How to Find the Best Cast Iron Pipes Lawyers in Alpharetta, GA – Morgan & Morgan

If your Alpharetta home was built before 1975, you probably have cast-iron pipes. Unfortunately, cast iron pipes can be particularly prone to corrosion and leaks, potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage, repair, and replacement costs. 

If your homeowner's insurance denied or underpaid a cast-iron pipes claim, you might need legal representation to put it right. Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Our cast iron pipes lawyers in Alpharetta, GA, can be here for you and fight for a fair payout on your behalf. Get the process started today by calling us at (877) 794-4256 or fill in our contact form for a free consultation.

What Does a Cast Iron Pipes Lawyer Do?

Cast iron pipes lawyers deal with insurance disputes. They could help you if your insurance claim was denied, unreasonably delayed, or underpaid. The best cast iron pipes lawyers in Alpharetta, GA, have an in-depth knowledge of the issue and are tenacious in negotiations with insurance companies.

When a Homeowners Insurance Denies Your Claim

Most homeowners insurance policies should cover policyholders for leaking or broken pipes. However, to get rid of failing cast iron pipes, homeowners may have to modernize and replace all their plumbing, which can be astronomically expensive. This is where the rubber often meets the road. While, in theory, your homeowners insurance should pay, getting what you need can be a headache. You may even have to sue the insurance company.

The bottom line is that replacing cast iron piping can be expensive, lengthy, and arduous. Therefore, insurance companies are looking for ways to get out of paying even valid claims. A cast iron pipes lawyer can represent your best interest and protect your rights.

How an Attorney Can Help 

If your insurance does not budge and offer you an adequate cast iron pipe settlement, a cast iron pipes lawyer in Alpharetta, GA, could help. In the first instance, your attorney can assess whether you have a valid case against the insurance company. They can then help negotiate a fair settlement and, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the insurance company. 

Damage to your property’s plumbing can make for an extremely stressful situation. Homeowners often face hefty bills and great inconvenience such as having to tear up concrete floors. Finding out that your insurance company point blank refuses to pay or offers you a pittance can be frustrating. Let one of our cast iron pipes attorneys take some of the stress away and handle your insurance dispute. 

Signs That Your Cast Iron Pipes Are Damaged

If you live in an older home, you most likely have cast iron pipe plumbing. Cast iron pipes older than 25-30 years could fail at any time. Your drains may already be corroding and damaged without your knowledge. If you suspect that something is not right with your plumbing, you could hire a plumber or engineer to investigate. Professionals have various diagnostic tools, such as small cameras, that can be used to inspect inaccessible spaces and pipes.

If you discover the following signs, you could have a cast iron pipe leak: 

• Sewage odor throughout the house
• Cracks in the property’s foundation
• Discolored water
• Broken floor tiles or stained carpets
• Slow drainage 
• Extra green appearance of lawns
• Insect and rodent infestations
• Water damage on walls and floors
• Mold growth

If you suspect that your cast iron pipes are leaking, you should contact a qualified plumber as soon as possible to diagnose and remedy the problem. You may also want to contact your insurance company to find out if you could file a claim and get compensation.

Your Next Best Steps After Discovering a Leak

Discovering water damage is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner encounters. Panic can set it when you see water running across the floor or down the walls. However, it is important to act quickly and call a plumber to stop the leak. If you do not act immediately to fix the problem, an insurance company could later use this as an excuse to refuse a claim or reduce your settlement.

Take Pictures of the Damage

In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to forget to document the damage. However, this step is crucially important for getting what you deserve. Ensure to take photographs of all visible damage and any repairs you have made.

File Your Claim as Soon as Possible

It is best to file a claim with your insurance company immediately. Most homeowner policies state that policyholders are required to provide prompt notice of any damage. Filing weeks later could give the insurance company grounds for denying your claim on the basis that you did not perform regular upkeep of the house.

Contact an Attorney for Advice

If you discovered a leak and are running into problems with your insurer, seeking prompt legal advice can be helpful. Most cast iron pipes lawyers offer free consultations to assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options for getting justice. 

Insurances Companies Can Put Up a Fight

Some insurance companies make it particularly difficult for their policyholders to recover adequate settlements. They may try to: 

• Underpay your claim
• Allege cast iron pipe damage is excluded from cover
• Delay a claim for months
• Refuse to send an adjuster 

If you do not get anywhere when dealing with your insurer, consider getting legal counsel into your corner. Morgan & Morgan’s insurance dispute lawyers in Alpharetta are committed to helping homeowners avoid getting shortchanged by an insurance company. 

The Cost of Replacing Cast Iron Pipes

The cost of replacing all cast iron pipe plumbing in your home can be astronomical. However, house and sewer line inspections are generally necessary to assess the cost of having cast iron plumbing removed and replaced. Some factors that can impact the cost of cast iron pipe replacement include: 

• The overall size of the property
• Accessibility of the pipes 
• How much concrete flooring needs removing
• The extent of the plumbing needing replacement
• How many bathrooms are in the house

Generally, replacing cast iron plumbing can run into the tens and even up to hundreds of thousands, depending on the size and complexity of a property. 

Your Insurance Company Could Pay to Repipe Your Property

In many cases, repairing old cast iron pipes is not advisable as it does not fix the issue of corrosion. Therefore, if old cast iron pipes cause significant water damage to your property, you are generally better off by replacing the pipes. Your insurer is usually required to pay for repiping when repair is not an option. However, getting an insurance company to foot the bill for upgrading to new pipes can be challenging. 

Steps for Finding the Best Cast Iron Pipes Lawyers in Alpharetta, GA

Dealing with a home in disrepair and haggling for every dollar with the insurance company can be frustrating. However, an attorney can handle the insurance while you can spend your time and energy on getting your house fixed up again. Finding the best cast iron pipes lawyer can provide you with peace of mind and level the playing field when standing up to a powerful insurance company.

Find Cast Iron Pipe Lawyers on the Internet

The internet can be an excellent source for lawyers and law firms in Alpharetta. You could try a Google search to start or try using an online database such as Avvo. Surfing the internet can help you find attorneys in your area. You can also discover past clients’  reviews. Attorneys who consistently have four or five-star reviews must be doing something right.

Ask for Attorney Referrals  

Word-of-mouth can still be one of the best ways for finding a great lawyer or law firm. Perhaps someone you know has dealt with a cast iron pipe issue or can recommend a good insurance dispute attorney. 

Things to Look out for in a Cast Iron Pipes Attorney

If you get a chance to schedule a free consultation with your prospective attorney, do so. Nothing replaces a face-to-face meeting. You will also have the chance to ask questions about your case, your potential chances, and the lawyer’s track record.

Trust your gut feeling when it comes to selecting the best attorney. Credentials and past wins do not mean much if your lawyer seems disinterested or aloof, and you feel uncomfortable or unheard. Select someone who has the right mix of experience and personality and seems enthusiastic to fight for what you deserve.