Orlando Water Damage Attorneys
Water damage in Orlando doesn’t just come from floods or hurricanes. Leaky roofs, overflowing appliances, burst pipes, plumbing failures, and more can all leave your home soaked and your appliances ruined. Unlike flood damage, which typically requires separate flood insurance, this kind of sudden, accidental water damage is usually covered by your standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Call us today at (407) 329-5054, and let Team Farah go to work for you.
FREE CASE REVIEW
Table of Contents
Our Orlando Water Damage Attorneys Are on Your Side
Who Could Be Liable for Water Damage in Orlando?
Hurricane-Related Water Damage
What To Do if Your Home Has Been Damaged by Water
Step 1: Stop the Source of the Water (If You Can Do So Safely)
Step 2: Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
Step 3: Document Everything Before You Clean Up
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Step 7: Consult With an Orlando Water Damage Attorney
What If You’ve Already Hired a Contractor?
Filing a Water Damage Claim With Your Insurance Company
What To Do if Your Insurance Company Denies Your Water Damage Claim
Why Hire an Orlando Water Damage Lawyer?
What Can an Orlando Water Damage Attorney Do for You?
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Why a Local Orlando Attorney Is So Important
About Farah & Farah’s Orlando Office
What Water Damage Is Covered by Homeowners’ Insurance Policies?
Common Causes of Interior Water Damage in Orlando
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that your insurance company will make the claims process easy for you. Adjusters may delay, undervalue, or even deny your claim, leaving you to deal with costly repairs on your own. The Orlando water damage attorneys at Farah & Farah are here to stand up for you, make sure your insurance company honors its obligations, and help you recover what you’re owed. Contact us today to learn how Farah & Farah can help you and your family.
Our Orlando Water Damage Attorneys Are on Your Side
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and outmatched if your insurance company seems more focused on protecting its bottom line than helping you recover in the aftermath of water damaging your home. That’s why having an experienced local attorney on your side can make all the difference in an insurance dispute.
At Farah & Farah, we know how stressful making an insurance claim can be. Our Orlando water damage attorneys can therefore step in to handle the insurance company for you. We can make sure your claim is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected from the very beginning. We’ll review your policy with you, gather the evidence needed to prove your loss, and negotiate directly with your insurer so you can focus on getting your home and life back to normal.
And if a lawsuit becomes necessary, we don’t back down from taking insurance companies to court if that’s what it takes to make sure you’re treated fairly and get the full value of the insurance coverage that you’ve been paying for.
Who Could Be Liable for Water Damage in Orlando?
Water damage claims can get really complicated very quickly, especially if the source of the problem isn’t immediately clear. It’s possible for multiple parties to share the blame. In some cases, there may be no one who is liable at all, and your own homeowner’s insurance policy covers the loss. In others, someone else or a company may be legally responsible for the damages to your home.
The following are a few examples of who could be liable for water damage in Orlando, Florida:
- A contractor or plumber who caused a leak or a pipe burst while working on your home
- A landlord or property manager who ignored maintenance issues in a rental property that led to water damage
- The manufacturer or installer of a faulty appliance or plumbing fixture that failed and caused flooding in your home
- A neighboring property owner whose negligence caused water to enter your home
Every water damage situation is different. That’s why our experienced Orlando water damage attorneys investigate the cause, determine who may be at fault, and pursue every available source of compensation, whether that’s your insurance company, another party’s insurer, or a civil claim against someone whose negligence caused the damage.
The clients are the heartbeat of our firm. Without the clients, where would we be? You gotta be able to understand where they are coming from as a client. To me, that’s the only way you can be a successful lawyer.
What Our Orlando Clients Have to Say
Insurance Policy Exclusions
Even though sudden and accidental water damage is covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies, there are some important exclusions that you should be aware of that may affect your claim.
