The loss
In April 2024 a dishwasher supply line burst. Water spread through the kitchen and into surrounding rooms, damaging flooring, cabinetry, finishes and personal property. The home became unlivable and the family had to move out.
Early pushback
During the first inspection, the carrier's adjuster said there was mold near the dishwasher and used it to question coverage and delay the claim. No proper mold testing supported that position.
We reviewed the affected areas and showed the condition was not mold. Photos, documentation and expert input showed the damage matched water from the burst supply line. The carrier reversed course and accepted the loss as covered.
Expanding the scope
Once coverage was confirmed, it was clear the damage went well beyond a small kitchen repair. Water had reached flooring throughout the home, along with baseboards, paint and connected finishes. We pushed for a scope that reflected how water actually moves, not a patch repair. The carrier agreed to pay for full floor replacement, repainting and related work.
Temporary housing and adjuster turnover
Loss of use coverage applied, but rent payments were repeatedly late or had to be reissued. The carrier also reassigned the file several times, and each handoff meant re-explaining the claim and more delay.
We tracked every month of displacement, escalated when needed and made sure the family was paid for many months of rent. Supplemental payments corrected earlier underpayments.
Disputes over repairs and contents
Disagreements came up over cabinetry, contents, emergency services and pack-out costs. Vendor estimates understated the work, several supplements were needed, and some payments were first issued under the wrong coverage. Each error had to be corrected.
Appraisal and the result
By late 2024 the rebuild was still significantly underpaid. After months of stalled negotiation, the appraisal clause was invoked and independent appraisers inspected the property and valued the repairs.
In early 2025 the appraisal award and final supplements were issued, followed by the remaining rent. Total recovery on the claim was $311,307.12.
Every claim is different and no result is guaranteed.
Settlement checks
