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Water Damage Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

Water damage poses serious risks to homeowners and businesses in Fort Lauderdale. Structural damage is a key concern, as prolonged exposure to water weakens the foundation and framework of a home, potentially leading to costly repairs and decreased property value.

Mold growth is another common consequence of water damage, which can compromise indoor air quality and pose health risks to the home’s occupants. Additionally, water damage can cause electrical hazards, putting the home at risk of fires and other safety concerns.

Given these risks, Fort Lauderdale homeowners and businesses should get strong legal representation to obtain their rightful compensation from the insurers, restore their property, and mitigate the potential hazards.

Fort Lauderdale Water Damage Attorney Larry Moskowitz is Determined to Protect Your Interests

Determining the Exact Coverage in Your Policy

Water damage claims in Fort Lauderdale are complicated because the coverage largely depends on the source of the water. One key distinction to understand is that water damage caused by flooding is generally not covered under standard homeowners or commercial property insurance policies. To obtain coverage for flood damage claims, property owners must secure a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

An important step in the water damage claim process is determining what exactly is covered under your insurance policy in Fort Lauderdale. For example, while most homeowners insurance policies and commercial property insurance policies may cover damages resulting from leaking pipes, it might not extend to damages caused by sewer backups or water backup.

These specific scenarios may require the acquisition of extended coverage, adding another layer of complexity to the insurance claims process. The attorneys at Larry Moskowitz, PA, a proven and trusted water damage law firm in Fort Lauderdale, will carefully review your homeowners insurance policy and pursue your property damage claim and water damage insurance claims vigorously with the insurance adjusters.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

The aftermath of water damage can be chaotic and overwhelming. The full extent of the property damage claims is not immediately apparent, with issues like mold growth posing health risks if not addressed promptly.

With his proactive “Boots on the Ground” approach, experienced water damage attorney in Fort Lauderdale Larry Moskowitz ensures a swift and thorough assessment of the water damage. His team, consisting of water mitigation experts, air quality specialists, and mold professionals, works diligently to uncover further damage and assess the insurance claim accurately.

Non-Flood Related Water Damage: How Fort Lauderdale Water Damage Lawyer Larry Moskowitz Can Maximize Your Claim

Fort Lauderdale water and property damage lawyer Larry Moskowitz is well-equipped to help you maximize your claim for the following types of damages:

Leaking Roofs

A leaking roof is one of the most common sources of water damage in homes. Over time, wear and tear, improper installation, or severe weather conditions can compromise the integrity of your roof, leading to leaks. These leaks can result in:

Interior Damage: Water can seep through ceilings, damaging paint, plaster, and insulation. Over time, this can lead to mold growth and compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Personal Belongings: Water intrusion can damage furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings.

Attorney Moskowitz will thoroughly assess the extent of the damage, including potential secondary damages like mold growth, and advocate for compensation to cover repair costs and remediation.

Broken and Leaking Water Pipes

Broken or leaking water pipes can cause significant water damage if not addressed promptly. Some common causes include:

Corrosion in Pipes: Pipes made of galvanized steel and other materials can corrode and rust over time due to chemical reactions and certain water qualities.
Wear and Tear: Aging pipes can corrode and weaken over time, resulting in leaks.
High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can stress and damage pipes.

Our water damage lawyers will investigate the cause of the pipe breakage and work to ensure your insurance policy covers the necessary repairs, as well as any resulting water damage to your property.

Cracked Foundations

Water seepage through cracks in the foundation can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Signs of foundation water damage include:

Cracks in Walls or Floors: Visible cracks in the interior or exterior walls and floors.
Uneven or Sagging Floors: Water damage can weaken the foundation, leading to uneven or sagging floors.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Persistent dampness can result in mold and mildew growth.

Attorney Moskowitz will document the extent of the damage and negotiate with insurance companies to cover repair costs, ensuring the stability and safety of your home.

Faulty Appliances

Household appliances can sometimes leak and cause water damage. Common culprits include:

Washing Machines: Leaks from hoses, pumps, or tubs.
Dishwashers: Leaks from door seals, hoses, or pumps.
Water Heaters: Corrosion or cracks in the tank can lead to leaks.

Larry Moskowitz will investigate the appliance failure and advocate for coverage to repair or replace the faulty unit and address any resulting water damage to your property.

Storm Damage/Heavy Rains

Heavy rains and storms can lead to water intrusion through damaged roofs, windows, or other vulnerable areas of your home. Signs of storm-related water damage include:

Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Indicating water seepage from the roof or exterior walls.
Puddles or Standing Water: Accumulation of water in basements, crawl spaces, or around the foundation.
Mold or Mildew Growth: Damp and humid conditions post-storm can promote mold and mildew growth.

We will thoroughly document the storm damage and fight for compensation for necessary repairs and remediation.

Sewer/Water Backup

Sewer backups or water backups can cause significant damage to your home’s interior and require specialized cleaning and sanitization. Common causes include:

Blockages: Tree roots, grease buildup, or structural defects in the sewer line can cause backups.
Heavy Rains: Overwhelmed municipal sewer systems can result in backups.
Sump Pump Failure: Malfunction or power outage can lead to water backup in basements.

