What does a homeowners insurance claim lawyer do?

A homeowners insurance claim lawyer represents policyholders in disputes with their insurance company. This can include reviewing policy language, challenging denied claims, disputing low settlement offers, addressing delayed payments, and pursuing litigation for breach of contract or bad faith under Pennsylvania law.

Lawyers step in when coverage is unfairly limited or refused. At Freundlich & Littman, qualifying plaintiff-side property and insurance claims are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no legal fees are owed unless recovery is obtained!

Homeowners Insurance Claims for Rowhomes and Construction Damage

Philadelphia rowhomes frequently experience damage caused by neighboring construction, excavation, underpinning, or party wall compromise.

These claims often involve disputes between:

• The homeowner’s insurer
• The neighboring property owner
• The contractor
• Multiple insurance carriers

Determining coverage and liability requires careful policy review and structural evaluation.

If you would like your homeowners insurance policy reviewed, or you have filed a claim and the insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or denying coverage, the insurance attorneys at Freundlich & Littman, LLC can help. Call 215-545-8500 or complete our free consultation form HERE.

What does homeowners insurance typically cover?

Standard homeowners policies commonly cover:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Wind and hail damage
• Lightning strikes
• Hurricane damage
• Certain water losses (such as sudden pipe bursts)
• Theft
• Detached structures (within limits)
• Personal property (subject to sub-limits)
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if the home is uninhabitable while being repaired.

Coverage depends on the specific policy language.*

What Is Not Covered By Homeowner's Insurance?

It is equally important to note what is not covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies, because there are common exclusions. The most notable damage which is not covered is damage resulting from an earthquake or flood – these are separate causes of damage which are regulated by the Federal Emergency Management System and are not included in a homeowner’s insurance policy. However, you can get flood insurance and some areas that are susceptible to flooding require it. Routine wear and tear is also generally excluded.

Sources: Insurance Information Institute, Inc., What is Covered by Standard Homeowner’s Insurance?, Homeowners and Renters Insurance 2020.

When should I hire a lawyer for a homeowners insurance claim?

You should consider hiring a lawyer if:

• Your claim has been denied
• The insurer offers less than the cost of repairs
• Payment is delayed without explanation
• The insurer disputes the scope of damage
• You suspect bad faith handling

If you need to file a claim, check out our informational page on property damage claims – the steps for filing a homeowner’s claim are similar.

If you wish to have your policy reviewed, or you have filed a claim and the insurance company is not providing coverage, the insurance attorneys at Freundlich and Littman, LLC., are happy to help. Call us today at 215-545-8500 or email us at info@freundlichandlittman.com to schedule a free consultation.

What types of damage are commonly disputed in Philadelphia homeowners claims?

In Philadelphia, common homeowners insurance disputes involve:

• Fire damage
• Smoke damage
• Storm and wind damage
• Hail damage
• Burst pipes and water loss
• Rowhome structural damage
• Construction-related damage from neighboring properties
• Additional living expenses (ALE) disputes

Rowhome and shared-wall properties often create unique coverage conflicts.

How long do homeowners insurance claim disputes take?

Simple claim corrections may resolve in weeks.
Contested claims requiring litigation may take several months to over a year depending on:

• Court scheduling
• Expert evaluations
• Scope of property damage
• Whether bad faith claims are involved

Early documentation improves efficiency.

How much does it cost to hire a homeowners insurance claim lawyer?

Many property damage attorneys represent policyholders on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are paid from any recovery obtained through settlement or litigation.

Fee structure depends on the complexity of the case and the stage at which legal representation begins.

Our free consultation allows review of your policy and claim history. At Freundlich & Littman, qualifying plaintiff-side property and insurance claims are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no legal fees are owed unless recovery is obtained.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on specific facts and applicable law. For advice about your particular situation, please consult an attorney directly.