Did you recently buy a home in Kansas City, MO, only to discover defects that the seller or another party failed to disclose? You may be entitled to compensation from the seller, seller’s agent, or your inspector to help cover the cost of repairs and other damages. Call Cohen Law Firm at (816) 323-0955 to schedule a free consultation.
At our law firm, we have experience handling bad house cases and focus specifically on helping homebuyers get justice. We understand the unique laws and technicalities that come with these claims and have a track record of maximizing results for our clients.
Attorney Zach Cohen has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of his clients. You deserve experienced representation from our trustworthy Kansas City bad house case lawyers to help you with your legal issues.
Why Choose Cohen Law Firm for Help With My Bad House Case in Kansas City, MO?
At Cohen Law Firm, we understand that buying a home in Kansas City, Missouri, should be one of life’s most exciting milestones, not one marred by hidden structural defects or other issues. When sellers fail to disclose cracks in the walls/foundation, flooding in the basement, or roof leaks, your dream home can become a financial and emotional burden.
That’s where our Kansas City bad house case attorneys come in.
Attorney Zach Cohen has earned a reputation for relentless, results-driven advocacy. The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys has twice recognized him as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney Under 40.
We believe homeowners deserve justice and compensation when real estate professionals fail to uphold their legal duties. Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyers.
What Is My Bad House Case Worth?
There are many factors that can influence the value of your case, including:
- The cost of repairing defects
- The decline in your house’s fair market value
- Out-of-pocket expenses for inspections or expert evaluations
We’ll take all relevant factors into account when working on an estimate of the value of your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bad House Case Lawyer in Missouri?
We handle bad house cases on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement helps homebuyers afford an attorney and pursue their claims without worrying about paying a significant retainer shortly after buying a new home.
We do not charge hourly or upfront fees; rather, our fees are entirely based on the outcome of your case. If we recover compensation for you, you will pay us a percentage of your award. However, you will not owe us anything if we lose your case.
Is a Home Seller Legally Responsible for Undisclosed Defects?
Yes, the seller can be held accountable under Missouri law. Home sellers are typically required to disclose known, material defects that could affect the property’s value or safety.
These include issues such as:
- Past water intrusion or basement flooding
- Termite damage or infestations
- Mold or asbestos presence
- Foundation cracks
- Electrical or plumbing problems
- Unpermitted additions or code violations
If the seller knew about such issues but failed to disclose them (or actively concealed them), they may be liable for fraud, failure to disclose, negligent misrepresentation, or breach of contract. However, a seller is not responsible for defects they didn’t know about or those that arise from natural wear and tear post-sale.
Can a Seller’s Real Estate Agent Be Liable in a Missouri Bad House Case?
Real estate agents in Missouri owe duties to both buyers and sellers, including a duty of care, honesty, and fair dealing. If a seller’s agent knew about a material defect and didn’t inform you, they might be legally responsible for a portion of your damages.
Examples of agent misconduct include:
- Knowing about a past water leak but failing to disclose it
- Telling you a remodel was up to code when it wasn’t
- Recommending you waive a home inspection while aware of hidden problems
Agents can be held liable for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty. Many bad house cases involve misconduct by the listing agent, not just the seller.
Can I Sue My Home Inspector for Home Defects?
Your home inspector may be liable for undiscovered flaws if they missed defects that a reasonably competent professional should have identified. This oversight may constitute professional negligence.
Home inspectors cannot guarantee perfect inspections. However, they are expected to follow industry standards. If your inspector failed to spot clear signs of water damage, recommend further evaluation of foundation issues, or overlooked major code violations, they may have been negligent in their inspection.
At Cohen Law, we frequently pursue parallel claims against inspectors and sellers when available. Bringing claims against these additional parties ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve for your case.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bad House Case?
Unlike general real estate disputes or construction litigation, bad house cases involve a unique intersection of property law, consumer fraud, and real-world evidence. If you successfully prove that the seller (or another party) failed to disclose a defect, you may be entitled to several types of damages.
These damages are designed to place you in the position you would have been in had the defect been properly disclosed before the purchase.
Common types of damages in Kansas City bad house cases include:
- Cost of repairs, including mold remediation, waterproofing, electrical rewiring, and any necessary work to bring the home into a safe and habitable condition
- Diminished property value if the defect permanently lowers the market value of your home
- Temporary living expenses if you’ve had to move out of your home due to safety issues
- Loss of use or enjoyment of your home, especially if some parts are uninhabitable
- Personal property damage if the defect destroyed furniture, appliances, or other belongings
- Attorney’s fees and costs, which may be available in certain cases, particularly those involving fraud or breach of contract
We can help you identify and pursue all damages that arose from a seller, realtor, or inspector’s failure to identify material defects in your home.
How Do I Prove a Bad House Case in Kansas City?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may have one or more legal claims against the at-fault party, including:
- Failure to disclose defects in compliance with Missouri disclosure laws (often based on seller omission)
- Negligence on the part of an agent or inspector
- Fraud, if a party knowingly lied or concealed a material fact to induce the sale
- Breach of Contract, if the seller violated terms in the purchase agreement or disclosure form
- Breach of Warranty, if the home was sold with express or implied warranties
Each theory of liability has unique elements and procedural requirements. Generally, you’ll need to prove:
- A material defect existed before closing.
- The defect was hidden or not obvious to a reasonable buyer.
- The seller (or agent or inspector) knew or should have known about the defect.
- You relied on the false representation or omission.
- You suffered measurable financial harm.
In many cases, you may have more than one cause of action against the responsible party. Our firm has extensive experience identifying and maximizing the best strategy based on your situation. Call us today to learn more about how we can help prove your bad house case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bad House Case in Missouri?
Each state has its own statute of limitations for bad house cases, and the clock typically starts ticking when the buyer either discovers the defect or reasonably should have discovered it.
In Missouri, most property damage, fraud, and negligence claims must be filed within five years from the date the defect was discovered or should have been discovered. Missouri also has a pre‑suit notice process for residential construction defect claims, which requires homeowners to notify the contractor before filing a lawsuit.
There may be exceptions to these deadlines based on the unique facts of your case. However, you could lose your right to recover compensation in court if you miss the deadline. We’ll act quickly to preserve your rights. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation to learn more about the deadlines in your case.
Contact Our Kansas City Bad House Case Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Discovering serious defects after purchasing a home can feel like a betrayal. If property owners or real estate agents conceal these defects, they should be held accountable.
At Cohen Law Firm, we focus heavily on bad house cases. We’ll put extensive resources and years of experience behind your case. We provide comprehensive legal representation to every one of our clients.
Don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Let us evaluate your case and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City bad house case attorney. We’ll answer your questions and review your legal options.