Little Rock Water and Mold Damage Claim Lawyers
Helping policyholders in Arkansas secure the insurance payouts they need for water damage
Have you discovered a leaky pipe, a flooded basement, or suspicious mold growth? Water damage and mold can wreak havoc on your property, causing structural issues, health problems, and significant repair costs. On top of the initial stress, dealing with your insurance company after such a discovery can be overwhelming. They might deny your claim, offer a lowball settlement, or underestimate the true extent of the damage. Here at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our experienced Little Rock insurance dispute attorneys know how to handle water and mold damage claims. We understand the complexities of insurance policies and will fight to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve to get your home back to a safe and healthy living environment. Don't go through this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let's discuss your options.
What you should know about mold
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states: “Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.”
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects, although it's important to remember that these effects can vary depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown of some potential health problems associated with mold:
- Allergic reactions: Mold exposure is a common trigger for allergies, causing symptoms similar to hay fever including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and skin rashes.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This can be particularly concerning for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
- Other potential health effects: While more research is needed, some studies suggest potential links between long-term mold exposure and more serious health problems, such as respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue.
If you're concerned about mold in your home and potential health effects, consult a doctor. They can assess your situation, including factors like your medical history and the type of mold present, and advise you on the best course of action. Consulting a doctor is always the best course of action for any health concerns.
What are the causes of water and mold damage?
Water and mold damage can stem from various sources, each presenting unique challenges in the claims process. Leaky plumbing, storms, roof leaks, floods, and appliance malfunctions are common culprits behind water intrusion and subsequent mold growth.
When policyholders file claims for such damages, insurance companies may dispute coverage, citing policy exclusions, limitations, or alleging pre-existing conditions. Moreover, disagreements over the extent of damage and the appropriate valuation can arise, complicating the resolution of claims. As Little Rock insurance dispute lawyers, our role is to advocate on behalf of policyholders, ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation under their insurance policies. We navigate the complexities of insurance claims, handle negotiations with insurers, and, if necessary, litigate disputes to secure the coverage our clients deserve for water and mold damage to their properties.
What should I do after water and mold damage in Little Rock?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, “Was your home flooded? If so, and you were not able to dry your home (including furniture and other items) within 24-48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. You need to completely dry everything, clean up the mold, and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.”
They go on to point out:
This job may be too difficult or dangerous for you. It may be best to get help from experienced and qualified professionals if you can. Hire a mold inspection or remediation professional affiliated with or certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), or American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) to inspect, repair, and restore the damaged parts of your home.
If you've experienced water and mold damage, you must take immediate action to mitigate further damage and begin the restoration process. Here are the steps you should take:
- Ensure safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others by turning off electricity and wearing protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to prevent exposure to mold and contaminated water.
- Assess the damage: Thoroughly inspect your property for water damage and mold growth. Take photographs or videos to document the extent of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Address water source: Identify and address the source of water intrusion to prevent additional water damage. This may involve fixing leaks, drying out affected areas, and removing standing water.
- Begin cleanup: Remove water-damaged materials and belongings from the affected areas. Clean and disinfect surfaces to inhibit mold growth and prevent further contamination. You may need a professional mold remediation company to assess and remediate the mold safely and effectively.
- Dry out the property: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to facilitate air circulation and expedite the drying process. Properly drying out the property is essential for preventing mold growth and further damage.
- Dispose of contaminated materials: Dispose of any water-damaged materials that cannot be salvaged, such as saturated carpeting, drywall, and insulation. Follow your local regulations for proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the water and mold damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with documentation of the damage and follow their instructions for filing a claim. Our Little Rock insurance dispute attorneys can help you with this if needed.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company, including claim numbers, adjuster visits, and correspondence. Save receipts for expenses related to cleanup and repairs.
- Seek professional help: Consider hiring experienced professionals, such as water damage restoration companies and mold remediation specialists, to assist with cleanup and restoration efforts.
- Get legal assistance: If you encounter difficulties with your insurance claim or disputes with your insurance company, talk to the water and mold damage lawyers at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your losses.
What types of insurance disputes may arise after water and mold damage in Little Rock?
Here's a breakdown of some common insurance disputes that may arise after water and mold damage:
- Coverage issues:This is a big one. Insurance companies might deny your claim entirely, arguing that the specific cause of the water damage falls outside your coverage. For example, some policies exclude damage from floods or sewer backups.
- Mold coverage:Mold growth often follows water damage. Your policy might have specific limitations on mold remediation, potentially leading to disputes about whether mold removal is covered and to what extent.
- Settlement amount:You might believe the offered settlement undervalues the true cost of your repairs, mold remediation, and replacing damaged belongings.
- Adjuster's assessment:Disagreements can arise over the adjuster's evaluation of the damage or the value they placed on your belongings. They might downplay the extent of the water damage or mold growth.
- Timely repairs:Water damage can worsen quickly, and delays in repairs can lead to further problems. You might encounter disputes with the insurance company regarding the timeline for approving repairs or disagreements over qualified repair contractors.
Additional complexities include:
- Hidden damage:Water damage can sometimes lurk behind walls or under floors, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem. This can lead to disputes about the repairs needed and their associated costs.
- Wear and tear:Insurance companies might try to reduce payouts by arguing that some of the damage was due to wear and tear, not solely the water damage event.
Water and mold damage can be a stressful experience. Don't let insurance disputes add to your burden. An experienced Little Rock insurance dispute attorney can help you work through these issues, ensure your rights are protected, and fight for the compensation you deserve to get your property restored to a safe and healthy condition.
Talk to our Little Rock, Arkansas water and mold damage claim lawyers today for help
Dealing with water and mold damage can be overwhelming, especially when faced with insurance disputes. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, our team of experienced Little Rock insurance dispute attorneys helps individuals and businesses through the complexities of water and mold damage claims. From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating disputes, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive fair compensation for their losses. If you're struggling to resolve insurance disputes related to water and mold damage, don't hesitate to contact us for guidance and aggressive advocacy. To set up a meeting with a skilled lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.