The recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding in Milwaukee this past weekend have undoubtedly caused significant stress and damage for many homeowners and businesses. As the waters recede, many are turning to their insurance policies for relief, expecting coverage for the resulting property damage.
Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies after a disaster like this can be complicated. You may believe you have coverage, only to find your claim being delayed or outright denied. If you are facing such a situation, especially if your insurance company is denying coverage for flood-related property damage, the litigation team at Halling & Cayo may be able to help.
It’s crucial to carefully review your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage. Many standard homeowner’s policies do not automatically cover damage from external flooding. However, some policies include endorsements or specific clauses that can provide coverage in certain circumstances.
- Sewer and Drain Backup: Many insurance policies offer an optional endorsement for damage caused by the backup of sewers or drains. If water entered your home through these systems, this coverage may apply. Check your policy for “sewer backup” or “water backup” coverage.
- Sump Pump Overflow: As highlighted in our previous post, if your policy includes a “sump pump overflow” endorsement, you may have coverage for damage resulting from your sump pump failing or being overwhelmed. Given the intense rainfall, this is a critical provision to look for.
- “Top-Down” Water Damage: Homeowner’s insurance policies generally distinguish between damage from water that comes from above (like a burst pipe or a leaky roof) and water that enters from the ground up (flooding). If your property damage was a result of rainwater entering your home through the roof or windows due to the storm’s intensity, you might have a claim under your standard policy.
Likewise, your insurance likely covers property damage that is caused by the flooding but not directly flood damage. For example, if a tree falls on your house as a result of the flooding that may be covered while the water damage may not be.
If your property has suffered water damage due to the recent Milwaukee flooding, and your insurance company is denying your claim, particularly if you have “sump pump overflow coverage” or a “sewer and drain backup” rider we encourage you to contact the experienced litigation team at Halling & Cayo. We can review the denial, assess the details of your situation, and advise you on your legal options.
Don’t navigate the complexities of insurance claims alone. Let Halling & Cayo be your advocate in seeking the coverage you believe you are entitled to.
Contact us today for a consultation.
Sean M. Sweeney is a shareholder at Halling & Cayo S.C. His practice focuses on business litigation, offering transparent pricing for business litigation, and recovering investors losses as a result of stock broker fraud on contingent fees. Sean represents investors in FINRA Arbitrations and companies in Wisconsin, all over the United States, as well as internationally with clients in Canada, Germany, and Australia.
Email Sean: sms@hallingcayo.com
Call Sean: 414-755-5020 (Direct Line)