Mississippi Water and Mold Damage Claim Dispute Lawyers
Accomplished advocacy for water and mold insurance claimants in Tupelo, Jackson, and across Mississippi
Home and commercial property insurance often covers water damage that is otherwise not flood-related. Non-flood causes include pipes that burst, leaking roofs, broken windows, wind-caused leaks, ice-damming, toilets that overflow, etc. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our Mississippi water and mold damage lawyers are skilled at showing when your coverage applies and when exclusions do and don’t apply. If your policy covers water damage, we can work to show the full scope of the damage and the complete cost of removing the water, clearing the mold, and repairing the remaining damage.
How can we help?
- What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy include?
- What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy exclude?
- What are the different ways water and mold can damage my property?
- Who should clean up my mold damage?
- How do your Mississippi insurance loss lawyers help water and mold damage victims?
- Do you have a Mississippi water and mold damage claim lawyer near me?
What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy include?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our lawyers begin your claim by reviewing the precise language of your homeowner’s insurance policy or your commercial property insurance policy. In the end, the terms of your policy are very important in determining what is covered.
Water and mold damage is normally covered under the following conditions:
- Burst pipes. If your pipes burst due to freezing temperatures or other causes, you may be covered subject to certain terms and limitations in the applicable policy language.
- Roof leaks. Roof leaks are often covered by your policy. These leaks may be caused by heavy rain, wind, a hailstorm or debris (such as trees or tree limbs) striking the roof. You do need to file your claim promptly and take steps to secure the roof so further water damage doesn’t occur.
- Other types of leaks. Other leaks into your property, such as leaks in siding, skylights and/or other roofing components, may also be covered.
- Water damage due to fire control. If your property fills with water because fire hoses or sprinkler systems were used to extinguish the fire, your policy may provide coverage.
Your homeowner’s or commercial property insurance should normally cover damage due to snow, ice, sleet, or hail. Mold growth caused by covered water damage may also be covered.
What causes of water and mold damage does my Mississippi insurance policy exclude?
There is no substitute for allowing our team to review the terms of your policy to be sure we understand what your policy actually covers. Normally, water damage is covered unless it is specifically excluded by the language of the policy. Keep in mind that you may need to have separate flood insurance for flood-related damages. Our Mississippi water damage lawyers will review your policies to determine if your damage is covered by your homeowner’s policy, your commercial property policy, or, if you have it, your flood insurance policy.
What are the different ways water and mold can damage my property?
In addition to structural damage and roof damage, water damage can cause the following types of damage that should be covered if you’re covered for water damage – unless any exclusions apply:
- Mold damage. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold grows where there is a lot of moisture. Common places where mold grows include leaks in roofs and anywhere water gathers after a storm or a flood. Mold is often detected by smell or sight. For people who are sensitive to mold, the complications can include wheezing, itchy or red eyes, fever, and shortness of breath. Some people may develop respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Our Mississippi mold damage lawyers work to show that the mold is related to water damage that is covered by your policy.
- Wood decomposition. Wood that decomposes due to water damage can attract fungi, carpenter ants, and termites that can cause your home to become structurally unsound.
- Warping. Wood, floorboards, and walls can warp when water accumulates.
Who should clean up my mold damage?
We’ll help you choose a mold cleanup contractor who has experience with removing mold and understands the EPA’s mold cleanup guidelines. Mold cleanup of your structure and heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) generally should be done by professionals due to compliance requirements and health risks. For example, the EPA recommends that mold cleanup professionals wear masks, gloves, and goggles. Mold and water damage caused by “sewage or other contaminated water) is especially dangerous.”
How do your Mississippi insurance loss lawyers help water and mold damage victims?
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we:
- Review your insurance policies to determine what coverage you have and what exclusions or limitations may apply.
- Make practical recommendations to help support your claim. You should document the damage by taking pictures of the damage, indicating the source of the water damage, and obtaining any images you have of the affected area prior to the damage. You should keep receipts for any immediate repairs you do to prevent any further immediate damage.
- Explain what questions your insurance adjuster is likely to ask you.
- Work with water damage and mold damage contractors who can evaluate the damage, the cost to fix the damage, and the time needed to make the repairs.
- Prepare a proof of loss statement.
- Negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
- Pursue your claim in court if the insurance company fails to make a reasonable settlement offer.
Do you have a Mississippi water and mold damage claim lawyer near me?
Our Mississippi insurance lawyers meet homeowners and business owners at our offices located at 600 Main St., Suite 301 in Tupelo and 4780 I-55 N, Suite 100 in Jackson. We also review claims by phone and through video conferences. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ll guide you calmly and clearly through each step of the claims process.
Talk with an experienced Mississippi insurance loss lawyer today
At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we’ve obtained more than $100 million dollars for policyholders. We’re skilled at the practical and claims issues involved with water and mold damage and the claims issues. We anticipate the arguments carriers will use to try to deny or limit your claim. We’ve helped many property owners obtain strong recoveries, often for the insurance policy limits. To assert your right to insurance proceeds, call our Mississippi water and mold damage lawyers today. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.