When you file an insurance claim after a fire, you may need to prove is who is liable for fire damage. The cause of the fire is an important factor in defining liability. Potentially liable parties can include the property owner, a tenant, a defective product manufacturer, a contractor or subcontractor, or someone who intentionally set the fire.
You do not have to take on this critical task on your own. A Boca Raton property damage lawyer will investigate your fire. They can consult local fire, property damage, economic, and real estate experts to substantiate your claim and your monetary compensation. Most law firms will review your case at no cost or obligation and clarify your financial recovery options.
How Do You Know Where to Assign Financial Liability After a Fire?
Fires are among the most commonly reported causes of property damage. An insurance company will investigate your fire to define its cause and prove its responsibility to compensate you. Your homeowners’ insurance will typically cover fires with unintentional causes and wildfires.
The best way to understand your policy in detail is to let a fire damage attorney examine it for you. They can clarify its coverage and the claim process, and they can also carefully scrutinize its fine print and any optional coverage you chose. A lawyer can also guide you through the claims process, including communicating on your behalf and submitting forms and evidence.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Intentionally Set Fires?
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) research cites the following heat sources for fires that were set on purpose:
- Open flames
- Smoking materials
- Smoldering objects
- Explosives
- Fireworks
- Power equipment
- Chemical heat
If one of these factors caused or contributed to your fire, and you were not involved in the intentional act, a lawyer can help you fight for compensation from the other party or parties.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Unintentional Fires?
If you protected your residential or commercial property with insurance coverage, it should compensate you for an accidental fire, including:
- Faulty electrical outlets
- Gas leaks
- Faulty wiring
- Cooking mishaps
- Unattended candles
- Power surges
- Smoking
- Christmas trees
- Appliance failures
- Storms and lightning
When you are represented by a lawyer, they can help you navigate the claims process. In addition, if your insurance company denies or lowballs your claim, a lawyer can help you file an appeal.
What Types of Compensation Can You Request for Fire Damage?
Every property damage claim is a unique case, involving varying types and amounts of compensation. Your compensation request—up to the limitations of your policy—can include:
- Damage to your residential or commercial building
- Damage to your outbuildings and landscaping
- Total loss of your primary and related property
- Damaged or lost personal property
- The costs of temporarily relocating your family
- Boarding, cleaning, and securing your property
- Cleanup of smoke, fire residue, and water damage
The lawyer handling your claim can help you create a carefully detailed list of your losses and prove the value of your compensation request. With legal guidance and support, you can maximize your financial recovery and restore or rebuild your property.
How Do You Document Your Property Damage or Loss?
Documenting your property damage or loss after a fire can be a detailed and daunting process. It can also be emotionally charged, making it difficult to be objective in your list and assessment.
Your list of damaged property should include:
- Real property, like home, business, outbuildings, trees, garage, fences, sheds, carport, pool, outdoor furnishings, and debris removal
- Personal property, like clothing, shoes, furnishings, electronics, tools, décor, jewelry, art, musical instruments, and appliances
This list is not exhaustive, and your compensation request may include items not listed above. A lawyer can do more than document your property damage. They can also document the value of your claim by obtaining tangible evidence of your losses. This can include compiling records, receipts, credit and debit card statements, and consulting relevant experts.
What if Your Initial Insurance Claim Was Denied?
In the aftermath of a fire, having your claim for coverage denied can be aggravating and discouraging. It does not have to be the end of your fight for coverage. If your initial claim was denied, your options include:
- Requesting a complete copy of your policy
- Adding additional evidence to your claim
- Researching each step in the appeal process
- Document the specific reason the insurer disclaimed
- Collect supplemental receipts and photos
- Hiring a lawyer to represent you during the appeal
Your lawyer can help you avoid typos, errors of omission, and other factors that could lead to a denial of your claim. They can also help you file a well-documented appeal within the allotted time and keep fighting for the compensation you need and deserve.
Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim with your insurer. Doing so, though, can help streamline the process and alleviate stress. A lawyer familiar with the laws and regulations of the insurance industry can also protect you from bad faith insurance tactics. These can include the insurer failing to:
- Acknowledge receipt of your claim in a timely manner
- Settle or deny your claim when valid and warranted
- Making payment on your claim without a written explanation
- Comply with the appropriate correspondence and communication timeline
When an insurance bad faith lawyer represents you, they can clarify your rights, outline the insurer’s responsibilities, and assess the limitations and maximums of your policy.
Get a Free Review of Your Fire Damage Case
If your home or commercial was damaged or destroyed in a recent fire, defining who is liable for fire damage and recovering compensation can be a legal and overwhelming process. Our property damage lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company and adjuster.
Our law firm also supports business owners who have suffered damage or loss of their commercial property. Explore your financial recovery options by contacting our consultation team at Ged Lawyers today.
