San Francisco Water Damage Lawyer

When a property owner is facing water damage, it can be crucial to have the help of a San Francisco water damage lawyer to get the compensation they need. Insurance companies can sometimes resist paying the compensation they owe, and they may be acting in bad faith. This can be particularly frustrating when property owners need the insurance coverage that they were relying on.

These kinds of bad faith insurance issues are among the concerns that we help our clients with at Sawyer & Labar LLP. We work with our clients to identify what they should be receiving from their insurance provider and take the steps necessary to seek proper compensation. We are prepared to help our clients seek what they’re owed, and we prepare for litigation from the outset of your case to ensure success.

What a San Francisco Water Damage Lawyer Can Do to Help

A San Francisco water damage lawyer can help clients seek the compensation their clients should receive based on the water damage that they’ve suffered. When insurance policyholders face issues with their providers not meeting their side of an agreement, it may be a “bad faith” issue, which a lawyer may be able to help with.

We can help clients by looking at the complicated language that’s involved in these policies and identify what they should be expecting to receive based on the water damage and the costs to repair that damage. Generally, these situations will need to be resolved through either negotiating a settlement or litigation.

Negotiating a Settlement

A successful negotiation is often dependent on having the right lawyer representing you through the process. Negotiating these settlements is a skill that Ivo Labar, our experienced attorney, has honed over years of similar negotiations. We understand the type of pressure needed to get a fair deal, and our involvement also makes the risk of litigation clear. This often encourages a more willing partner in the negotiations.

Negotiating a settlement is often a quicker process, and it would likely be resolved well ahead of the time that could be involved in litigation. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s always beneficial. Oftentimes, the time spent in litigation may be worthwhile to achieve a more successful outcome.

While most cases are settled before trial, it may be necessary to go to the courtroom if a favorable settlement is not offered. If this occurs, we’ll be ready to fiercely advocate for you during trial.

Representing You During Litigation

If the offer that the insurance provider is willing to make does not fairly address the water damage you’ve suffered, litigation is necessary. Litigation may be the only path to getting the compensation that you’re owed. Having a skilled lawyer represent you can ensure that your strongest case is put forward.

Water damage problems can be particularly complicated, as issues related to the source of the water, preventative measures, and the moment at which the damage should have been noticed may come up. An experienced lawyer, though, will be prepared to address these kinds of issues. We handle the complex paperwork involved in these cases, along with making your case before the adjudicators and representing you and your interests. As a reputable trial firm, our abilities in the courtroom are well known.

Kinds of Water Damage

The exact parameters of what is covered under a particular insurance policy depend on the specifics of that agreement. Most policies, though, will cover a variety of potential forms of water damage.

However, floods are not typically covered under standard property insurance, whether private or commercial, and specific flood insurance may be required to address flood damage. If there is a loan or mortgage related to the property, flood insurance may be required in areas where floods are more likely.

Some of the more common forms of water damage include:

• Burst Pipes. Wear or damage to pipes could lead to them bursting, which can cause damage to the walls covering them, as well as floors and personal property that are leaked on.
• Roof Leaks. Roofs can become damaged as a result of storms or general wear over time. This can lead to leaks inside a property. If the leak goes unnoticed for some time, the damage could be extensive.
• Appliance Leaks. Occasionally, appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can spring leaks. Because these devices often use a lot of water and are hooked up to water lines, the damage could be extensive.
• Plumbing Issues. Beyond issues related to pipe damage, plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, and even water heaters can run into leaks and malfunctions, which can cause damage.
• HVAC Leaks. Significant issues with air conditioning, ventilation, and heating can be caused by water getting into these systems.
• Accidental Overflows. Clogged toilets, unattended sinks, and ignored bathtubs can all overflow and leave significant water damage behind.
• Firefighting Measures. While fires can cause extensive damage, the efforts made to put them out can often create significant damage as well. The water used to extinguish the fire can cause a number of issues that will likely need addressing.
• Mold and Mildew. One of the common forms of water damage is mold and mildew from areas where water went unnoticed.

Hold Your Insurance Provider Accountable After Water Damage: Contact Sawyer & Labar LLP

Water damage is often one of the most frustrating issues that a property owner can face. The damage may be minor in some cases, but it’s not uncommon for water damage to go unnoticed for quite some time, leading to significant issues with mold, rot, and structural problems. This means that it can be more difficult to get fair compensation for water damage from your insurance provider.

At Sawyer & Labar LLP, we help clients faced with bad faith insurance issues seek a resolution that gives them the compensation that they need. We understand the necessary steps to hold these companies to account, whether it be through negotiating a fair settlement or following through with litigation. If you have an issue with water damage and are meeting resistance from your insurance provider, contact us to discuss how we may be able to help.