Water Exclusion Clause
The water exclusion clause in your homeowner’s insurance policy contains a list of specific situations in which your policy doesn’t apply. Common exclusions are water damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. In Florida, your insurer and even state law may require you to carry additional coverage for floods or hurricanes to protect your home, given the higher risk in your area for those perils.The most common situations that may not be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy can include:
Flood-Related Water Damage
Flooding can be confusing because water that floods your home can come from a variety of sources, some of which are covered, but some of which may require a separate flood insurance policy.
Damage caused by rising groundwater, storm surge, or overflowing lakes and rivers is what is considered “flood damage” in the insurance world, and that’s what usually requires a separate policy, especially in places like Orlando that are considered at higher risk for such flooding. A flooded basement caused by a burst pipe is more likely to be covered.
Hurricane-Related Water Damage
Water damage from hurricanes may not be covered under your standard homeowner’s insurance policy in Orlando, either. If it is, then a separate deductible is often required that applies only to storm-related losses and wouldn’t count towards the regular deductible.
It’s important to note that some storm-related damage from a hurricane may be covered. The difference is whether the damage comes from the top down or the bottom up. Flooding from storm surges or from too much rain from the hurricane may not be covered, but if water enters through the roof after wind damage, that may be covered. To know for sure what is and isn’t covered, thoroughly read your policy or ask your Orlando water damage attorney to help you.
Gradual Leaks
Sudden water damage is typically covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, but gradual deterioration may not be. Slow leaks, dripping pipes, or minor cracks that get worse over time are often excluded. This is because the insurance company considers this type of leak to be the homeowner’s responsibility to identify and fix through regular maintenance before it becomes a major issue.
Lack of Maintenance
If you haven’t been keeping up with proper maintenance on your home and water damage occurs as a result, that’s generally excluded from homeowner’s insurance policies. This is because the insurance company considers the water damage to have been preventable with proper upkeep. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep records of maintenance that you’ve done on your property so that the insurance company can’t try to claim lack of maintenance as a reason to deny your claim.
Similarly, preparing for a hurricane before it arrives and taking steps to mitigate any damage afterwards can help prevent a claim denial.
What To Do if Your Home Has Been Damaged by Water
Discovering that your home has been damaged by water can be stressful, but taking the right steps early can help to protect your home from further damage, the safety of you and your family, and your insurance claim.
$2+ BILLION IN RESULTS
Step 1: Stop the Source of the Water (If You Can Do So Safely)
If there’s a leak or break that is ongoing, shut off the water supply to prevent more damage. If it’s immediately clear that it’s a specific appliance (for example, your toilet is leaking), you can turn off the water to that appliance, but if the source is a pipe burst or it’s not clear, shut off your home’s main water supply. For electrical safety, make sure to turn off the power in the areas affected by the water if it has reached outlets or appliances.
Step 2: Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
Your own safety is most important, so avoid walking through standing water, especially if the electricity is still on. If you can do so safely, move furniture, valuables, and electronics out of harm’s way. To protect yourself from contamination or other hidden hazards, gloves and boots are a good idea if you’re handling anything wet.
Step 3: Document Everything Before You Clean Up
Before you start drying or cleaning, make sure to take clear photos and videos of all visible damage. These should include wide shots of each affected area or room, as well as close-ups of damaged walls, flooring, and personal items. These will be crucial evidence later on when you file your insurance claim.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent any further damage after the initial event. This doesn’t mean you have to begin repairs immediately, but you should clean up where possible, promote drying by opening windows or using fans, and remove wet fabric items and rugs that could grow mold. Make sure to save any receipts for supplies you purchase for cleaning or temporary repairs.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once the initial emergency is under control, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to report the damage. Make sure to keep a record of every phone call and email you have with your insurer. Having a paper trail of what was discussed when can help in case there’s a dispute later on.
Step 6: Keep Detailed Records
Keep records of everything, from the initial damage and contact with your insurance company to contractor invoices and receipts. These records can help an insurance adjuster or your attorney more accurately calculate your total loss.
Step 7: Consult With an Orlando Water Damage Attorney
If your insurance company is delaying, undervaluing, or denying your claim, don’t try to fight it alone. An experienced Orlando water damage attorney can step in to handle communications on your behalf, ensure that deadlines are met, and push for the full value of your coverage.
