Ask Me Help Desk - Need suggestions about the insurance claim

I own a condo ( for about an year now) and live on the second floor. Three months back, the lady living on the ground floor complained that there was water in her ceiling, where our kitchen is. She thought that it was due to any leakage or damage in our kitchen, but when the plumber came to look at, he couldn't find anything in our kitchen as there was no damage or leaks.

Now her insurance company send me a letter asking for the damages which is over 5K.
I'm very sure that it was not caused by us in any means as we don't have any leaks or damage. I don't have insurance for my condo so can't go anywhere. I never asked a written report from the plumber when he came to inspect, so it's just his verbal words.
Also, the plumber was from the lady side and we don't know him

I just need some suggestions as to how to go about it. There is no way I want to pay this amount as there was nothing done from our side, only thing is that we live above her.
Please let me know what my options are?

Thanks

Have a different plumber or carpenter come out and look at it and have him put it in writing that it's not from you. If you can ask him to find the root of the problem and write tat down as well. And take the information to your downstairs neighbor, a copy anyway, and if they persist and you have to go to court file against them and have them pay for your cost to the plumber and carpenter. My dad is a carpenter and I have worked with him before. It could be coming from the ceiling down through the walls and just settling in her area. Hope this helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilliwala

I own a condo ( for abt an year now) and live on the second floor. three months back, the lady living on the ground floor complained that there was water in her ceiling, where our kitchen is. she thought that it was due to any leakage or damage in our kitchen, but when the plumber came to look at, he couldn't find anything in our kitchen as there was no damage or leaks.

Now her insurance company send me a letter asking for the damages which is over 5K.
I'm very sure that it was not caused by us in any means as we don't have any leaks or damage. I don't have insurance for my condo so can't go anywhere. i never asked a written report from the plumber when he came to inspect, so it's just his verbal words.
also, the plumber was from the lady side and we don't know him

i just need some suggestions as to how to go about it. There is no way i want to pay this amount as there was nothing done from our side, only thing is that we live above her.
Please let me know what my options are?

thanks

You would get a letter from a plumber that the damage was not caused by YOUR leak. Doesn't have to be the same plumber who was already there but that plumber may very well be willing to give you a statement, having already investigated.

If she takes you to Court, you present this evidence but keep in mind that you will not be reimbursed for this expense because it is a cost of litigation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaraKammeraad

Have a different plumber or carpenter come out and look at it and have him put it in writting that it's not from you. If you can ask him to find the root of the problem and write tat down as well. And take the information to your downstairs neighbor, a copy anyways, and if they persist and you have to go to court file against them and have them pay for your cost to the plumber and carpenter. My dad is a carpenter and I have worked with him before. It could be coming from the ceiling down through the walls and just settling in her area. Hope this helps.

The person complaining is not responsible for the costs OP incurs while defending a possible action.

The OP also must respond to the insurance company, not to the other owner. The insurance company has paid the claim and that is who is requesting reimbursement, not the neighbor.

This has been turned over to the insurance company and the owner is out of it - nor could she stop the claim if she so desired.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I'll start looking for a certified plumber in my area and get his report to the insurance company.

Also, I'm not looking to get any money for the inspection done by the plumber. I just don't want to pay the amount insurance company is trying to get from me (something which was not done or caused by me).