Claiming Insurance - Please help

beeza2010

Hi there could someone please give me some advice. I have a private let above me which has been empty for a few months. As the winter months were harsh we contacted the landlord to ask if she was taking necessary steps to avoid pipes freezing ie heating the home.. She advised she had. On xmas eve we were flooded and my kitchen, hall, bedroom and toilet was flooded. I unfortunately didnt have contents insurance. She refused to come out or get a plumber and we had to get someone out. She was advised by the plumber he had done the repair but she would have to get the whole house checked and get some heating on or the water tank would go. She was asked why she wasnt heating the house and her reply she gave a man money to put in and he hadnt. The other day the water tank burst had frozen over due to again no heating and my whole house was flooded again. This time I did have contents insurance. Do I have to claim my own or does hers get claimed. Im now considering to speak with a lawyer to sue for negligence as I have lost a lot of belongings. Would I have a claim?

Quentin

Probably easier and cheaper to talk to your insurer about this - they will pursue a negligence claim (at their expense) if they believe there is a good chance of winning.

vaio

Other people’s water leaks which damages your property can only be claimed for it they were negligent.

On the second incident I’d certainly say yes, failure to take precautions against pipes freezing (again) I’d say is negligent.

The first incident is less clear, but the LL accepted it was a possibility and claimed to have taken steps to prevent it so again I’d say yes.

Best plan is to see a solicitor and get them to lump both claims together, you could claim on your own insurance but they probably won’t help with the first incident as they will only be interested in recovering their costs.

Does the contents include legal cover?

beeza2010

Thanks for the replies. No unfortunately my contents doesnt cover legal. I am going to speak with a lawyer anyway. The landlord is trying to blame the first plumber but he did advise her and we are witness to get the house checked and heated which he is going to provide a report stating so.

vaio

seems clear cut but good luck anyway

FlameCloud

If you recognise that there is a problem, and take steps to stop it, you are not being negligent.

vaio

or

If you recognise that there is a problem, and fail to take steps to stop it, you are negligent?