When you own your home, you are required to perform maintenance and upkeep to ensure your home remains functional. This upkeep includes tasks from cleaning out your gutters to replacing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters. These tasks are expected and ones you should plan for, but what happens when your property sustains damage from an issue you couldn’t foresee?
If your home was built before 1975, you might be experiencing damages from your cast iron pipe plumbing system. These systems are prematurely failing because of corrosion. To add to the problem, many insurance companies are not working with their clients to compensate them for the pipes that require replacement. These companies are also not working with their clients to pay them for the damage these corroding pipes have caused. The insurance companies are calling the damage from cast iron pipes as ‘wear and tear’ and are either denying claims or seriously underpaying on them.
Cast Iron Pipe Problems
Cast iron was used for pipes until the 1980s and was the preferred material for pipes throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and can even be found used as far back as the 17th century. Cast iron is an alloy of iron and contains other elements such as silicon and carbon. It is a bit more brittle than pure iron and is extremely durable as it can withstand high amounts of pressure.
Even though they are durable and can handle pressure, cast iron pipes have a downside. The downside is that they are susceptible to rusting (corrosion), and this can cause them to fail. The rust or corrosion will happen faster or slower, depending on the environment where they are used.
The corrosion of the cast iron pipe can occur either externally or internally. Internal corrosion is a more common occurrence. Waste runs through these pipes and can build up hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas, when it becomes oxidized, creates sulfuric acid, which is the most common cause for cast iron pipes to corrode. One study conducted by the EPA in eighty-nine cities found thirty-two sewers had collapsed due to cast iron pipes corroding from hydrogen sulfide.
External corrosion occurs because of exposure to high levels of acidity and toxins in the soil, which is a result of salt, hydrogen sulfide, and other acids. If there are pipes are in homes where the environment is high in moisture, the pipes are more vulnerable to premature corrosion.
Corrosion of a cast iron pipe is a gradual process and is caused by the thinning of the pipe’s outer and inner layers, which, over time, weaken the structural integrity of the pipe. After a time, this pressure becomes too great for the pipe to support and ends in a cracked pipe, which will leak and could even rupture.
Today a new home is constructed using PVC piping, but before 1975 cast iron piping was the typical material used in almost every home across the country. This piping system was expected to have a life expectancy from fifty to seventy-five years and should still be functional in homes today.
The problem homeowners are seeing is that these cast iron pipe systems are failing and breaking down due to premature corrosion. When these systems fail, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home, resulting in numerous headaches and costly repairs. These are signs to watch for to know your cast iron pipe system is failing:
- Your water drainage is significantly slowing down. A slow drain can be an indication of a blockage that has formed, which will eventually lead to a backup of sewage and water damage. Be careful of chemical drain cleaners you may want to use to increase your drainage as these chemicals will sit in your pipes and eat away at the cast iron.
- You see water stains on your rugs and carpet.
- Tiles in your home are beginning to raise up, crack, or have broken. You may also see cracks in your foundation. Sewer pipe corrosion can cause issues with your slab or foundation, and some cases result in sinkholes on your property.
- Pests have infested your home. Rats are commonly found in sewers and are able to make their way from the main city line to the pipes running behind your walls. Cockroaches are another pest that enjoys this type of environment.
- You will notice a foul smell if a cast iron pipe has failed. If you are able to smell sewer gas around or in your building or home, it is a sign there is a crack somewhere in your sewer pipe system.
- Your toilet is backing up.
- You are experiencing a number of water leaks.
- There are noticeable lush patches of grass growing in your lawn. Sewage acts as a fertilizer for vegetation. Leakage from your septic line into the surrounding soil will give the grass in your yard extra nutrients that can result in extra green or lush appearance.
- You notice mold is beginning to grow. When a sewer pipe cracks or begins to leak, it will increase the humidity levels, which results in a mold problem.