Attorney Moskowitz will review your insurance policy to determine coverage for such incidents and work to maximize your claim for cleanup, repairs, and restoration.

How a Fort Lauderdale Water Damage Insurance Lawyer Will Refute the Insurer’s Allegation of Improper Maintenance

When an insurance company denies a water damage claim by alleging improper maintenance of the property, Fort Lauderdale water damage attorney Larry Moskowitz will utilize a strategic approach to counter this claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Comprehensive Review of Policy Details

Attorney Moskowitz will carefully review your insurance policy to:

Interpret Ambiguous Terms:He will identify and interpret any ambiguous or vague terms in the policy that the insurance company might exploit to deny the claim.
Challenge the Insurer’s Interpretation: He will leverage his profound understanding of insurance laws and policies to challenge the insurer’s interpretation and ensure that you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.

Thorough Investigation and Documentation

Property Inspection

Fort Lauderdale water damage lawyer Larry Moskowitz will engage professional inspectors to thoroughly examine the property and identify the exact cause and extent of the water damage. This inspection aims to:

Identify the Source of Damage: We will work to determine the exact source and cause of the water damage, whether it was due to a sudden and unforeseen event or a covered peril.
Evaluate the Property’s Maintenance Status: Assessing the general condition of the property, including the plumbing system and other potential causes of water damage, is done to determine whether regular maintenance was performed.

Maintenance Records and Evidence

Concrete evidence of regular maintenance and care of the property is required to demonstrate due diligence on the part of the homeowner. Attorney Moskowitz will:

Gather Maintenance Records: He will compile all maintenance records, receipts, and documentation that prove the property was adequately maintained.
Present Before-and-After Photos: Providing photographic evidence of the property’s condition before and after the water damage occurred highlights the property’s state and refutes the insurer’s claims of improper maintenance.

Expert Testimonies

Fort Lauderdale water damage attorney Larry Moskowitz understands the importance of expert testimonies in validating the cause and extent of the damage and refuting the insurer’s allegations of negligence.

Selection of Qualified Experts

Larry Moskowitz will collaborate with certified and experienced professionals, including:

Plumbers: This is done to verify the condition of the plumbing system and confirm whether the damage was due to wear and tear or a sudden unforeseen event.
Structural Engineers: Assessing the structural integrity of the property helps to determine if the damage resulted from a covered peril or poor maintenance.
Water Damage Restoration Specialists: This is done to evaluate the extent of the water damage, assess the source of the water intrusion, and provide expert opinions on the cause of the damage.

Comprehensive Analysis and Reports

The selected experts will conduct a thorough analysis and provide detailed reports that:

Identify the Cause of Damage: We confirm whether the water damage was caused by a sudden and unforeseen event, such as a storm or faulty appliance, or due to negligence and poor maintenance.
Assess the Property’s Maintenance Status: We evaluate the overall condition of the property and provide insights into whether regular maintenance was performed, based on their professional assessment.

Court Testimonies and Depositions

Larry Moskowitz will prepare the experts for court testimonies and depositions to:

Present Evidence Clearly and Persuasively: We ensure that the experts can articulate their findings clearly, persuasively, and effectively to validate the claim and refute the insurer’s allegations.
Challenge the Insurer’s Claims: Utilizing the expert testimonies to challenge the insurer’s interpretation of the damage demonstrates that the homeowner acted responsibly and maintained the property adequately.

How Fort Lauderdale Water Damage Lawyer Larry Moskowitz Helps with Timely Reporting of Your Claim

Immediate Notification to the Insurer

Larry Moskowitz emphasizes the importance of immediately notifying the insurance company once the water damage is discovered. He advises clients to:

Document Communication: Keep records of all communications with the insurance company, including the date and time of the report, the representative spoken to, and the details of the conversation.
Send Written Notice: Send a written notice to the insurer, detailing the damage and requesting an immediate inspection and claim assessment.

Prompt Property Inspection

Attorney Moskowitz will also ensure that a timely property inspection is conducted to assess the damage. He will:

Coordinate Inspection with the Insurer: We will work with the insurance company to schedule a prompt inspection of the property to assess the extent and cause of the water damage.
Document Inspection Details: Keep a detailed record of the inspection, including the date, time, inspectors present, and their findings regarding the cause and extent of the damage.

Submission of Detailed Claim

Larry Moskowitz will assist in promptly submitting a comprehensive and detailed claim to the insurance company, including:

Documentation of Damage: Provide photographs, videos, and detailed descriptions of the damage to substantiate the claim.
Itemized List of Damaged Property: Prepare an itemized list of all damaged property and their value to support the claim for compensation.

Don’t Wait if You Have Water Damage in Your Home: Call Us Today

Time is of essence in case of water damage, with mold capable of growing within hours. Considering the complexities of water damage insurance policies in Fort Lauderdale, you need our seasoned legal team at Larry Moskowitz, PA on your side that can deal with the challenges of denial or underpayment of insurance claims. When you choose Fort Lauderdale water damage attorney Larry Moskowitz, you are getting a battle-hardened civil attorney with a formidable trial record.

Our “Boots on the Ground” approach helps uncover every aspect of your water-related issues and maximize your insurance claim. Reach out to us and let us pursue your water damage claim with precision and skill. Call now at 866-312-0708 to schedule your free consultation.