Property Damage

Earthquakes can strike suddenly and cause significant damage. From injuries to property destruction, the aftermath of an earthquake can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many homeowners face financial devastation after a major quake due to inadequate insurance coverage or insurance companies denying their claims. It is essential to assess your options and seek legal assistance to protect your rights. Experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of earthquake damage claims and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Earthquake Risks 

The risk of a catastrophic earthquake varies depending on your location. Fault lines, where tectonic plates meet, are particularly prone to earthquakes. For example, the San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known fault line. Areas near major faults have a higher risk of experiencing intense shaking, which can lead to building damage and collapse. It’s crucial to be aware of the earthquake risks in your area and take necessary precautions.

Types of Earthquake Damage 

Earthquakes can cause various types of property damage, including:

• Cracks in walls and ceilings
• Foundation weakening
• Damage to landscaping and fencing
• Loss of personal belongings
• Vehicle damage

The extent of the damage depends on the intensity of the earthquake and the structural integrity of the buildings affected.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage? 

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover earthquake damage. If you have a mortgage, you may be required to have homeowners insurance, but earthquake coverage is often not included. In some cases, your car insurance may cover damage to your vehicle caused by an earthquake if you have comprehensive coverage. To protect your home and belongings from earthquake damage, you should consider purchasing separate earthquake insurance or exploring earthquake endorsements to your existing homeowners insurance policy.

Should You Purchase Earthquake Insurance? 

Earthquake insurance can provide compensation for earthquake-related damage to your home and personal property. However, it is important to note that earthquake insurance can be expensive. In California, where earthquakes are relatively common, approximately 90 percent of homeowners do not have earthquake insurance. If you live in a high-risk area and your homeowners policy does not cover earthquake damage, it may be worth considering earthquake insurance to protect yourself financially. The cost of earthquake insurance depends on factors such as your location, the characteristics of your home, and its vulnerability to earthquake damage.

Coverage and Considerations Earthquake insurance typically covers three main areas:

• Damage to your home
• Damage to personal belongings
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if you are unable to live in your home during repairs

Each coverage section may have separate deductibles and limits. It is important to review your policy carefully and understand the coverage and exclusions. Earthquake insurance often has high deductibles, which are usually stated as a percentage of the coverage limit rather than a fixed dollar amount. Consulting with a property damage lawyer can help ensure that you fully understand the costs, benefits, and limitations of earthquake insurance.

Earthquake Retrofitting 

Retrofitting your home can help reduce the risk of earthquake damage and potentially lower the cost of earthquake insurance. Retrofitting involves making structural modifications to make your home more resistant to earthquakes. This process can include anchoring the foundation, bracing walls, and installing automatic gas shutoff valves. Retrofitting costs vary depending on factors such as the design of your home, its location, and its current structural condition. Retrofitting can provide added protection and peace of mind.

Seek Legal Guidance for Earthquake Damage Claims

Filing an earthquake damage claim can be complex, and insurance companies may challenge claims for various reasons. Working with experienced property damage lawyers is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Attorneys knowledgeable in earthquake insurance claims can help navigate the process, handle interactions with insurance companies, and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Contact Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP for Earthquake Damage Claims At Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP, we understand the complexities of earthquake damage claims. Our dedicated team of property damage lawyers is here to assist you in navigating the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and provide guidance based on your specific circumstances. Contact us today at 833-ACTS-LAW or reach out online to schedule a consultation.

 Our offices are located in San Diego and Los Angeles, serving clients throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Hidden Hills, Pasadena, San Marino, Brentwood, Encino, Newport Beach, and Foresthill.

Experiencing landslide damage can be a devastating event that affects both your life and your home. Amidst the process of recovering and repairing your house, you may also find yourself dealing with insurance companies who may try to shift the blame onto you. If your insurance company delays or denies your claim, it is crucial to have experienced attorneys who will fight for your rights. The last thing you need is to face the aftermath of landslide damage while battling a denied claim. Seeking legal advice promptly after a landslide can help you navigate the complexities and prevent further complications. An attorney will assist you in meeting deadlines and swiftly pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Damages Caused by Landslides

Landslide damage is typically the result of unpredictable natural disasters that catch us off guard. This is precisely why having homeowners’ insurance coverage is important. However, if your insurance company refuses to cover the damage to your home, you will require skilled attorneys to advocate for your case.

