Water is one of the most destructive forces a property can face. A burst pipe, leaking appliance, heavy rainfall, or flooded basement can leave behind thousands of dollars in damage and make a home or business unsafe to occupy. For Illinois property owners, water damage is an all-too-common challenge, especially with severe storms, freezing winters, and aging infrastructure across the state. While insurance policies are supposed to cover sudden and accidental water damage, many property owners find themselves in disputes with insurers who delay, deny, or undervalue their claims. At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, our Illinois water damage lawyers fight to protect policyholders and secure the compensation they deserve.
Why Water Damage Claims Are Often Disputed
Water damage cases are some of the most contested in Illinois. Insurers may argue that the damage was caused by gradual seepage rather than a sudden loss, or they may claim the property owner failed to maintain plumbing or roofing systems properly. Common disputes include:
- Sudden vs. long-term damage: Carriers often argue that leaks occurred slowly over time and therefore aren’t covered.
- Mold exclusions: Even when mold results directly from water intrusion, insurers may deny remediation costs.
- Partial coverage: Insurers may agree to cover water cleanup but deny structural or content replacement.
- Lowball estimates: Carriers frequently undervalue the labor and materials needed for full repairs.
- Delays: Extended investigations allow water and mold to spread, increasing repair costs and risks.
Our Illinois water damage attorneys know how to push back against these tactics, holding insurers accountable for honoring their policies.
