Dealing with plumbing damage in your home is stressful enough, but when your insurance company denies, delays or underpays your claim, it can add a whole new layer of frustration. Plumbing issues can cause significant water damage that require costly repairs, and navigating the complexities of your homeowner’s insurance policy can be overwhelming. In some cases, hiring a lawyer to help you with your plumbing damage insurance claim in Colorado can be a wise decision. But when is it necessary to involve legal help? Here’s what you need to know.
When to Consider Hiring a Lawyer for a Plumbing Damage Claim
There are several situations where bringing in a lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your plumbing damage claim. Here are a few examples:
- Your claim is denied – A denied claim is one of the most common reasons homeowners seek legal help. Insurance companies may deny plumbing damage claims for various reasons with exclusionsbeing a common one. Examples of water damage exclusions include neglected maintenance, sewer backups, or long-term leaks, among others, but often insurance companies use exclusions as an easy out. If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, a lawyer experienced in Colorado insurance law can review your policy, assess the reason for denial and help you challenge the decision.
- Your claim is delayed – When insurance companies intentionally delay processing the claim, they may be acting in bad faith. While some delays are inevitable, long and unreasonable delays can be a tactic used by insurers to pressure homeowners into accepting lower settlements or even dropping the claim altogether.
- Your claim was underpaid – Another tactic some insurance companies use is to undervalue claims by citing low repair estimates or by excluding certain types of damage. For example, if the insurer argues that part of the damage was caused by a long-term leak rather than a sudden incident, they may reduce the payout. In Colorado, homeowners have the right to challenge an underpaid claim and an attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- You need to file an appeal – If your initial claim was denied or underpaid, you have the option to file an appeal with the insurance company. A lawyer can assist you in preparing a strong appeal. They have extensive experience with the appeals process in Colorado and can help you build the strongest case for your situation, which in turn will significantly improve your chances of overturning the insurer’s decision.
Contact Us at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law for Help
Dealing with plumbing damage is stressful enough without the added burden of a difficult insurance claim process. While not every claim requires legal intervention, there are clear signs when they might, such as denials, delays, or underpayments.
If you have questions about your water damage insurance claim or believe you’ve been treated unfairly by your insurance company, don’t hesitate to contact professionals like our experienced legal team at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie. We have more than 50 years of combined legal expertise and are here to ensure you receive the relief you deserve for your water damage insurance claim in the greater Denver area and throughout Colorado. Call us today to speak with one of our Denver claims advisors.
