In the past 12 months, water and sewer pipes have burst across Miami-Dade County, flooding streets and houses, tainting bay waters and disrupting lives. Indeed, Miami-Dade County estimates that it will cost approximately $325 million in the next 10 years to make pipe repairs to many aging pipes in Miami-Dade County.
The problem being experienced by Miami-Dade County is also being experienced by many homeowners. And there is nothing more disheartening than coming home to your home to see all of your personal effects floating away as a result of a significant pipe burst in your home.
The first signs of water damage might seem trivial. But warnings like water stains on the ceilings or a leak under the kitchen sink can lead to real problems, like a weakened roof or rotten floorboards. A burst pipe can even damage your furniture and other personal possessions. A burst pipe may even pose significant and detrimental health concerns. Often times pipe bursts are associated with foul odor, and bad smell. That smelly pipe burst can often times carry parasites, viruses and bacteria such as E. coli. But the risk of illness often times also depends on the type of pipe that burst, and the duration of the pipe burst.
Why take a chance with all the problems associated with aging pipes and pipe bursts? Learn where your home is most likely to suffer water damage, and what you can do to help prevent it.
Water damage is one of the most common reasons why people make claims on their home insurance. Burst pipes and leaky appliances often lead people to discover the details of their home insurance policies. Water damage and homeowners policies can be a volatile issue in many ways.
Generally, the damage caused by water will be covered, but whatever causes the damage — say, a leaking dishwasher hose — may not be. This also highlights the importance of truthful and accurate claims reporting to the insurance company because any inaccuracy in reporting the claim may lead to a denial of the claim by the insurance company.
Our Miami insurance dispute lawyers handle busted pipe claims for homeowners. Our attorneys represented insurance companies before 2006, when we opened a firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of consumers. We understand how insurance companies work. And we have the knowledge and experience necessary to represent homeowners in disputes over an insurance claim.
In some cases, an insurance company may try to claim a busted pipe claim is not covered because it falls under flood insurance. In other cases, the insurer may claim negligence, Act of God or any other means at its disposal to deny a claim and discourage a homeowner from re-filing. The reality is that, aside from a fire, hurricane or other disaster, busted pipe claims can be among the most costly for an insurer to pay.
If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.