Los Angeles Water Damage Lawyer

Los Angeles Water Damage Attorney

One of the most common types of property insurance claims in the Los Angeles area is water damage claims. This kind of damage can be extensive and, if left unchecked, can lead to serious structural issues to the building of your home or business. If you have suffered water damage to your Los Angeles property and wish to get the most out of your insurance policy, consult with a Los Angeles water damage lawyer who can assist you with your claim.

If you find yourself facing the aftermath of water damage to your property, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future may hold for your home or business. Filing a claim with your insurance policy can be a complicated process, especially if your insurance decides to act in bad faith. Ivo Labar at Sawyer & Labar LLP is ready to take the fight against the insurance companies if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Los Angeles

Water can cause devastating damage to a home or business property. If untreated, the water can cause worsening issues that could threaten the structure of your property and even lead to health complications for those who inhabit or work on the property. In the Los Angeles area, some of the major causes of water damage can include:

• Natural Disasters: Heavy rains, flooding, and harsh storms can cause water to enter your property, which may lead to widespread damage across your roofline, ceilings, and foundation. All of these scenarios can lead to an increased risk for structural issues.
• Burst Pipes: A burst pipe or leak damage can result in a substantial amount of water entering areas in your home or business where it shouldn’t be. This can cause damage to your ceilings, floors, and walls.
• Roof Leaks: A poorly maintained roof or one that is already damaged can allow water from storms to enter your home or business, leading to damage of the interior of the property.
• Plumbing Problems: Leaking appliances such as a hot water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine can cause leaks that lead to damage to the property.
• Sewage Backups: A sewage backup on your property is not just a cause for concern when it comes to water damage but can also pose a serious health risk to the individuals living or working inside the property.

No matter what caused the water damage to your property, it can be devastating and both a mental and financial strain on your daily life. Furthermore, trying to recover from this damage can be costly. Additionally, trying to hold your insurance company accountable for its obligations in the policy can be difficult. This is why having an attorney who understands the laws regarding these claims is imperative when seeking assistance after water damage has occurred.

Sawyer & Labar LLP: Protecting You in a Water Damage Claim

Since 1999, attorney Ivo Labar has dedicated himself to working for his clients who have faced a litany of property damage claims. He has the experience and knowledge necessary to face the big insurance companies and hold them accountable for covering the damage you have suffered. When you hire Ivo Labar, you can rest assured knowing you have done what is right in order to explore all your legal options.

Common Complications That Arise From Water Damage

When water damage occurs to your property, you won’t just have to deal with cleaning up the water itself. This damage can be sneaky, so further complications may arise even after you think the original problem has been addressed. Common complications that may arise from water damage to your property can include:

• Mold from water slipping in between walls and building up on the back of drywall. Unfortunately, if the mold is caused by a gradual deterioration or neglect, your insurance may not cover the damage.
• Decay can occur to the wooden structural elements of your home, attracting further issues like termites or carpenter ants.
• Roof collapse due to unaddressed water damage.

FAQs

What Is the Average Insurance Payout for Water Damage in California?

In California, it can be difficult to determine an exact average on how much most insurance payouts amount to for water damage. This is because there can be several factors affecting the overall value. These factors can include the nature of the damage, and its cause, whether its burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or water heater issues.

What Is the Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Damage in California?

In most insurance policies, the damage done by water is covered under a different policy than damage due to flooding. Water damage is typically covered in most homeowner’s insurance policies, whereas flood damage must have its own flood damage insurance under a different provider. Flooding is defined as the overflow of tidal or inland waves or the rapid and unusual accumulation or runoff of water from any source.

What Is the New Water Law in California?

In 2024, the state of California adopted a new law regarding water usage. Due to continuing water shortages, the state mandated that each of the 402 urban water retailers undergo a gradual reduction of the amount of water available to them between 2027 and 2040. Each agency must also establish its own water budget. This, however, does not apply to households or individuals.

What Is Bad Faith Insurance?

Bad faith insurance is when your insurance company disregards or violates its obligations to the policyholder, which are laid out in the signed contract when the policy was originally obtained. Some examples of bad faith insurance can include refusing to pay for a claim, failing to disclose certain policy limitations, denying or delaying a claim, and misrepresenting policy language.

Contact a Trusted Property Damage Attorney Today

If you have suffered water damage to your Los Angeles home or business property, you need a California attorney who can assist you in taking the necessary legal action when it comes to your property damage claim. Contact Ivo Labar at Sawyer & Labar LLP today.