After a fire, homes will have many problems, including structural damage. Homeowners who have sustained fire damage turn to their insurance carriers for relief. However, as insurance claim litigation attorneys, we know that not everyone has the same success when dealing with their insurance companies. For this reason, we would like to remind homeowners whose property has been damaged to do the three following things after a fire:
- Be descriptive when explaining the property damage. Many homeowners do not know how to describe the scope of damage their home has sustained. When speaking with an insurance adjuster on the phone, attempt to give the adjuster a visual reference. If one room was damaged and not the entire house, indicate that. Be sure to include the personal property items that were destroyed in the fire. It’s also a great idea to state that you are concerned about smoke, water damage, mold and air quality to your entire house.
- Don’t be intimidated by the insurance company. The insurance adjuster will hire investigators to determine the cause of the fire. They may even start blaming you for the fire by pointing to the presence of paint thinners, gasoline or other accelerants and chemicals found in your garage. By intimidating you, they try to get you to accept less money for your fire damages than you deserve.
- Call an attorney if your claim is delayed, undervalued or denied. If the insurance company is intimidating you, not providing you with a fair settlement offer, or is denying your fire claim altogether, please call a qualified insurance claim attorney who is experienced in handling fire damage claims.
At a traumatic time when you have sustained damage to your house in a fire, you need to turn to a trusted law firm who will fight for the rights you are entitled to. Call the Voss Law Firm today at 888-614-7730 for a complimentary case consultation.
