replaced. In these cases, the installation crew or contractor may be responsible for the home damage.

Construction Defects

Another common cause of water damage is improper installation or repair, often due to a home service professional’s lack of experience or negligence. Your lawyer can examine the causes of the water damage to determine whether a repair person’s negligent acts (such as failing to install a water pipe correctly) caused the damage. Other construction defects that may cause water damage include improperly sealed windows, doors, or roofs, and using ineffective materials to complete the job.

What to Do Immediately After Discovering Water Damage

Acting quickly is vital if you’re currently experiencing water in your home. First, find the source of the intruding water and stop it if possible, such as turning off water to your appliances or home. Remove your belongings from the affected area and place them on higher ground to prevent further damage. Document the damage with pictures and video immediately after the incident and incrementally during the claim process. Then, contact your insurance company to start a claim. After your insurance is notified, contact a water damage lawyer in Orlando to help you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to and help hold the responsible parties accountable.

Reasons to Hire a Water Damage Lawyer

Here’s how a lawyer can help you with your water damage claim:

Negotiate Insurance Disputes

Your insurance company will try to delay or deny your claim to avoid costly payouts. If your insurance denies your claim, your lawyer can help you appeal it to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your damages. If you suspect your insurance company is engaging in manipulative or dishonest practices, your lawyer can pursue methods to compel your insurance company to treat you fairly.

Dispute Low Settlement Offers

If your insurance accepts your claim, they may low-ball your settlement, not covering the full extent of the needed repairs and related expenses. Your lawyer will help gather evidence to show the true cost of your damages and fight on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.

Handle Landlord/Tenant Disputes

If you experienced water damage in a home you rented, your landlord may be responsible for damages and repairs. Your lawyer can ensure your landlord acts responsibly to repair the damaged property and hold them accountable for any negligent act that may have caused the damage to occur.

Hold Negligent Parties Accountable

Your water damage lawyer in Orlando can help you seek compensation from all responsible parties, such as home service professionals, your homeowner’s insurance policy, HOAs, contractors and construction teams, new-home builders, and negligent neighbors.

The Boutty Law Firm: Water Damage Lawyer in Orlando

Water damage is expensive, and responsible parties (including your own insurance) will do everything they can to delay and deny valid claims to avoid payouts. If you have water damage in your home, you need an experienced water damage lawyer in Orlando to work on your behalf to recover compensation for your damages so you can repair your home and begin to rebuild. Contact the Boutty Law Firm at 407-622-1395 for a free consultation to discuss your case.