Denied for the third time on the same claim - what are my options?

i honestly dont know what to do anymore. i filed a water damage claim back in january after a pipe burst and soaked my basement. first they said "gradual damage not covered." i appealed with contractor photos showing it was sudden. denied again - this time "insufficient documentation." sent even more photos plus the plumber's report. just got denial #3 saying the damage was "pre-existing."

The adjuster who came out spent maybe 15 minutes in my house. he barely looked at the pipes. my contractor said there was clearly no pre-existing issue but of course insurance won't take a contractor's word for it.

At what point do you bring in an attorney or public adjuster? i'm out $14,000 out of pocket already and my savings are almost gone. any advice from people who've been through this would be really appreciated.