Landslide damages may include:

• Subsidence
• Mudslides
• Earth movement

Additional consequences of landslide damage can involve:

• Intrusion of mud and dirt
• Landscaping damage
• Damage to patios or driveways
• Wall and structural failures
• Contamination
• Mold growth
• Water damage
• Fire damage
• Smoke damage
• Foundation cracks

We Are Here to Assist You

Our consultations are completely free and come with no obligations or commitments. By speaking with an attorney today, you can expect us to:

• Explain the legal process to you
• Safeguard your best interests
• Provide the necessary assistance
• Help you make well-informed decisions
• Address all of your questions
• Charge no fees or hidden costs

Obtain the Compensation You Deserve

Property damage claims can involve complex factors. Your insurance company may attempt to diminish the payment you receive or, in the worst case, deny your claim altogether. You should not settle for anything less than what you deserve. Instead, consult with an attorney at our office during a free consultation to explore your legal options. Even if you choose not to proceed with your case, we can provide you with a clearer understanding of your situation and help you make an educated decision.

Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP: Working Diligently to Secure Full Recoveries for Landslide Victims

The dedicated team at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP will handle all the legal aspects on your behalf. We will handle interactions with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery and spending time with your loved ones. Our priority is to protect your rights and provide the assistance you need.

If you require assistance with filing a property damage claim related to a landslide, contact the Los Angeles property damage attorneys at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP without delay. We understand the importance of obtaining the compensation necessary for you and your family. To schedule a free consultation, reach out to us online or call 888-20-CLAIM. 

With offices located in San Diego and Los Angeles, we serve clients throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Hidden Hills, Pasadena, San Marino, Brentwood, Encino, Newport Beach, and Foresthill.

It is critical to understand how California state law defines personal property and loss of use. Understanding the claims procedure can help you make sure you get the insurance payout you are due if you ever lose your house as a result of a natural disaster. 

Knowing the specifics will be beneficial should you ever find yourself in this unfortunate scenario because insurance companies are renowned for trying to pay out less than victims deserve. Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated, and they often act in bad faith against their policyholders. After incurring property damages or loss, it is best to speak with an experienced attorney. The property damages attorneys at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo LLP can help when dealing with property damages and insurance companies. 

Personal Property Loss vs. Dwelling Loss

Almost everything you own is considered personal property. You won’t be protected if you lose your home to a natural disaster if you have pets, credit cards, a car, or other property insured separately from your homeowners’ policy.

The industry standard ranges from 40% to 70% of the dwelling coverage, with the limit for personal property coverage often being a defined proportion of the property insurance coverage. Furniture, clothing, consumer electronics, appliances, jewelry, and other non-affixed contents of the home are all examples of personal property, which is the insurance term for the contents of an insured’s home.

As to dwelling loss (loss of your home), the insured is entitled to the difference between the home’s market value immediately before and after the loss, if the reasonable cost of repair is less than the value reduction. The California Department of Insurance has a guide to properly claiming damages in California.

Property Damages Statute of Limitations in California

The term “statute of limitations” is a state law that restricts your ability to bring a lawsuit for any type of legal issue or harm incurred by placing a time restriction on when you can submit the case in court. These laws have been adopted by every state, and the deadlines change based on the case and state.

Any California lawsuit for the repair or replacement of damaged or destroyed property, whether it be real property or personal property, must be filed within three years, according to California Code of Civil Procedure section 338.

Property Damage Lawsuits in California News

In a COVID-19 Property Damage Claim, the judge found against AECOM. Most of the earliest lawsuits filed by AECOM to collect on Zurich American Insurance Company property damage claims linked to COVID-19 were unsuccessful.

An all-risk policy that offered $250 million in coverage per cause with multiple sub-limits was the foundation of AECOM’s complaint, which was filed in federal district court in Pasadena, California last year.

The supervisor for international property claims at Zurich allegedly rejected coverage and informed AECOM that the presence of COVID-19 in a structure or on a surface does not represent physical loss or damage protected by the insurance, according to the complaint from AECOM.

Contact the Property Damage Lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP

Depending on the specifics of your case, we can strive to establish the facts of your claim, advocate on your behalf during a settlement, and represent you in court should you choose to sue your insurance provider for bad faith or property damage. To schedule a free consultation right away, call 833-ACTS-LAW or use the online form.

