Homeownership involves having the responsibility to take care of the property and safeguard it against possible damage. With time, houses are susceptible to a variety of problems, some resulting from natural disasters while others result from normal wear and tear. When left unaddressed, the damages can attract expensive repairs as well as disagreement with insurance providers regarding claims.
If you are planning to file a claim to address any home damage, then hiring a home damage attorney is a must, as they can help you through the process and ensure you get fair compensation.
1. Water Damage
Water damage is perhaps the most prevalent and expensive problem faced by homeowners. It may be caused by extreme weather, plumbing problems, or improper home maintenance. Some of the most common causes are:
- Flooding: Burst pipes, hurricanes, or heavy rain can cause widespread water damage in a house.
- Leaky Roofs: Rotted or aging roof coverings can leak and cause water penetration, resulting in structural deterioration and mold growth.
- Leaking Plumbing: Subtle leaks in pipes or leaking appliances may lead to gradual water damage behind walls and underneath floors.
Even if homeowners are insured, water damage claims are often complex. Insurance companies might dispute that the damage was the result of negligence and not an event covered by the policy, resulting in undervalued or denied claims.
2. Fire and Smoke Damage
Fires destroy homes, consuming personal items and compromising structural elements. Small fires can lead to high repair expenses because of damage caused by the smoke spreading throughout the household. Home fire causes include:
- Electrical component failure
- Kitchen accidents
- Heating component failure
- Wildfires
Following a fire, homeowners need to report all damages and cooperate with their insurance company to submit a claim. But insurers tend to downplay the coverage extent, trying to keep payouts to a minimum.
3. Wind and Storm Damage
Extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe windstorms, may bring extensive damage to houses. Windstorm damage may result in:
- Roof and siding damage
- Cracked windows and doors
- Uprooted trees leading to property damages
Though most homeowners’ insurance policies do provide coverage for wind damage, the insurers might dispute that the loss was actually caused by flooding or some other excluded cause.
4. Mold and Structural Deterioration
Mold growth and structural deterioration tend to accrue over time and are not easily noticed until they are severe. Both may be the result of water leaks, lack of ventilation, or movement in the foundation.
Insurance providers often dispute mold claims, claiming that the issue was caused by a failure to maintain the property properly and not as a result of a covered occurrence. Structural damage claims are also controversial, with professional evaluations needed to establish the cause of the damage as either age, natural disaster, or defect in construction.
Conclusion
Homeowners need to be watchful in recognizing and treating damage to the property before it escalates. When handling water, fire, wind, or structural damage, an insurance claim is not easy to make. A home damage lawyer can assist homeowners in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to.