- There are other water damages that you may encounter; this is only an example of the issues that occur from failed cast iron pipes.
What Happens When Cast Iron Pipes Fail
Pipe materials will all break down over time for a number of different reasons, with the most common ones being corrosion. Corrosion is caused by hydrogen sulfide and other acids, along with salt, and if the material is in a moisture-rich environment. Other sources that can lead to pipe corrosion include:
- Clay soils
- Construction activities
- Toxins
- Turbulence
- Acidic sewage
- Improper installation
- Chemicals
- Organic growths
When these pipes degrade and cause damage to your home, it will reduce your home's value. Your homeowner's insurance policy should cover these damages. Cracked pipes are also a danger to the environment when they leak raw sewage into the surrounding groundwater. This leakage will contaminate local water supplies.
Cast iron pipes that have failed must be replaced, but it is a costly process. Homeowners report they have had to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 and some even more. How many pipes need replacing and the number of floors and walls that need to be cut into will affect the final cost of this project. The only solution to fixing this problem is to replace the cast iron pipes with PVC piping. This process will involve cutting through the slab and walls to remove the cast iron pipes, and then using the same path, lay the new PVC pipes.
Water damage is another issue that results from failed cast iron pipes. These costs can go as high as $30,000 or higher, so it is essential that you shut off your main water valve, remove the excess water, make sure there are not any objects being ruined by the standing water, and sanitize the entire area.
The repair of a failed cast iron pipe system is not going to be a typical home repair project. To gain access to the pipes creates a whole repair job in itself, and this will quickly cascade into a nearly complete interior remodeling project. It is going to involve your insurance company and a plumber who specializes in this type of repair. Choose a plumber who has had past experience with replacing cast iron pipes and one that is familiar working with insurance companies on these types of damages. You will also have to check with your local government to get the necessary permits, and most likely, a contractor to restore your home once the damaged pipes are replaced.
While the work is being done, it may be to your advantage to photograph the process as proof or evidence should your case with your insurance carrier becomes a legal issue. Digital pictures are quick, easy, and free, and you should include some video footage of the damages as well.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, as these claims are time-sensitive.
Will Insurance Cover Cast Iron Pipe Damage?
Estimates are showing there may be more than seventy-six million homes across the country that are affected by problems with cast iron pipes. Many of these homes are experiencing slow sewage leaks that have gone undetected for years. The pipes are generally in an area not visible to the homeowner, and the signs from the leakage appear only after the damage has spread. Once the damage has happened, your only choice of action is invasive and costly repairs.
When you have to initiate repair work, it will involve tearing out all of the old pipes and replacing them with modern replacements. Pipes in a home run through the walls, they go under the floors and will go into the crawlspace or basement of the structure. There are a lot of surface areas involved when you begin looking at replacing the cast iron pipes in your home. It will be a costly adventure to replace all of them, and your bills are going to start adding up. If rats or cockroaches have been attracted to the sewage seeping from your pipes, you may also need to add an exterminator to your costs.
Replacement of failed pipes is imperative for your health and that of the environment. In some cases, an HOA (homeowner's association) may include related repairs such as faulty cast iron pipes in its fees. Check the membership documents to determine if this is the case with your home. Property insurance companies have made claims for faulty cast iron pipes complicated over the years as they have had to deal with plumbing damages and loss from these systems.
Most insurance policies cover damage caused by cast iron pipe plumbing problems. They should cover the expenses you incur for replacing these pipes with new ones. But this is not always the case; some insurance companies deny your insurance claim or else will only pay a fraction of the bills you have incurred. There has been a lot of confusion created concerning the coverage of these pipes and the damage they can cause.
There are two common reasons for insurance companies not meeting their responsibilities for covering cast iron pipe damage. One reason is timeliness, and the other is the apparent damage that has occurred.
It is essential that you file an insurance claim as soon as you notice any water damage, which, according to most insurance companies, is within seventy-two hours of seeing the damage. If you wait longer than this time frame, the insurance company may deny your claim based on the fact that regular upkeep was not being performed on your property.
