According to The Business Research Company, termites in the US are anticipated to cause approximately $5 billion in damage to buildings and structures in 2025. The termite control market is projected to reach $5.82 billion in the same year.
An Alabama termite damage lawyer says that you have legal rights under any pest control bond or insurance policy if your property has been damaged by termites. The pest control company you hired did a poor job when you kept on dealing with termites in your home, place of business, or house of worship.
Let’s find out the steps you can do to legally prove termite damage on your property.
Understanding Termite Damage and Its Implications
Termite attacks are a threat to the structural safety of your home. It can damage the unsuspecting areas like walls and foundations. Delaying repairs can even cost you more money.
Termite damage can lower your property’s value. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance is a must to avoid any nasty surprises when you plan to sell it later.
Gathering Evidence of Termite Infestation
To prove the extermination, your evidence of the presence of termites must be convincing. You can typically find termites in mud tubes, dry wings, or hollow wood.
Inspect termite damage in basements or crawl spaces, which are termite habitats. Capture photos of damage which you can later use as your evidence.
Hire an exterminator who can conduct a complete assessment, as their report can serve as a reliable source of evidence. Keep track of treatments or inspections conducted by any party, as this will help with timelines.
Documenting the Damage for Legal Purposes
Take photos of all affected areas, including structural damage with noticeable signs of infestation. Keep multiple angles and distances.
Write a detailed report on the severity of damage with dates and descriptions of the affected structures. Pest control experts can bring more strength to your case as they convey your side.
For future reference and proof of damage, make sure to secure all your documents of repairs or treatments.
Dealing with Insurance Claims for Termite Damage
It is important that you know about the policies and regulations of the claims process. Verify your coverage for termite damage in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Keep all documents related to the damage, such as photographs of the damage, repair cost estimates, and pest control service reports.
Collate any evidence like a record or log of your conversations with the loss assessor. File a claim with the insurance company.
Make sure to tirelessly follow up with the insurance company to determine if your claim has been approved or denied.
Preparing for Legal Disputes Involving Termite Damage
Claims for insurance can arise into disputes, especially if you feel that your insurer is escaping responsibility in dealing with your termite damage.
Collect all the relevant evidence, such as inspection reports, photos of the damage, and correspondence with your insurer, as you prepare for a possible lawsuit.
Be strict in establishing a timeline of events from when the damage was first discovered through the claims process.
With the expert opinions, such as pest control companies, their professional assessment of the damage can help your case.
Schedule a consultation with a lawyer who specializes in property damage claims. They will explain your legal rights and discuss with you how to proceed.
Stay organized and proactive throughout the legal process. Your preparation can put you at an advantage as you pursue your case.
