A basement flood is among the most ambiguous hazards a home or real estate owner will likely encounter in their ownership journey, with the damage likely to trickle down into the thousands. Fortunately, this is an area in which property insurance claim attorneys are well-versed, with their expertise coming in handy in helping you determine the proper claims you are owed.
Can a File Be Claimed in the Event of a Basement Flood?
Not all flooded basements qualify for claims, with some water damage requiring additional coverage. Even with this, water damage deemed sudden will often be eligible for a claim along with destruction arising from unpreventable sources such as internal leaks. A few examples that qualify for claims include:
Plumbing Emergencies
If you experience an accidental plumbing leak that destroys items in your basement, you can file a claim for the damage caused. Your insurance company will compensate you for repairing or replacing your possessions. Take note that this will exclude damage caused by wear and tear, such as old pipes, with this exclusion also not covering maintenance issues.
Malicious Acts
Damage in your basement could also result from malicious activity, with incidences such as vandalism likely to leave you with a flooded basement. If a break-in results in damaged water pipes that cause flooding in your home, you can file a claim for the damage caused.
Accidental Tub Overflows
You may occasionally experience accidental tub overflows that end up leaking into your basement, causing damage to items such as your furniture. If this happens, you can also file a claim for the ensuing damage costs. The burden of proof will, however, rest on you, with property damage lawyers helping you establish that the damage was sudden and accidental.
Covered Perils
Covered perils will also result in eligible claims when you have a basement flood, with hazards that fall under this category being fire and hail incidences. If, for instance, your home catches fire and you experience water damage during the extinguishing process, you are eligible for a claim. Hailstorms could also result in flooded basements, with such an occurrence allowing you to file for a claim.
Appliance Leaks
Appliances can also get faulty, with common examples being water heater breakdowns that could leak and wreak havoc in your basement. If this happens, your insurance will compensate you for the damage caused to help with your repair needs. Like other claims, you will still be required to ascertain that the flooding was not due to negligence.
Exclusions to Flooded Basement Claims
While a premises liability lawyers expert will generally help you take care of the above incidences, some instances of water damage will not be covered. These include floods or rising water that damages property in your basement and sewage backup. If groundwater also seeps into your foundation and results in a flooded basement, your insurance will not cover this. The last item excluded from your coverage will be sump pump flooding. If your pump becomes faulty and causes flooding, your insurance policy will also not cover any damage resulting from this.
How an Attorney Can Help
Unfortunately, even with the above qualifications for your claim, you may occasionally encounter some setbacks with your insurance company. A property damage attorney will help you file your damage claims, ensuring you get the best shot at getting what you deserve. Lawyers for property damage will also help you get additional coverage to limit future setbacks, allowing you to cover perils that your current policy does not cover.
Whether you need property water damage lawyers or require expertise to help with your business or homeowners’ insurance claims, PALUMBO LAW is the partner you need. Call us today to help with your property loss claims.