The other reason, apparent damage, is when the insurance only wants to pay for repairs that are obviously damaged or apparent damage. This reason causes problems down the line as replacing only the burst or cracked pipe is only putting a band-aid on a serious injury to your plumbing system.
Insurance companies are known to make their provisions confusing by talking about exclusions or limitations. If you receive a 'no,' you should not give up as there is often a 'yes' to be found if you know where to look. Having an attorney working with you can benefit you in getting the compensation you deserve for the damage caused by failed cast iron pipes.
If one pipe has failed, it is pretty certain all your pipes will fail sooner or later, and the chances are pretty high for them failing sooner if one has already caused significant damage. The insurance company will more than likely send in one of their experts to assess the damage, but you can also call an expert of your own to review the damage.
Florida Issues with Cast Iron Pipes
In the State of Florida, there are a lot of properties that contain cast iron pipes. Cast iron was originally used because it was thought to have longevity and to be quite durable, but it has turned out to be susceptible to deterioration through corrosion. When PVC was introduced as an alternate plumbing material, cast iron became obsolete, but many structures in Florida already contain the cast iron plumbing systems.
Waterfront areas in Florida, such as Tampa, are incredibly susceptible to corrosion of these cast iron pipe systems due to the moisture-rich environment and salt. Corroding pipes can release rust into the water and possibly cause health risks for many individuals. When water becomes contaminated, it will smell and is unpleasant in taste.
When cast iron pipes corrode, they become weak. They will leak, causing buildings owners to experience higher water bills and their sewage to leak into personal or local water supplies slowly. When left unfixed, these leakages can lead to total failure of the pipe system and cause devastating water damage to the structure as well as to lawns and other properties. If sewage backs up into a structure or home, it is detrimental to the property and your health. It leads to potential exposure to harsh chemicals, pathogens, bacteria, and other dangerous materials.
If you live in Florida or any other moisture-rich environment and your cast iron pipe system is twenty-five years or older, you should have your pipes inspected by a professional to check for damage. You may have noticed wet or damaged baseboards behind your dishwasher, washing machine, or sink, but the real problem is most likely concealed behind your walls. Plumbers are able to diagnosis these pipes with special tools that allow them to inspect in hard-to-access areas. Remember, if you have a cast iron pipe system in your structure, it is not a question of 'if' they will fail, but 'when.'
When dealing with systems containing cast iron pipes, it does not make sense to repair any leaks you discover. Once you've found the leak, a considerable amount of time has most likely lapsed, and it will be in your best interest to prevent any further structural damage to your home or building by replacing the system with PVC piping.
If a sewer leak occurs under a concrete slab of a home or building foundation, there may be cracks in your foundation, sloping floors, walls, and more. You may need to consider other damages than just your pipes that need attention.
These damages are going to involve costly repairs, and you are going to want your insurance company to pay for all or most of these expenses. Talk to a lawyer about filing a claim as many insurance companies are using 'exclusions' as their reason for denying claims on damages resulting from failed cast iron pipes. Do not let your insurance company take advantage of you by claiming:
- You failed to properly maintain your structure
- The damages are 'pre-existing'
- You do not have ‘flood’ coverage on your policy
- The damage of the cast iron pipes is due to ordinary ‘wear and tear’
- Your damages are not 'sudden and accidental'
- You do not have coverage for general ‘plumbing’ issues
There are a large number of claims related to cast iron pipes leaking in Florida, which has resulted in insurance premiums rising out of control. This situation is unfortunate, and homeowners should not have to suffer from these bad pipes as they reduce the value of their homes. Market values on homes can be lowered as much as twenty percent or more from cast iron pipe systems failing inspections.
Do You Need a Lawyer When Dealing with Failing Cast Iron Pipes?