Our team of Los Angeles property damage lawyers specializes in assisting homeowners with mold damage claims. When mold growth becomes uncontrollable, it can lead to a decline in property value and pose health risks to residents. Addressing mold growth promptly is crucial, as its removal becomes increasingly challenging over time. Before contacting your insurance company, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a legal professional experienced in handling toxic mold cases. Successfully settling a mold damage claim may require thorough investigations and the testimony of engineering and medical experts.

Coverage for Mold Damage in Homeowners Insurance Policies

Determining whether your homeowners insurance policy covers mold damage depends on the cause of the mold growth. Typically, mold removal is not covered if the damage occurs gradually over time or is a result of the property owner’s failure to perform necessary maintenance. Examples include mold in a bathroom due to an unresolved shower leak or roof damage resulting from neglecting to repair loose or missing shingles.

However, if the cause of mold growth is a covered peril, such as a sudden accident or natural disaster, your insurance policy is more likely to cover the cost of mold remediation. Examples of covered perils include lightning strikes, fires, heavy snow or ice dams on the roof, burst pipes or accidental water discharge, theft or vandalism, and damage caused by a vehicle. 

For instance, if mold develops after extinguishing a house fire with water, the policy may cover the cost of mold removal. Similarly, mold growth resulting from a broken water heater, washer, or dishwasher may also be covered. Ice dams, which occur when melting snow freezes at the roof’s edge or gutters, can lead to mold problems inside the house and may be covered by insurance.

Exclusions and Additional Coverage

Flooding is typically excluded from standard homeowners’ policies. To obtain coverage for water damage caused by heavy rains, mudslides, hurricanes, tidal surges, or other types of flooding, policyholders must purchase separate flood insurance, especially if the property is in a designated flood hazard zone. Flood insurance should cover mold remediation costs if the property is properly inspected and maintained after the flood occurs. Prompt removal of standing water and appropriate drying measures are the homeowner’s responsibility. Failure to take these steps may result in the insurance company denying the mold damage claim.

While standard policies exclude flooding, they may still cover water damage resulting from sudden and accidental losses, such as burst plumbing fixtures. It is important not to confuse flooding, which is excluded, with this form of loss, which may be covered.

Some insurance companies have introduced absolute mold exclusions, stating that the policy does not apply to losses caused by or resulting from mold growth, regardless of the trigger. Others have significantly reduced the coverage amount for mold damage. In certain humid areas, it may be possible to purchase additional mold coverage through an optional rider, but this will increase the cost of the policy.

Filing a Mold Damage Claim

Navigating the complexities of a property damage claim requires the expertise of experienced Los Angeles property damage lawyers. Before filing a mold damage claim, carefully review your insurance policy, as policy wording can be ambiguous. An attorney well-versed in insurance law can help clarify the extent of your coverage. In cases involving sudden accidents like burst water pipes, fires, or lightning strikes, your insurance company may dispatch a mold remediation company to prevent mold growth. This can potentially eliminate the need for a separate mold claim in the future.

Keep meticulous records of all repairs and retain receipts in case a separate mold claim becomes necessary. Taking photographs of the damage is also advisable. Initial repairs may not be sufficient to prevent future mold growth, and it may be necessary to demonstrate that the mold discovered later is a result of the covered peril rather than the property owner’s failure to address a regular water leak. If you believe mold growth is due to a covered peril, refrain from cleaning the damaged area before filing another claim. Consult with an attorney and document the damage independently to ensure you have the necessary representation and evidence to support your claim.

Timely action is crucial when filing a mold damage claim. Delaying may lead to the insurance company arguing that the damage could have been prevented with earlier intervention. This is also important if the claim escalates to court, as California has a statute of limitations specifying the time period within which you can file a claim after discovering the problem.

Health Effects of Mold

Lingering mold and mildew can cause various health issues, ranging from mild symptoms like coughing, itching, and eye irritation to more severe respiratory problems and sore throat. Mycotoxins produced by mold growth can lead to infections, skin rashes, allergy symptoms, and worsened respiratory ailments, particularly for individuals with allergies, sinusitis, lung diseases, and weakened immune systems. Certain symptoms of mold exposure may resemble those of the flu, but if symptoms worsen in moldy environments, it is likely mold-triggered or exacerbated illness.

