Pipe bursts are not small issues. If you have ever seen the damage caused by a broken pipe, you know that it can be extremely extensive. Beyond the initial flooding, there is also a serious risk that long-term problems such as mold or mildew might develop. If you have been the victim of a pipe burst in Florida, you deserve a full and fair settlement, without any undue delay.
What Kind of Damages Can You Seek?
Ultimately, the answer to this question will always depend on the specific terms of your insurance policy. You should review your policy in detail soon after you have sustained significant property damage. If you have any questions about it, please speak to an experienced attorney who can help clarify the issue. You may be able to seek damages for:
- Damage caused accessing the leaking pipes;
- The costs to clean up the property and remove any standing water;
- Incidental losses, such as ruined carpets, wood flooring or other damages; and
- Temporary accommodations if you were forced to move out of your home.
Know Your Obligations
In order to recover the pipe burst settlement that you deserve, you must file a property damage claim.
This starts with knowing your obligations as a policyholder. Specifically, there are three things that you should keep in mind:
- You need to report the pipe burst: First, your insurance policy almost certainly contains a requirement that you report your damages as soon as is reasonably practicable after an incident. You do not need to know the full extent of the damage to report the incident.
- You must mitigate your damages: You also have an obligation under Florida law, to take reasonable steps to mitigate any damages. Once you realize that pipe has burst, you need to jump into action. Protect your property from further water damage and do what you can to stop the flow of water. You may need to contract for emergency repairs.
- You Should document your losses: Finally, it is also important that you proactively work to document your losses. Ultimately, insurance disputes come down to two main issues: (1) Is the damage covered? (2) What is the value of the losses? You can go a long way towards helping yourself to get a full settlement by ensuring that you document the full extent of your losses. You can do this in a number of different ways, including by taking pictures of the damage, securing receipts or financial records that indicate the value of damaged items and obtaining independent appraisals of the damages.
Was Your Fort Lauderdale Pipe Burst Damage Claim Denied?
We can help. At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our property insurance dispute attorneys have handled a wide variety of property damage cases, including burst pipes. We will work hard to help you obtain the full and fair settlement that you deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact our team today to set up a free review of your case. We serve property owners throughout Broward County, including in Miramar and Pompano Beach.
