Mold And Property Damage Claims: What Are My Rights?
Unlike most forms of property damage, mold can lurk in your home and develop unseen for weeks or months. By the time it becomes noticeable (or worse, causes health issues for you and your loved ones) the damage is already done. Wet and stormy weather in the Daytona Beach area can bring moisture into your home, often in connection with storm damage you thought you’d already addressed.
What are the signs of mold damage?
Mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled. This may not always be the case at first, though, if the mold lies behind drywall or fixtures.
Some signs of mold damage include:
- Musty odor inside your home
- Discolorations on floors, walls, or ceilings
- Runny nose, congestion, eye irritation, coughing or other symptoms that seem unexplained
Not everyone reacts the same way to mold, either – some may be highly allergic and some may seem unaffected. Infants, elderly persons, and those with chronic respiratory issues or weakened immune systems can have the most difficulty with mold exposure.
Mold spots can come in different colors but these colors don’t indicate how dangerous the problem is. Your best course of action is to remove the mold and replace affected areas – carpeting, upholstery, and drywall if necessary.
What should I do next?
Doing what’s right for your home and health can be expensive, which is where your insurance comes in. Review your policy and make sure the insurer is notified right away to begin the claims process.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy should have a provision that covers mold damage. Typically, homeowners insurance covers mold if the mold growth was caused by other damage that has been covered under the policy.
Getting your insurer to pay on the claim for what you deserve may take work, however. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay on mold damage claims, and may shift blame to the insured instead. They may assert that the insured resident was neglectful in allowing the damage to unfold and become serious.
An insurer’s tactics in delaying or denying coverage only add insult to injury when living with mold contamination in your home.
Will I need an attorney for this?
If you can’t get straight answers from your insurer, or coverage has been denied, you should meet with an attorney that has proven experience in this area. Our firm is always ready to handle your case and discuss your legal options. If your insurance company is acting in bad faith, wrongfully denying your claim, or simply dragging their feet, we can help. Don’t let your insurer discourage you from obtaining a claim that you are entitled to under your policy.
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
At Bundza & Rodriguez, we guide clients through the process of filing commercial and residential property damage claims. We have experience with this issue, and our goal is to help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to. To discuss your case, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online and request a consultation today.
Source:
floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/_documents/%20indoor-mold-and-health.pdf