What If You’ve Already Hired a Contractor?
If you’ve already started repairs, don’t panic. You can still file a water damage claim. While it’s ideal to have photo evidence from before the damage is cleaned up, so you can show before and after, it isn’t the end of your claim if you don’t have those. Just make sure to keep all repair estimates, invoices, receipts, contracts, and work orders from the contractor. These can serve as evidence of the costs of the damage.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) lets a contractor work directly with your insurance company. If you have one, your insurance company would pay the contractor directly, instead of having to go through you. While this can be very convenient, it also gives the contractor control over your claim.
Some AOB contracts could end up limiting your ability to challenge your insurer later on, or could leave you responsible for any unpaid balances. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly read any contract before signing it, but consulting an Orlando water damage attorney can help you better understand whether signing an AOB is in your best interest.
Filing a Water Damage Claim With Your Insurance Company
After you’ve documented everything and have taken the necessary steps to prevent further damage, it’s time to file a claim with your insurance company. When you do so, make sure to be as detailed and clear as possible. You can submit all of the photos and videos you took, as well as any repair estimates and receipts that you have, although make sure to keep copies of everything that you send to your insurance company.
Your insurance company may try to reduce the amount owed to you by questioning the cause or minimizing the true extent of the damage. If your insurance company is delaying or undervaluing your claim, a water damage attorney in Orlando can step in to handle communications with your insurance company and fight to get you a fair settlement.
What To Do if Your Insurance Company Denies Your Water Damage Claim
If your insurance company denies your claim, don’t worry. You’re not out of options. Insurance companies may deny valid claims to get out of paying what they owe. They could blame a cause that isn’t covered by your policy or claim that repairs weren’t necessary. This means that a claim denial doesn’t necessarily mean that your claim isn’t valid.
Don’t give up. Make sure to review the denial letter thoroughly and gather all of the documentation you’ve collected thus far: photos, videos, invoices, communication records, your policy, and the denial letter itself. Then, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can then review with you the reason for the denial, file an appeal, or even file suit if needed to recover the compensation you’re owed.
Why Hire an Orlando Water Damage Lawyer?
Dealing with water damage is stressful enough by itself, even without having to fight with your insurance company. An attorney can take that burden off your shoulders and be there with you every step of the way, whether a lawsuit is filed or not.
At Farah & Farah, we know how insurance companies operate. Many of our attorneys started out by working for insurance companies, so they know the insurance playbook inside and out. We know that you deserve to have someone standing on your side against the big companies that may be prioritizing profit over the people they’re supposed to be helping.
Whether you’re just starting your claim or are already facing a denial from your insurance company, we’re here for you.
What Can an Orlando Water Damage Attorney Do for You?
When you work with Farah & Farah’s experienced Orlando attorneys, you get more than just legal advice. You get an entire team of attorneys working together for the best possible outcome for all of our clients.
Your attorney can:
- Review your insurance policy with you to explain what’s covered and what isn’t.
- Help gather documentation and evidence to support your claim.
- Communicate with your insurance company so you don’t have to.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- File an appeal if your claim is denied.
- Take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you justice.
You don’t have to fight your insurance company alone. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process. You deserve to have someone on your side.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Even when you’ve been paying your premiums on time, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may try to use any tactics at their disposal to get out of paying what they owe.
Some of the most common tactics that insurance companies use include:
- Delaying your claim with repeated requests for paperwork or inspections.
- Denying coverage by blaming an uncovered cause or “wear and tear.”
- Undervaluing the damages or offering a lowball settlement.
- Dragging out communications in the hopes that you’ll give up.
Florida law does set a time limit on how long insurance companies have to respond and resolve a claim, but after a big storm or other widespread damage, they’re allowed more time. If your claim seems to be going nowhere, an attorney can help move things forward and hold your insurer accountable. If there are a lot of claims being processed at once because of a recent hurricane, for example, delays are to be expected, but a lawyer can help make sure that your insurance company isn’t delaying your claim in an effort to get you to give up and accept a lowball offer.