Mold can pose health risks even after it is dead and dry, especially if it is thick and abundant. Some types of mold are more toxic than others, and ingestion or inhalation of toxic mold can induce asthma and other health problems. Headaches, diarrhea, fatigue, dermatitis, histoplasmosis, and immune system failure are among the potential health effects associated with mycotoxins produced by mold and fungus.

Covered Losses for Mold Damage

The losses covered in insurance claims depend on whether mold growth affects both the property and the residents’ health. Property damage losses that may be covered include temporary housing if the home becomes uninhabitable, the cost of producing a mold inspection report by professionals, replacement of personal property damaged by mold or mildew, complete mold removal from all surfaces, and repairs or replacement of wooden structures.

Personal injury claims will require testimony from medical professionals, potentially including allergists or other physicians specializing in mold-related issues. These experts must testify with reasonable certainty that the mold caused the health problems. Compensation under personal injury claims may cover diagnostic tests, medical treatments, and potential lost wages if the health effects prevent the person from working. Pain and suffering may also be compensable.

Identifying Mold Damage

Detecting mold can be challenging, as there are numerous types, and it may grow in unseen areas such as air conditioning systems, beneath floor coverings, within wood, and behind walls. Water stains, musty odors, and water leaks are clear signs that mold may be present in your home. However, mold may also be present in areas not easily visible. Surfaces high in cellulose, such as construction paper, drywall, and fiberboard, are particularly susceptible to mold growth. Mold can start growing within 48 hours under damp, humid conditions above 70 degrees.

Preventing Mold

Effective cleaning and proper ventilation are key steps in mold prevention. Regularly clean your bathroom, utilize dehumidifiers or air conditioners to maintain humidity below 60 percent, install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, inspect cabinetry under sinks for mold growth, avoid carpet installation in damp areas like bathrooms and basements, regularly clean gutters, and inspect hoses in washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers to prevent leaks. If a flood, pipe burst, or water-related problem occurs, document the damage and remove any standing water promptly. Take furniture or rugs outside to dry and open windows or use dehumidifiers. It is crucial to dry affected areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

California Laws and Mold

The California Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001 established exposure limits for mold to mitigate public health risks. Property sellers must disclose the presence of mold exceeding permissible exposure limits. California courts have allowed tenants to withhold rent if they consider mold to render their apartments uninhabitable. Tenants have also been permitted to clean up mold themselves and deduct the cost from their rent. In San Francisco, mold is deemed a public health nuisance, enabling tenants to sue landlords for violating city nuisance laws if they fail to address mold issues.

California residents may have grounds to file lawsuits against builders, contractors, or architects if mold growth is proven to result from construction defects. Additionally, if mold appears in your home after hiring a company to clean or repair following a flood, you may have a claim for negligence against that company.

Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP: Assisting with Mold Damage Claims

If your home has been damaged by toxic mold, potentially leading to health problems for you or your family, our Los Angeles property damage lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP are well-versed in insurance law and can help you understand the coverage limits outlined in your policy. We are committed to maximizing your financial compensation to facilitate property repair or replacement and cover any necessary medical treatments. Schedule a free consultation by calling 833-ACTS-LAW or contacting us online today.

We serve clients throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Hidden Hills, Pasadena, San Marino, Brentwood, Encino, Newport Beach, and Foresthill. Our offices are located in San Diego and Los Angeles.

When major disasters such as hurricanes, mudslides, or heavy rainfall occur, properties are at risk of flooding, which can result in significant damage. Typically, property owners need to obtain additional flood insurance to cover damages caused by floods. However, the requirement for flood insurance varies. In some cases, insurers mandate flood insurance, while in others, property owners have the choice to opt for additional coverage.

The necessity of flood insurance depends on the property’s location and whether it falls within a designated flood hazard zone by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). 

Unfortunately, many property owners do not consider obtaining separate flood insurance until after experiencing flood damage, only to discover that their policy does not include flood coverage. It is crucial for property owners to understand the extent of coverage provided by their policies and ensure its adequacy for their needs.

If you find yourself in such a situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (888) 20-CLAIM. At Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP, our team of experienced property damage lawyers is here to assist you in any way we can.

Our dedicated insurance claim attorneys specialize in property insurance policies and can provide answers to any questions you may have regarding your flood damage or other property damage claims. If your claim has been denied, we will gladly review your insurance coverage and work with you to pursue the rightful compensation you deserve. Count on our knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the necessary steps toward resolving your water damage claim effectively.