Superstorm Sandy destroyed or damaged thousands of New York and New Jersey homes and businesses that were completely flooded by water surges. Flooding destroyed the exterior of many homes and businesses along the NY / NJ coastal regions – even those located miles inland – destroying foundations, roofs, siding and landscaping.
Interior damage from flooding resulted in ruined furniture, electrical systems, plumbing systems, carpeting, flooring, appliances and personal effects such as paintings, computer equipment, televisions, stereos and so much more.
Sewage backup from heavy rains and flooding can also be a very serious issue as storm water can overload main lines and cause sewage to enter homes or overflow onto streets. Unfortunately, flood damage often goes beyond what can be seen. Left untreated, the result of flooding can often lead to mold, mildew and other health hazards which can be difficult to remediate.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage due to flood. Floor insurance must be purchased separately through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). However, flood insurance is generally not required, or needed, unless a property is in a flood zone – which was the case for about 70% of the victims of Superstorm Sandy.
Property owners filing claims with their insurance companies are often denied proceeds for that reason – sometimes without the insurer having done a proper investigation. An experienced bad faith insurance lawyer can determine whether your insurance company’s decision was legitimate – or simply an excuse to deny your claim.
If you believe an insurance company is not paying you fairly for flood damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, turn to the experienced insurance lawyers at Belluck & Fox LLP. We know how to take on insurance companies and win – and we have secured more than $500 million for our clients and their families.
Call 212-681-1575 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We’ll get started on your claim right away. We are accepting claims from Sandy victims in New Jersey and New York, including residents of Staten Island, Long Island and the Jersey Shore.