Water and Mold Damage

Water damage to your home or business can happen numerous different ways. Windstorms can cause damage by creating an opening in the structure that allows water to enter. Even if not a windstorm, you might have what is called “ensuing loss” damage to the interior of your home because of a construction defect to your roof, window, stucco or other building materials. Broken pipes can also cause extensive water damage, particularly if you are not home when the break occurs. Coverage for these kinds of losses can vary from policy to policy so it is critical to speak to an attorney who understands the ins and outs of insurance coverage in the event your insurance company denies or underpays this type of claim.

Any time water damage is at issue, you must act quickly and report the loss to your insurance company. You must also locate the source of the water. If you are faced with a situation where water is rushing in from somewhere, you may need to shut your water off temporarily or have a professional come and address it. You must also take reasonable steps to stop additional water from entering the structure to prevent further damage, which may mean placing a tarp on the roof or shrink-wrap where you are experiencing leaking. In the event of a burst pipe, it may mean hiring a reputable water remediation company to perform emergency services as soon as possible after the loss.

MOLD DAMAGE?

With Florida being a hot and humid state, Mold can be a common occurrence. Mold can grow when water damage is left unaddressed and can be common after a burst pipe, windstorm or flood. Mold damage may be covered under a property insurance policy with a “cap” on the amount of the coverage. Such caps for mold damage are usually $10,000 but vary by policy.

Mold use tiny spores to reproduce and move through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on damp surfaces indoors, they may begin growing.

When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth often occurs, particularly if you it remains unknown and undiscovered. Many policyholders do not realize they have a mold issue until they begin to smell what they believe to be mold. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment besides controlling moisture levels.

HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP ME WITH MY WATER DAMAGE CLAIM?

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Whether you need legal advice or your claim has been denied, delayed or underpaid, the insurance claim lawyers at Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. have extensive experience assisting clients throughout Florida with their water-related insurance claims.

Many insurance policies have specific limitations on coverage for water damage and mold and every year policies in Florida add additional exclusions for water damage. Our lawyers can help you determine whether your insurance policy has such limits and otherwise if it covers the cause of the water or mold damage.

The experienced team at Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. offer free initial consultations in English or Spanish. If you have a question about your water or mold loss, please do not hesitate to give us a call at
(813) 906-1841.