A frozen pipe that bursts can cause catastrophic damage to a property in a matter of minutes. From ruined flooring and electrical systems to structural instability and mold growth, the aftermath of a pipe failure is often overwhelming. While property owners pay insurance premiums to protect themselves from these exact scenarios, obtaining a fair settlement is rarely a straightforward process.
At FGC Attorneys, we concentrate our practice on property insurance litigation and the resolution of complex water damage claims. We represent residential and commercial property owners who are facing delays, denials, or “lowball” settlement offers from their insurance carriers. Our team provides the aggressive advocacy required to hold insurance companies accountable to the terms of their policies.
Insurance companies often use technicalities or vague policy language to avoid paying the full value of a frozen pipe claim. Whether your property is located in a region prone to deep freezes or a state where unexpected cold snaps cause widespread infrastructure failure, we understand the strategies insurers use to limit their liability.
Property insurance policies are intricate contracts. At FGC Attorneys, we treat every claim as a potential litigation matter from day one, ensuring that every piece of evidence is preserved and every deadline is met.
- Policy Review: Every insurance policy is different. We perform a forensic audit of your coverage, including “Endorsements” and “Exclusions,” to determine the maximum benefits available for your specific loss, including “Loss of Use” or “Business Interruption.”
- Documentation and Estimation: We do not rely solely on the insurance company’s adjuster. We work with a network of independent public adjusters, structural engineers, and restoration experts to build an accurate and comprehensive estimate of your damages.
- Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: Our firm is known for its litigation strength. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take the matter to court.
The actions you take immediately following a pipe burst can significantly impact the success of your legal claim.
- Immediate Mitigation Steps: Most insurance policies require the policyholder to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage. This includes shutting off the main water valve, contacting a professional water extraction company, and moving valuable items out of the affected area.
- The Danger of “Matching” Issues: When water damage ruins a portion of your flooring or cabinetry, the insurer may only offer to pay for the damaged section. However, many states have “matching” requirements that require the insurer to replace the entire area to ensure a uniform appearance.