If you are having problems with your insurance company and are not receiving the coverage promised on your homeowner's policy, you may need to have an attorney involved to receive the help you deserve. You most likely have a legal case if your home was built before 1975 and are experiencing water damage that your insurance has denied, or not fully covered. You may also have a legal case if your home is older than 1975, and you've noticed damage, but have not filed an insurance claim yet.
From the first phone call you place to your insurance company, they initiate a team of their professionals to begin denying your claim or seriously underpaying it. Having an attorney working on your side will help with this frustrating process and allow you to focus on repairing your home or building while they fight the insurance company.
Many of the exemptions used by insurance companies turn out to be invalid, and an attorney will help you to discover these facts. As you might expect, as more and more homes and buildings are finding issues with their cast iron pipe systems, insurance companies are doing their best at denying or delaying policyholder claims and even re-writing new policies. It's important to address this issue with your insurance as soon as the problem is discovered.
Cast Iron Pipe Lawsuit for Denial of Insurance Claims
Some insurance companies have argued they are not paying claims for cast iron pipe damages as a means of protecting their customers from higher premiums. This statement is not a reality; they are, in fact, robbing their customers of compensation that is entitled to them. Policyholders are upset with these terms and are fighting back.
An MDL (multidistrict litigation) is when consumers share a common complaint, and instead of the courts hearing individual cases, in multiple courts, they are grouped together and heard before a single district court. This proceeding streamlines court dockets and provides a more consistent ruling for numerous lawsuits that all relate to one legal issue. Mass torts work well for larger cases, which involve a large number of plaintiffs.
Find a Mass Tort Near Me for Cast Iron Pipes
If your home or building was built prior to 1975 and has an existing cast iron pipe system which is failing, contact Consumer Alert Now 800-511-0747. Failure of these systems can cause serious health issues and generate costly repairs that your insurance company should be covering. We are ready to sit down and talk with you about your options and help you find the compensation you deserve to cover the expenses experienced from this expensive repair project. When you own your home, you are required to perform maintenance and upkeep to ensure your home remains functional. This upkeep includes tasks from cleaning out your gutters to replacing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters. These tasks are expected and ones you should plan for, but what happens when your property sustains damage from an issue you couldn’t foresee?
If your home was built before 1975, you might be experiencing damages from your cast iron pipe plumbing system. These systems are prematurely failing because of corrosion. To add to the problem, many insurance companies are not working with their clients to compensate them for the pipes that require replacement. These companies are also not working with their clients to pay them for the damage these corroding pipes have caused. The insurance companies are calling the damage from cast iron pipes as ‘wear and tear’ and are either denying claims or seriously underpaying on them.
Cast Iron Pipe Problems
Cast iron was used for pipes until the 1980s and was the preferred material for pipes throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and can even be found useful as far back as the 17th century. Cast iron is an alloy of iron and contains other elements such as silicon and carbon. It is a bit more brittle than pure iron and is extremely durable as it can withstand high amounts of pressure.
Even though they are durable and can handle pressure, cast iron pipes have a downside. The downside is that they are susceptible to rusting (corrosion), and this can cause them to fail. The rust or corrosion will happen faster or slower, depending on the environment where they are used.
The corrosion of the cast iron pipe can occur either externally or internally. Internal corrosion is a more common occurrence. Waste runs through these pipes and can build up hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas, when it becomes oxidized, creates sulfuric acid, which is the most common cause for cast iron pipes to corrode. One study conducted by the EPA in eighty-nine cities found thirty-two sewers had collapsed due to cast iron pipes corroding from hydrogen sulfide.
External corrosion occurs because of exposure to high levels of acidity and toxins in the soil, which is a result of salt, hydrogen sulfide, and other acids. If there are pipes are in homes where the environment is high in moisture, the pipes are more vulnerable to premature corrosion.
