Alabama Termite Damage Claim Lawyer in Dothan
It is incredible how something so small can cause such immense and devastating damage. Yet that’s what termites can do to your home. A termite infestation can become a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when you do not immediately recognize the signs. Repairing the damage can cost you thousands of dollars, not to mention the mental turmoil associated with the thought of bugs invading your home.
Termites can live almost anywhere. However, these destructive insects thrive in warm and humid areas – particularly in the Southern United States. Alabama has been labeled a very high-risk state for termite infestations. The Dothan legal team at Gartlan Injury Law wants you to know that although termite damage can be catastrophic, you may not be liable.
Have termites impacted your home or property? Contact Gartlan Injury Law today for a free case evaluation, and let our knowledgeable legal team review the circumstances of your case. You may be able to demand valuable compensation for your losses.
Contents
- What Are Termites?
- What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?
- Who Can Be Held Responsible for Termite Damage?
- How Can a Lawyer Help Me with a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim for the Damage?
- What Damages Can I Recover in a Lawsuit for Termite Damage?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Homeowner’s Claim or Lawsuit?
- Contact an Alabama Termite Damage Claim Lawyer in Dothan
What Are Termites?
Termites are insects, sometimes called “white ants” because of their pale color and similar body structure. Most termites grow to less than half an inch long and are white or light brown. Like ants, termites have six legs but are broad-waisted with straight antennae.
They live in underground colonies. Colonies use a hierarchy system centered around a king and queen. They are highly organized and divided into a caste system, including reproductive, soldier, and worker castes. Termite colonies can range in size. However, mature colonies can contain 60,000 to 1 million termites, depending on the species.
Termites obtain nutrients from wood and plant material, meaning even a small colony of insects can wreak havoc on a home or any wooden structure.
What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?
Termites are mainly subterranean insects, creating large and complicated underground networks. It can be hard to notice the signs of a termite infestation until it is too late. However, some tell-tale signs can help you identify an infestation. Some of the most common indications you may have termites include:
- Discolored or drooping drywall
- Wood or walls that sound hollow
- Tiny, pinpoint holes in drywall
- Peeling paint that looks like water damage
- Mud tubes
- Buckling or blistered floorboards
- Maze-like patterns carved into boards, floors, or furniture
- Difficult to open doors or windows
- Discarded wings
- Fecal mounds resembling small pellets or grains of salt
- Dead insects or termite bodies
To reduce the damage caused by termites, you must identify the warning signs of an infestation as quickly as possible.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Termite Damage?
Several parties may be held responsible for significant termite damage to your home. But identifying these parties can be difficult unless you work with an Alabama termite damage claim lawyer. This is because the circumstances of your situation matter. For example, new homeowners may be able to hold the seller or home inspector liable if they tried to conceal an infestation or cover up the damage without disclosing it to the buyers. Sometimes, you may hold a pest control company that didn’t properly detect or treat the issue liable for termite damage.
Parties who may ultimately be responsible for compensating you for termite damage may include a:
- Seller
- Home inspector
- Pest control company
- Home insurance company
Holding someone accountable for termite damage can be complicated. Consulting with a knowledgeable Alabama termite damage claim lawyer can help you pinpoint the responsible parties and pursue justice.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me with a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim for the Damage?
You may file an insurance claim seeking compensation for termite damage to your home. But remember, insurance companies are interested in maintaining their bottom line. Profits come first. Often, insurance companies offer speedy settlements that fall significantly short of what you need to move forward with your life and fix your home. In a desperate attempt to remedy their situation as quickly as possible, homeowners accept the initial offer. They then find that it doesn’t satisfy their needs and that the additional money must come out of their pockets.
An experienced termite damage attorney can review your situation and identify all potentially liable parties. At Gartlan Injury Law, we also gather evidence to support your claim and conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your losses. We are committed to protecting your rights and aggressively negotiating with an insurer on your behalf for maximum compensation.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Lawsuit for Termite Damage?
The compensation you can recover from a termite damage lawsuit depends on the unique factors present in your case. In most cases, you can seek money for the following:
- Property damage, such as the cost of repairs
- Personal losses, such as emotional distress
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as the cost of staying at a hotel
How Long Do I Have to File a Homeowner’s Claim or Lawsuit?
Are you concerned about termite damage to your home? You must file a homeowner’s claim or lawsuit as soon as possible. The time you have to file a homeowner’s claim may depend on the limitations of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Review your policy or contact an attorney to help determine your deadline for filing a claim.
An experienced Dothan termite damage attorney can also help identify legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit against a seller, home inspector, or pest control company. Depending on the nature of your case, you may not have long to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for property damage.
Contact an Alabama Termite Damage Claim Lawyer in Dothan
Termite damage can ruin your home, turning the dream of homeownership into a never-ending nightmare. Don’t watch your home crumble under your feet. Contact a skilled Alabama termite damage attorney for help. At Gartlan Injury Law, we can review your situation, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Dothan office today to arrange a confidential legal consultation.