Insurer Wins Florida Water Damage Case; No Payout for Plaintiff

A Disputed Insurance Claim in Miami-Dade

Michael Pemberton, a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida, held a residential insurance policy issued by Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company. On June 2, 2020, a domestic crisis struck, an unexpected water discharge from the internal plumbing system caused damage to his home. At the time, the insurance policy was active, and Pemberton, believing the loss to be covered, promptly filed a claim. He submitted all required documentation and stated he fulfilled all policy obligations. The incident, the property, and the alleged breach all occurred in Miami-Dade County, making it the appropriate venue for legal proceedings.

The Plumbing Failure That Sparked a Legal Battle

The legal dispute arose from the events of that June morning when a sudden plumbing failure led to extensive water damage within Pemberton’s residence. The discharge affected structural elements, including floors and walls. According to Pemberton, he took swift action: he filed a claim with Universal, submitted damage estimates, and complied with all post-loss duties required by the policy. However, despite these efforts, Universal declined to fully honor the claim. The Plaintiff asserted that the insurer’s refusal to compensate for the damage breached their contractual obligations, triggering a courtroom battle over the validity and extent of the insurance coverage.

Structural Damage and Financial Strain

The water discharge caused visible damage to key areas of the home, including flooring and walls, necessitating costly repairs. The Plainti