Corrosion of a cast iron pipe is a gradual process and is caused by the thinning of the pipe’s outer and inner layers, which, over time, weaken the structural integrity of the pipe. After a time, this pressure becomes too great for the pipe to support and ends in a cracked pipe, which will leak and could even rupture.
Today a new home is constructed using PVC piping, but before 1975 cast iron piping was the typical material used in almost every home across the country. This piping system was expected to have a life expectancy from fifty to seventy-five years and should still be functional in homes today.
The problem homeowners are seeing is that these cast iron pipe systems are failing and breaking down due to premature corrosion. When these systems fail, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home, resulting in numerous headaches and costly repairs. These are signs to watch for to know your cast iron pipe system is failing:
- Your water drainage is significantly slowing down. A slow drain can be an indication of a blockage that has formed, which will eventually lead to a backup of sewage and water damage. Be careful of chemical drain cleaners you may want to use to increase your drainage as these chemicals will sit in your pipes and eat away at the cast iron.
- You see water stains on your rugs and carpet.
- Tiles in your home are beginning to raise up, crack, or have broken. You may also see cracks in your foundation. Sewer pipe corrosion can cause issues with your slab or foundation, and some cases result in sinkholes on your property.
- Pests have infested your home. Rats are commonly found in sewers and are able to make their way from the main city line to the pipes running behind your walls. Cockroaches are another pest that enjoys this type of environment.
- You will notice a foul smell if a cast iron pipe has failed. If you are able to smell sewer gas around or in your building or home, it is a sign there is a crack somewhere in your sewer pipe system.
- Your toilet is backing up.
- You are experiencing a number of water leaks.
- There are noticeable lush patches of grass growing in your lawn. Sewage acts as a fertilizer for vegetation. Leakage from your septic line into the surrounding soil will give the grass in your yard extra nutrients that can result in extra green or lush appearance.
- You notice mold is beginning to grow. When a sewer pipe cracks or begins to leak, it will increase the humidity levels, which results in a mold problem.
- There are other water damages that you may encounter, this is only an example of the issues that occur from failed cast iron pipes.
What Happens When Cast Iron Pipes Fail
Pipe materials will all break down over time for a number of different reasons, with the most common ones being corrosion. Corrosion is caused by hydrogen sulfide and other acids, along with salt, and if the material is in a moisture-rich environment. Other sources that can lead to pipe corrosion include:
- Clay soils
- Construction activities
- Toxins
- Turbulence
- Acidic sewage
- Improper installation
- Chemicals
- Organic growths
When these pipes degrade and cause damage to your home, it will reduce your home's value. Your homeowner's insurance policy should cover these damages. Cracked pipes are also a danger to the environment when they leak raw sewage into the surrounding groundwater. This leakage will contaminate local water supplies.
Cast iron pipes that have failed must be replaced, but it is a costly process. Homeowners report they have had to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 and some even more. How many pipes need replacing and the number of floors and walls that need to be cut into will affect the final cost of this project. The only solution to fixing this problem is to replace the cast iron pipes with PVC piping. This process will involve cutting through the slab and walls to remove the cast iron pipes, and then using the same path, lay the new PVC pipes.
Water damage is another issue that results from failed cast iron pipes. These costs can go as high as $30,000 or higher, so it is essential that you shut off your main water valve, remove the excess water, make sure there are not any objects being ruined by the standing water, and sanitize the entire area.
The repair of a failed cast iron pipe system is not going to be a typical home repair project. To gain access to the pipes creates a whole repair job in itself, and this will quickly cascade into a nearly complete interior remodeling project. It is going to involve your insurance company and a plumber who specializes in this type of repair. Choose a plumber who has had past experience with replacing cast iron pipes and one that is familiar working with insurance companies on these types of damages. You will also have to check with your local government to get the necessary permits, and most likely, a contractor to restore your home once the damaged pipes are replaced.
