Suffering any sort of property damage is nerve-wracking enough. Having to deal with an obstinate insurance company makes things even worse. Even though you’ve faithfully paid your premiums year after year – even though they have gone up a ridiculous amount – the insurer has failed to come through when you need them the most. You’re probably so angry and frustrated you don’t know what to do next.
The property damage lawyers with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh are here for you. We can perform a thorough investigation into whatever caused your property damage. Whether a storm tore up your roof, a pipe burst and caused extensive water damage, or even if a sinkhole swallowed all or part of your home. We will do everything we can to make sure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Types of Property Damages that Can Be Recovered
Just about every homeowner is going to have to make some sort of property damage claim at one time or another. These are just a few of the many examples of damage that a homeowner can suffer.
- Cast iron pipes. A lot of homes in Florida have plumbing systems consisting of cast iron pipes that are decades old. In some instances, even 100 years or older. When this kind of pipe leaks, that can lead to extensive damage to walls, flooring and foundations. Once a homeowner realizes what has happened, the damage is typically already done. A burst pipe can result in foul odors, warped flooring, ruined carpeting and furniture, and more.
- Fire. This is probably the most devastating kind of damage that can occur to a home, destroying not only its structure, but all of the homeowner’s possessions. A fire can happen for a lot of different reasons, such as faulty wiring, a lightning strike, and many others.
- Flood. A flood can obviously be horrible as well, bringing in not only an incredible amount of water, but also mud and other debris. If the water sits long enough, toxic mold can develop, greatly worsening an already bad situation. Appliances can be irreparably damaged, as can walls, flooring and more. There’s a very good chance that most – if not all – of a homeowner’s possessions will have to be replaced.
How an Attorney Can Help Recover These Damages
Unless you did something on purpose to cause your property damage, you deserve to obtain every cent of compensation it will take to replace what you’ve lost. Unfortunately, there are far too many instances where an insurance company will either refuse to pay the full amount of what you’re owed, or will flat-out deny your claim entirely.
This is when you’ll need the help of a skilled, experienced property damage lawyer. At Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh, we have a deep understanding of all the complexities that can be involved with a property damage case. We fight for the rights of our clients. And we do all we possibly can to help you get the money you need. Don’t try to go up against an insurance company on your own. They have far too many resources at their disposal. Hiring an attorney with our firm can help dramatically level the playing field.
Fighting Back Against a Denied Claim
When you turn to a Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh property damage attorney for help with your claim, we’ll first get to work examining your policy. These can be incredibly long, incredibly complex documents. In fact, most insurers actually count on customers not reading their policies. They use this assumption to include lots of loopholes to shirk their responsibilities.
The bottom line is that you have a contract with that insurer and paid it money to obtain coverage. If the insurance company fails to hold up its end of the bargain, then that company is in breach of the contract. We will guide you through every step of the claim process. And we’ll take the steps necessary to file a lawsuit on your behalf. If the insurer still refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we’ll be more than ready to argue your case in a court of law.
What to Look for in a Property Damage Attorney
You want an attorney with a deep understanding of property damage claims. One who will know all of the tricks insurance companies try to play. If, for example, you’ve had damage to your vehicle, an attorney will take a close look at your policy. You might not be asking for all the money that you’re actually owed.
Attorneys will help manage your claim, making sure you get every penny to which you’re entitled. They will also be well aware of the corners insurers will often try to cut. For instance, they may suggest that a policyholder only needs a simple repair, when the damage to the car is much more extensive. They may also try and refuse some sort of repairs that the vehicle obviously needs in order to operate properly.
If you know anyone who has recently hired a property damage lawyer, ask if they were satisfied with the representation they received. You could also look online for reviews of the attorneys you’re considering. If there are none, or the reviews are mainly negative, move on to someone else.
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three lawyers, try to visit them face-to-face if possible. Pay close attention to the way you’re treated. That is an indication of the kind of representation you might expect.
After you’ve done your due diligence, trust your instincts. The chances are very good that you’ll make the right decision as a result.
Contact Our Experienced Team of Property Damage Attorneys Today
The property damage attorneys with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh are ready to provide the legal representation you need to force your insurance company to pay you what you deserve. Learn more by using our online contact form or calling.
