Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Termite Damage Claims
The climate in Alabama and Georgia makes the risk of termite damage high, and the consequences for homeowners can be catastrophic. If a pest control company did not do their job, you could be out tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Under Alabama and Georgia law, you have legal recourse if you suffered damages due to improper termite control. However, those laws are complex, and your legal situation can get messy quickly. The termite damage lawyers at Braswell Murphy, LLC stand up for homeowners.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
It’s important to be vigilant and take immediate action at the first sign of a termite problem. Here are the key warning signs:
- Sagging floors
- Blisters in wood flooring
- Bulges in sheetrock or plaster
- Unexplained wood shavings
- Pencil-sized mud tubes along the exterior of your home
Remember, the longer a termite infestation is allowed to fester, the more extensive the damage. Call a pest control company at the first sign of trouble.
Know The Termite Company’s Duties And Responsibilities
When you hire a Pest Control Operator to treat for termites, they should treat your home in one of the following ways:
- Dig a trench around the home and spray liquid termiticide in the trench;
- Drill holes into your slab or piers and inject termiticide into the soil; or
- Place a bait system around the home that attracts and kills termites, including the queen.
Regulations from the Alabama and Georgia Department of Agriculture require the termite company to conduct an annual inspection of the residence after an initial treatment. This should include both an interior and exterior inspection. The technician should inspect all reasonably accessible areas of the residence, including the attic and, if applicable, the crawl space.
When you purchase a home, generally the buyer will require that a termite company conduct a full inspection and issue a Wood Infestation Inspection Report (“WIIR”). While the technician will not look behind any walls or deface the property in search of an infestation, he or she must inspect every accessible area of the residence.
Getting Compensation For Termite Damage
In principle, if a pest control company failed to do their job and you sustained damage to your home as a result, they should be responsible for paying for those damages. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may also contain coverage for termite damage. However, the contractual language that applies to these types of claims is usually convoluted and can easily result in your claim being denied.
That’s why it’s critical that you contact a law firm well-versed in the relevant laws before you take any other action. We will listen to your story, review the applicable policies and contracts, investigate, and get to the bottom of what happened. Our goal is to protect your legal rights and your financial future.