While the work is being done, it may be to your advantage to photograph the process as proof or evidence should your case with your insurance carrier becomes a legal issue. Digital pictures are quick, easy, and free, and you should include some video footage of the damages as well.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, as these claims are time-sensitive.
Will Insurance Cover Cast Iron Pipe Damage?
Estimates are showing there may be more than seventy-six million homes across the country that are affected by problems with cast iron pipes. Many of these homes are experiencing slow sewage leaks that have gone undetected for years. The pipes are generally in an area not visible to the homeowner, and the signs from the leakage appear only after the damage has spread. Once the damage has happened, your only choice of action is invasive and costly repairs.
When you have to initiate repair work, it will involve tearing out all of the old pipes and replacing them with modern replacements. Pipes in a home run through the walls, they go under the floors and will go into the crawlspace or basement of the structure. There are a lot of surface areas involved when you begin looking at replacing the cast iron pipes in your home. It will be a costly adventure to replace all of them, and your bills are going to start adding up. If rats or cockroaches have been attracted to the sewage seeping from your pipes, you may also need to add an exterminator to your costs.
Replacement of failed pipes is imperative for your health and that of the environment. In some cases, an HOA (homeowner's association) may include related repairs such as faulty cast iron pipes in its fees. Check the membership documents to determine if this is the case with your home. Property insurance companies have made claims for faulty cast iron pipes complicated over the years as they have had to deal with plumbing damages and loss from these systems.
Most insurance policies cover damage caused by cast iron pipe plumbing problems. They should cover the expenses you incur for replacing these pipes with new ones. But this is not always the case; some insurance companies deny your insurance claim or else will only pay a fraction of the bills you have incurred. There has been a lot of confusion created concerning the coverage of these pipes and the damage they can cause.
There are two common reasons for insurance companies not meeting their responsibilities for covering cast iron pipe damage. One reason is timeliness, and the other is the apparent damage that has occurred.
It is essential that you file an insurance claim as soon as you notice any water damage, which, according to most insurance companies, is within seventy-two hours of seeing the damage. If you wait longer than this time frame, the insurance company may deny your claim based on the fact that regular upkeep was not being performed on your property.
The other reason, apparent damage, is when the insurance only wants to pay for repairs that are obviously damaged or apparent damage. This reason causes problems down the line as replacing only the burst, or cracked pipe is only putting a band-aid on a serious injury to your plumbing system.
Insurance companies are known to make their provisions confusing by talking about exclusions or limitations. If you receive a 'no,' you should not give up as there is often a 'yes' to be found if you know where to look. Having an attorney working with you can benefit you in getting the compensation you deserve for the damage caused by failed cast iron pipes.
If one pipe has failed, it is pretty certain all your pipes will fail sooner or later, and the chances are pretty high for them failing sooner if one has already caused significant damage. The insurance company will more than likely send in one of their experts to assess the damage, but you can also call an expert of your own to review the damage.
Florida Issues with Cast Iron Pipes
In the State of Florida, there are a lot of properties that contain cast iron pipes. Cast iron was originally used because it was thought to have longevity and to be quite durable, but it has turned out to be susceptible to deterioration through corrosion. When PVC was introduced as an alternate plumbing material, cast iron became obsolete, but many structures in Florida already contain the cast iron plumbing systems.
Waterfront areas in Florida, such as Tampa, are incredibly susceptible to corrosion of these cast iron pipe systems due to the moisture-rich environment and salt. Corroding pipes can release rust into the water and possibly cause health risks for many individuals. When water becomes contaminated, it will smell and is unpleasant in taste.
When cast iron pipes corrode, they become weak. They will leak, causing buildings owners to experience higher water bills and their sewage to leak into personal or local water supplies slowly. When left unfixed, these leakages can lead to total failure of the pipe system and cause devastating water damage to the structure as well as to lawns and other properties. If sewage backs up into a structure or home, it is detrimental to the property and your health. It leads to potential exposure to harsh chemicals, pathogens, bacteria, and other dangerous materials.
