How to Handle a Claim for Burst Pipes

Louisiana gets approximately 0.2 inches of snow per year, meaning that frozen water pipes are not common in this state.  However, in those times like the winters of 2018 and 2021, when Louisiana experienced record cold temperatures, finding out whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damages can be pretty urgent.

What to Do If Your Pipes Burst due to Freezing

The first thing you need to do is mitigate the damages.  Turn off the water and dry things out if you can.  As you do so, you should document everything that happened.  Next, it’s time to get rid of the standing water.  Then you will probably need to contact a plumber and possibly a water damage restoration company.  Be prepared for your insurance company to drag their feet on this claim.

Supporting Your Claim

To help your claim go through without a problem, make sure to:

• Mitigate your damages, and turn off the water at the main.
• Take pictures – document all the damages that occurred.
• Report the claim to your homeowner’s insurance company
• Contact an experienced lawyer to review your case
• Keep an eye out for bad faith handling of your claim.

What Damage Can Burst Pipes Cause?

Because the burst pipes allow water to flow from the pipes into your home, you may experience:

• Flooding
• Damage to floors, ceilings, and walls
• Damages to wiring
• Damages to structural components, including support beams and loadbearing walls
• Dangerous mold growth growing on wet surfaces
• Damage to your belongings- furniture, clothing, appliances may have to be replaced

Contact a Burst Pipe Claim Attorney As Soon as You Can

Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay damages for burst pipe claims.  That’s why it’s crucial to work with knowledgeable counsel as early as possible to make sure your claim is handled correctly and quickly.  Contact a pipe burst claim lawyer today; your initial consultation is free.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my burst pipes are covered?

Check your insurance policy to see if they are excluded. Also, contact a burst pipe claim attorney to protect your interests.

2. Will it cost a lot of money to talk with an attorney about my damages?

No, your initial consultation will be free, and after that, you will generally only pay if your claim succeeds.

3. Does Louisiana get cold enough for my pipes to freeze?

Although Louisiana is among the warmest states, many recent winters have seen bitter cold leading to many burst water pipes. Consider reviewing your homeowner’s policy to be sure you are covered.