Why a Local Orlando Attorney Is So Important
Local knowledge can make a big difference in your water damage claim. Orlando residents may face challenges unique to their location that even other Florida residents won’t have to deal with. That’s why an Orlando-based attorney is so important. They’ll understand how insurers handle claims in Central Florida and are better equipped to help distinguish between covered water damage and uncovered flood damage.
If the cause of the water damage isn’t immediately clear, that local experience can play a major role in proving your claim and getting you the payout that you deserve.
Who We Represent
Our Farah & Farah water damage attorneys are proud to help Orlando residents, from homeowners and renters to business owners. Whether you own a home and are filing a property damage claim, a renter using your renters’ insurance to replace damaged belongings, or a business owner facing costly repairs, our Orlando team will fight to make sure that your insurance company treats you fairly and pays you what they owe.
About Farah & Farah’s Orlando Office
Our Orlando office is home to a dedicated team of attorneys who understand the unique circumstances that Orlando homeowners, renters, and business owners face. We’re proud to serve our neighbors here in Orlando, helping them rebuild after unexpected losses. When you work with us, you don’t just get experienced attorneys like Andreas Study and Brandon Leskanic; you get a whole team of people who care deeply about the community in which we live.
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage
Water damage and flood damage may seem like the same thing at first glance, but in the insurance world, they’re very different. Which category your claim falls under can make all the difference in whether the loss is covered.
Water damage generally either originates inside the house or is from the top down, such as rainwater that got in due to a damaged roof. Flood damage, on the other hand, comes from outside the home and from the ground up. Water damage is typically covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies, while flood damage usually requires a special flood insurance policy.
If your home was damaged by a hurricane, then it’s possible for both types of damage to exist at the same time. Water damage from a storm surge or rising groundwater would be considered flood damage, while water damage that came from rain getting in through a damaged roof would qualify as water damage. This means that hurricane damage claims can be particularly complex.
What Water Damage Is Covered by Homeowners’ Insurance Policies?
Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. This is the kind that happens without warning and causes immediate damage to your home and belongings. Gradual leaks, maintenance issues, or flooding coming from outside of your home are generally not covered.
Think of it this way: top-down damage (from a roof leak or appliance overflow) is usually covered, while ground-up water damage (from rising water or storm surge) typically requires separate flood insurance.
Common Causes of Interior Water Damage in Orlando
In Orlando, water damage can come from more than just heavy rain. Common causes include:
- Burst pipe
- Broken dishwasher
- Broken washing machine
- Overflowing sink
- Overflowing bathtub
- Air conditioning drain line backup
- Leaky roof
Hurricanes and even normal storms can cause wind or roof damage that can let rainwater inside your home. This situation is also generally covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
The Costs of Water Damage
Even small leaks can lead to costly repairs. You may need to hire a contractor to replace flooring, drywall, insulation, cabinetry, and more. And those costs can add up quickly, especially if structural elements of your home are affected. Even worse can be the hidden costs: trapped moisture can cause mold, warped wood, and electrical issues that you may not even know about until it’s too late.
The actual cost of repairing water damage depends entirely on the extent of the damage and what the damage was. But in more severe cases, the repair and cleaning costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars in Orlando, and that’s not including replacing damaged belongings.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Water Damage Case?
Depending on the cause of the damage and your insurance coverage, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Cost of repairs
- Cost of replacements
- Temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable
- Mold remediation
- Cleanup expenses
- Property depreciation
- Personal item loss
We can help you understand what your insurance policy covers and what you may be able to recover.
Water Damage in Orlando? We’ve Got You Covered
If your home has been damaged by water, don’t let your insurance company decide what your claim is worth. The Orlando water damage attorneys at Farah & Farah are here to help you not just understand your coverage but also fight unfair denials and get the compensation you need to rebuild and put your life back together.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You won’t have to pay a dime unless we win.
800 N Magnolia Ave
#105
Orlando, FL 32803
FREE CASE REVIEW