If you live in Florida or any other moisture-rich environment and your cast iron pipe system is twenty-five years or older, you should have your pipes inspected by a professional to check for damage. You may have noticed wet or damaged baseboards behind your dishwasher, washing machine, or sink, but the real problem is most likely concealed behind your walls. Plumbers are able to diagnosis these pipes with special tools that allow them to inspect in hard-to-access areas. Remember, if you have a cast iron pipe system in your structure, it is not a question of 'if' they will fail, but 'when.'
When dealing with systems containing cast iron pipes, it does not make sense to repair any leaks you discover. Once you've found the leak, a considerable amount of time has most likely lapsed, and it will be in your best interest to prevent any further structural damage to your home or building by replacing the system with PVC piping.
If a sewer leak occurs under a concrete slab of a home or building foundation, there may be cracks in your foundation, sloping floors, walls, and more. You may need to consider other damages than just your pipes that need attention.
These damages are going to involve costly repairs, and you are going to want your insurance company to pay for all or most of these expenses. Talk to a lawyer about filing a claim as many insurance companies are using 'exclusions' as their reason for denying claims on damages resulting from failed cast iron pipes. Do not let your insurance company take advantage of you by claiming:
- You failed to properly maintain your structure
- The damages are 'pre-existing'
- You do not have ‘flood’ coverage on your policy
- The damage of the cast iron pipes is due to ordinary ‘wear and tear’
- Your damages are not 'sudden and accidental'
- You do not have coverage for general ‘plumbing’ issues
There are a large number of claims related to cast iron pipes leaking in Florida, which has resulted in insurance premiums rising out of control. This situation is unfortunate, and homeowners should not have to suffer from these bad pipes as they reduce the value of their homes. Market values on homes can be lowered as much as twenty percent or more from cast iron pipe systems failing inspections.
Do You Need a Lawyer When Dealing with Failing Cast Iron Pipes?
If you are having problems with your insurance company and are not receiving the coverage promised on your homeowner's policy, you may need to have an attorney involved to receive the help you deserve. You most likely have a legal case if your home was built before 1975 and are experiencing water damage that your insurance has denied, or not fully covered. You may also have a legal case if your home is older than 1975, and you've noticed damage, but have not filed an insurance claim yet.
From the first phone call you place to your insurance company, they initiate a team of their professionals to begin denying your claim or seriously underpaying it. Having an attorney working on your side will help with this frustrating process and allow you to focus on repairing your home or building while they fight the insurance company.
Many of the exemptions used by insurance companies turn out to be invalid, and an attorney will help you to discover these facts. As you might expect, as more and more homes and buildings are finding issues with their cast iron pipe systems, insurance companies are doing their best at denying or delaying policyholder claims and even re-writing new policies. It's important to address this issue with your insurance as soon as the problem is discovered.
Cast Iron Pipe Lawsuit for Denial of Insurance Claims
Some insurance companies have argued they are not paying claims for cast iron pipe damages as a means of protecting their customers from higher premiums. This statement is not a reality; they are, in fact, robbing their customers of compensation that is entitled to them. Policyholders are upset with these terms and are fighting back.
An MDL (multidistrict litigation) is when consumers share a common complaint, and instead of the courts hearing individual cases, in multiple courts, they are grouped together and heard before a single district court. This proceeding streamlines court dockets and provides a more consistent ruling for numerous lawsuits that all relate to one legal issue. Mass torts work well for larger cases, which involve a large number of plaintiffs.
Find a Mass Tort Near Me for Cast Iron Pipes
If your home or building was built prior to 1975 and has an existing cast iron pipe system which is failing, contact Consumer Alert Now at 800-511-0747. Failure of these systems can cause serious health issues and generate costly repairs that your insurance company should be covering. We are ready to sit down and talk with you about your options and help you find the compensation you deserve to cover the expenses experienced from this expensive repair project.