Water Damage Claims
Water damage is one of the leading property insurance claims in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This loss cases an average of $10,000 worth of damage per claimant and is time consuming to repair. We rely on our insurance company to help repair our water damaged homes, but adjusters may be quick to offer a claim settlement not worth enough to repair the damage.
Adjusters are trained negotiators who often take advantage of your vulnerability. Negotiating with these individuals will also add additional stress to an already stressful situation. Rather than dealing with adjusters on your own, have an insurance lawyer handle the claim on your behalf.
Texas Water Damage Insurance Lawyer
Has your water damage claim been denied? Is your insurance company refusing to offer you the claim settlement you need to be made whole? For the past two decades the attorneys at LeMaster Law Firm have been using their experience to fight for the rights of policyholders. Ms. Ahmed and Ms. LeMaster are fully versed in the tactics used by insurance companies and they will fight to ensure you receive the best possible result.
Call 832-356-7983 to schedule a consultation with an experienced water damage attorney in Texas. LeMaster Law Firm represents clients in communities across the state of Texas such as Montgomery County, Collin County, Harris County, Dallas County and Galveston County.
Information Center
- Things to Keep in Mind When Filing a Claim for Water Damage
- Is Gradual Water Damage Covered?
- Bad Faith Insurance Practices
- Additional Resources
Things to Keep in Mind When Filing a Claim for Water Damage
Water damage to your home is a stressful situation. Your first instinct will be to call your insurance company to report a claim. Your second instinct should be to call your insurance attorney. An insurance attorney will help you assess the situation so you can provide accurate information to your insurer. Failing to provide your insurance provider with complete, accurate information can result in a denied or underpaid claim.
It’s vital you take notes during any phone call or email exchanges with your insurer and adjuster. You can use these records as evidence at a later date if either party acts in bad faith. You will also need to take as many photos as you can of the damaged area to further support your claim.
Is Gradual Water Damage Covered?
Homes are complex structures with pipes, electrical wiring and ventilation systems. For the most part, the only parts we see in our home are the walls and our personal belongings. Underneath it all are crucial components that keep our house running.
Without proper maintenance and routine checkups, anything could be going on under our homes that could cause gradual water damage. Gradual water damage can range from leaking plumbing that damages walls or water that seeps in through cracks in the home’s exterior over time.
It’s hard to say whether gradual water damage will be covered by homeowner’s insurance. After all, insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage. Most homeowner policies exclude gradual damage, but there may be some exceptions for mold and fallen tree related gradual damage. Your best course of action is to sit down with an insurance attorney and review your policy.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Your insurance company is required by law to act in good faith. The law recognizes insurance companies have immense power in the claims process. They have employees with more experience, insurance knowledge and decision-making power, meaning they can easily manipulate claimants and deny or underpay their legitimate claims to save money and increase profits.
Denying and underpaying a legitimate claim is the most common bad faith insurance practice. Other examples of bad faith practices include:
- Unreasonably denying a claim without explanation
- Trying to settle a claim for less than a reasonable person would believe fair
- Advising a claimant not to hire an attorney
- Being threatening in an attempt to discourage a claim
- Intentionally misrepresenting claim information
- Failing to offer claim settlement in a timely manner
Contact LeMaster Law Firm if you believe your insurance company acted in bad faith; your insurers acts may warrant litigation. You may be entitled to compensation for attorney fees and up to three times the amount the insurance company would have paid if they had acted in good faith.
Additional Resources
Water Damage Coverage and Claims | Texas Department of Insurance – Follow the link provided to learn more about water damage claims. You can gain access to information about water damage your policy may pay form, what is not covered and learn about the different types of water damage coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance is responsible for regulating the insurance industry in Texas.
General Provisions | Texas Insurance Code – Read the chapter of the insurance code governing bad faith claims and other general provisions. By following the link, you can find out if you are required to notify the insure of your suit, learn more about damages that may be awarded in bad faith claims and gain access to other state insurance laws. The information can be read on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website.
Insurance Attorney for Denied Water Damage Claims in Texas
Having an attorney guide you through the insurance claim process greatly increases your chances of a better claim settlement. LeMaster Law Firm has extensive experience negotiating and litigating water damage claims of all sizes. Whether you are a business or individual, you can trust Ms. Ahmed and Ms. LeMaster will fight for you.
Call 832-356-7983 to schedule a time to speak with an skilled Texas water damage claim attorney.
