Tuscaloosa Lawyers Who Handle Homeowner Claims for Mold, Roof, and Shingles Damage
Experienced representation when bad weather and other events cause damage to your home
Storms, leaks, and other events can cause mold damage and damage to your home’s roof and shingles. At Prince Glover Hayes, our insurance claim lawyers understand when your homeowner’s policy covers these types of damages, how to show the cause of the damage is due to a covered peril, and the cost of the cleanup or repairs. Our Tuscaloosa mold, roof, and shingle damage lawyers anticipate the arguments that insurance companies make to try to deny or limit your claim. We work aggressively to obtain the proceeds you deserve in a prompt manner. Call us as soon as you discover mold, roof, or shingle damage in your home.
In one illustrative case, we obtained $470,000 for mold damage.
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What is mold damage?
According to insure.com, your homeowner’s policy only pays for mold damage if the damage is due to a covered peril – and only up to the coverage limits. Homeowners in Alabama should consider obtaining endorsements to cover additional perils.
Mold generally grows where there is moisture, high humidity, or dampness. When mold grows in your home, it creates a serious health hazard because it can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health disorders. Mold also damages your property. This damage should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the mold from spreading and damaging your health and your home.
Generally, homeowners insurance covers mold damage to the following risks/circumstances:
- A pipe that bursts or freezes
- A washing machine or a water heater that leaks
- Water damage that occurs in an effort to extinguish a fire
Other causes of mold damage that homeowners' policies should cover include roof and foundation leaks, poor insulation, HVAC systems, and old and decaying wood. The policy should, depending on the language, also cover storm damage.
What exclusions may apply to mold damage claims?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we work with experts who can determine if there is mold damage. Some mold damage doesn’t become apparent after incidents such as burst pipes for weeks or even months. The more time that passes, the more mold grows. The more mold grows, the harder and more expensive it is to remove and/or repair. You should work with professionals to assess the damage and the cost of repairs.
Some of the exclusions your insurance company may assert for a mold damage claim include:
- Failing to seal doors, windows, or pipes that leak water.
- Failing to properly ventilate a room.
- Failing to turn off the faucets
- Leaks from swimming pools
- Sump pump failures
- Flood damage
- Mudslides, landslides, and earthquakes
In some cases, you may need an endorsement to cover these failures. In other cases, you will need separate insurance. For example, you will need separate flood insurance for mold damage due to floods and their underlying causes, such as hurricanes.
What is roof damage?
Homeowners need a functioning roof. Your roof protects you from rain, sun, cold, heat, and all types of weather events. Roof damage is generally due to one or more of the following causes:
- Extreme climate conditions or events. These include heavy winds, downpours, storm or hail damage, high heat, or freezing weather. Weather damage can cause leaks, shingle damage, water and mold damage, and clogged gutters. Fires can also cause extensive roof damage.
- Wear and tear. Roofs are likely to suffer damage as the years pass.
- Improper maintenance. Homeowners should take corrective actions when minor leaks or stains occur to prevent more serious damage.
- Building violations or negligence. Roof damage can be due to improper construction of the roof, shoddy materials, and other causes.
Water damage can lead to mold damage, plumbing damage, electrical problems, and structural damage.
What exclusions may apply to roof damage claims?
Our Tuscaloosa roof damage claim lawyers anticipate the arguments that insurance companies are likely to assert to try to deny your claim or limit the damages. Insurance company defense arguments often include arguing that:
- The roof damage is due to a preexisting condition
- The cause of the roof damage is not a covered peril
- The claim was not filed in a proper manner in the proper time frame
- Bad faith review and negotiation of the claim
- Other defenses
Our Tuscaloosa roof damage claims lawyers work with roofing experts who can determine the cause of the roof damage and will prepare a full estimate of the cost of the repairs or the cost to replace your roof. We work to show that the cause of your roof is a covered event. For example, we work to show that your policy covers roof damage due to a storm – which is a common cause in Tuscaloosa.
How do your homeowner's insurance claims lawyers fight for mold, roof, and shingles damages victims?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we:
- Read your insurance policies to determine what damage claims you can file, what exclusions apply, what caps apply, and what you need to do to file your claim. Generally, the policy should state when and how you need to file your claim.
- Take steps to support your claim. In addition to arranging for mold, roof, and shingle experts to assess your claim, we also review other types of evidence to help advance your case. This evidence includes taking pictures or videos, showing the source of the damage, and obtaining receipts for any temporary repairs you do to prevent further immediate damage.
- Review the questions your insurance company will likely ask you.
- Prepare a formal proof of loss (also called a scope of loss) statement that explains the basis for your claim and includes a demand for damage based on the estimates from our experts.
- Negotiate the value of your claim with the insurance adjusters.
- Argue your case in court if the insurance company fails to make a fair settlement offer.
Do you have a lawyer near me for mold, roof, and shingle damage in Tuscaloosa?
Prince Glover Hayes meets homeowner insurance claimants at our office located at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. If your mold, roof, or shingle damage prevents you from coming to our office, we will visit you in person at your home to review your claim and the damage. We also review claims by phone and through video consultations.
Our attorneys will explain your rights and fight for all the insurance proceeds you deserve.
Get help for mold, roof, and shingle insurance claims now
The premiums for your homeowner's insurance policy are expensive. When storms, leaks, or other events cause mold, roof, and shingle damage – you have the right to prompt payment of your claim. At Prince Glover Hayes, we have 45 years of experience fighting for first-party and third-party claimants. Our Tuscaloosa insurance claims lawyers have the professional relationships to fight for the insurance proceeds you deserve. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.