If your home or business was damaged in a fire, you need to understand how to claim fire damage from your insurance company. Typically, you will document your losses, report them to your insurer, and communicate with their adjuster. A fire can be emotionally and financially disastrous. Dealing with the insurance process while also taking care of yourself and your family or staff can be draining.
If your residential property was damaged or completely destroyed due to a fire, you should be able to rely on your insurance company for compensation. A Boca Raton property damage lawyer can manage the details of filing your claim. They will deal with the myriad paperwork, create a detailed list of your damages, and fight hard for the compensation you need and deserve.
Steps to Filing a Comprehensive Insurance Claim After a Fire
Every insurance company will have its own process for receiving, reviewing, and paying out on a fire claim. Here are some general steps you need to take:
- Report the fire and be prepared to answer questions about its origin and cause
- Secure the property to protect yourself, your home, and others
- Be prepared to thoroughly document the financial impact of the fire and your losses
- Obtain, complete, and submit all claim forms and required attachments
- Adhere to your insurance company’s specific guidelines and requirements
The insurance claims process can be stressful and frustrating. You do not have to deal with it on your own. A property damage attorney will be familiar with the process and can help you with your claim.
Let a Property Damage Attorney Review Your Homeowners’ Policy
Insurance policies are full of legal language and insurance jargon that can sometimes be difficult to decipher on your own. These factors can make hiring a lawyer to handle the insurance claims process beneficial in multiple ways. Your lawyer can:
- Review your policy in detail, including fine print, addendum, and attachments
- Handle all verbal, written, and electronic communication on your behalf
- Consult experts who support your compensation request
- Document your property damage and negotiate a favorable settlement
A primary benefit of hiring a lawyer is their familiarity with the state’s insurance laws and homeowners’ rights. A lawyer can also protect you from unscrupulous insurance tactics that might prevent you from getting appropriate compensation.
A Lawyer Can Protect You From Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Sadly, not all insurance companies treat their policyholders’ claims in a fair and straightforward manner. Hiring a lawyer after a fire is a good idea, especially if you experience any of the following bad faith practices defined by Florida Statutes § 624.155:
- Intentionally refuting a valid claim
- Completing a claim without proper communication
- Intentionally delaying a settlement
If you put insurance protection in place, you should be able to rely on it when you need it most. A lawyer can help you fight for the coverage stated in your policy and protect your rights along the way.
Create a Detailed List of Your Recoverable Damages
Listing your damaged or destroyed personal property after a fire can be an emotional and frustrating process. A comprehensive list will include:
- Exterior damage, including your structure, roof, windows, foundation, retaining walls, landscaping, exterior buildings, and outdoor furnishings
- Interior damage, including carpets, drapes, flooring, clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, safes, furnishings, furnace, water heater, and HVAC systems
Take your time when creating this list to avoid overlooking damaged or lost property, which could lead to an undervalued or underpaid claim. Allow your lawyer to scrutinize your list and submit it on your behalf.
Avoid a Potentially Costly Delay in Filing Your Insurance Claim
Various timelines apply to your property damage claim and could affect its outcome and your right to damages. You generally have four years to file your claim or risk losing the right to file it at all. Your lawyer can clarify the filing deadline and the risks of non-compliance.
The insurer must also adhere to certain deadlines. For example, according to Florida’s Homeowners Bill of Rights (Residential Claims), insurers generally have 7 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim, 30 days to respond to it, and 60 days to compensate you. Your lawyer can also clarify their obligations and your rights if they fail to meet them.
A Fire Damage Attorney Can Document the Cause of Your Fire
The cause of your fire can play an important role in how fast the fire spreads, the extent of the damage, and the limitations of your policy. According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), known causes of house fires include:
- Household appliances
- Electrical and wiring issues
- Indoor and outdoor cooking
- Fixed and portable heaters
- Intentionally set fires
- Cigarette and cigar smoking
- Storms and lightning strikes
Your legal team will obtain reports and records that prove the cause of the fire and the damage or loss of your real and personal property.
You Do Not Have to Accept a Denied Claim Without a Fight
Not every fire damage request is paid in a timely fashion, while some are even denied altogether. If your initial claim was denied, you still have options for obtaining financial compensation. Some common reasons insurance companies deny fire claims include:
- They allege that your policy does not provide coverage for a fire
- They claim an issue with your property violates the terms of your policy
- They question the cause of the fire and how it started
- They refute whether specific damages were the result of the fire
- They assert that your claim was not filed properly or on time
Appealing a denied claim without legal support and guidance can be a daunting process. A fire damage attorney can help you circumvent these objections and file an effective appeal.
Contact One of Our Team Members for Your Free Consultation
The loss of your home or commercial property in a fire can mean dealing with a mountain of paperwork while seeking compensation. Our client-focused team knows how overwhelming the financial recovery process can be, so we handle all the big and small details for you.
Learn how to claim fire damage and how to put our law firm to work for you by contacting our consultation team at Ged Lawyers today.
